Pesto pasta & pubs: day in the life of a second year Exeter Uni student

Life isn’t always pres and clubs

3 hours ago

We are well into first term and roll on reading week (a moment of silence for those who don’t have one). Now that I’m a second-year student, my daily routine has come together…slightly. I have learnt from my first year mistakes and finally found one that works for me. From waking up at a normal time to actually doing my weekly readings, this is my “day in the life” routine. So, here’s a peephole into what a day in the life of an Exeter second year looks like. Yes, the modules are MUCH harder than first year.

Morning- Waking up

My mornings usually start with at least three alarms that all get put on snooze at 9am – unless I have a netball match or training then it’s a lot earlier. Even though all my lectures and seminars are in the afternoon for this term, I like to have an early start to my day, so I am prepared for what lectures and seminars throw at me. It’s always important to make my bed and it simply just looks nicer than a messy bed. And if you are wondering yes, the Taylor Swift poster has fallen on me before.

Breakfast

One thing that has really helped me second year compared to first year is waking up early enough for breakfast. It has become one of my favourite meals of the day as I have avocado toast with a cup of tea. Of course, a shower is another great way to start the day. Then after getting ready, doing my hair and putting a bit of make up on I am ready for the day.

After breakfast – planning my day

If it’s the start of the week, or a Sunday, I find it really helpful to write a “Plan for the Week”; where I write all my lectures on, any deadlines, if I am working or have any socials/nights out during that week. I wish I had done this first year as it has helped me keep organised so far.

Midday

Majority of my lectures and seminars don’t start until 1pm or later. So, around midday, I will walk to Forum to do my readings. I attempt to do my readings a day or two before my seminar but like to skim read them as a refresher. Sometimes, I treat myself to a cheeky Pret (it’s an Exeter essential).

Afternoon

It’s lecture time. Although I prefer having lectures and seminars in the afternoon, it is a little annoying finishing at 6:30pm and walking back in the dark. In lecture, I take notes on what I need to. When I get home, I’ll watch the recording if I miss anything. In my seminars, I try to take more written notes and retain the information my seminar leader has said.

Seminar break – checking Overheard

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Exeter student day without religiously checking FIXR and Overheard for TP tickets. Or, just scrolling through Overheard for the latest gossip…

Evening

Most of my evenings consist of pesto pasta and spending time with my housemates. However, depending on what day it is, my evenings can consist of the following things: Timepiece, pub or doing my readings.

Timepiece

Like all Exeter students, our evenings usually consist of going to TP. Also Fever as well but that’s usually for Mondays or Thursdays. As we all know, Timepiece is the epitome of being an Exeter student. We must attend TP at least once a week for our green Venom fix.

Pub

Now I’m in second year, I have started to prefer pubs over clubs. It feels more sociable, conversational and more laid back than stressing about getting club tickets. Also, pub quizzes are fun. If you want to try a new pub that gives those relaxed vibes, I highly recommend Henry’s Bar.

Readings

A boring but important option, doing my readings. We may hate doing them, but it’s a must. If you don’t want to fall behind, I would say to keep up with these the best you can. But, that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to have a bit of fun. Unless I’m on a night out, I will go to bed around 11pm. I then do it all over again the next day.