Unlock Russell Group Success: University of Exeter Open Day Guide
Get the most out of your campus visit to Exeter's stunning Devon and Cornwall sites with our complete student checklist.
Updated 6 min readUniversity of Exeter
Why a University of Exeter Open Day is Essential for Your UCAS Decision
Choosing where you will spend the next three or four years of your life is a major milestone. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Exeter combines world-class research with exceptional student satisfaction. However, a university is much more than its league table ranking. To truly understand whether you belong here, booking a University of Exeter open day is an absolute must.
Exeter’s unique selling point is its incredible balance of academic rigor and natural beauty. Spread across historic cities and breathtaking coastal landscapes, the university offers an environment that inspires both study and play. By attending a prospective student event, you transition from viewing polished marketing brochures to walking the actual paths, sitting in the lecture halls, and chatting with the professors who will shape your future academic career.
"The moment I walked into the Forum on Streatham Campus, I knew I wanted to study here. The energy, the glass architecture, and the greenery around it felt completely different from any other campus I had visited." - Marcus, BSc Geography GraduateNavigating the Campuses: Streatham, St Luke's, and Penryn
One of the most important things to realize before planning your campus visit is that the University of Exeter operates across three distinct campuses in two different counties. You must ensure you book your open day at the correct location for your specific course.
1. Streatham Campus (Exeter, Devon)
The largest and main campus in Exeter, Streatham is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the UK. Situated on a hillside overlooking the historic cathedral city, it is a registered botanic garden featuring rare trees, lakes, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Most undergraduate subjects—ranging from Business and Law to Biosciences and English—are taught here. The hub of this campus is the Forum, an award-winning glass-roofed structure that houses the library, student services, and vibrant cafes.
2. St Luke's Campus (Exeter, Devon)
Located just a 15-minute walk from Exeter city centre, St Luke's is a historic, close-knit campus. It is home to the Medical School, the School of Education, and Sport and Health Sciences. St Luke's has a distinct, collegiate community feel with its own sports facilities, library, and beautiful grassy quad where students gather during sunny afternoons.
3. Penryn Campus (Cornwall)
Located near Falmouth in Cornwall, the Penryn Campus is a unique, collaborative environment shared with Falmouth University. This campus specializes in environmental science, mining engineering, renewable energy, politics, and creative writing. Surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, Penryn offers a passionate, eco-conscious student community and state-of-the-art laboratory spaces designed around sustainability.
Planning Your Visit: Travel Costs and Budgets
Travelling to Devon or Cornwall requires some forward planning, especially if you are travelling from the Midlands, Northern England, or international transport hubs. Securing your travel early is the best way to keep costs low. Below is an estimated budget breakdown for a prospective student event visit to help you plan your journey.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (Exeter) | Estimated Cost (Penryn) | Money-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train Travel (with Railcard) | £35 - £85 | £45 - £110 | Book Advance Single tickets 12 weeks prior and use a 16-25 Railcard. |
| Overnight Stay (Budget Hotel) | £45 - £90 | £50 - £100 | Check university partner hotels or book early in nearby seaside towns. |
| On-Campus Lunch / Drinks | £8 - £15 | £8 - £12 | Grab a meal deal at the campus supermarket or use open day vouchers. |
| Local Transport (Bus/Taxi) | £4.50 (Day ticket) | £5.00 (Day ticket) | The Streatham campus is walkable from Exeter St David's station, though steep! |
The Perfect Open Day Itinerary: Making Every Hour Count
An open day goes by in a flash. To ensure you gather all the information you need, structure your day with a clear plan of action. Here is our recommended itinerary template for making the most of your trip:
- 09:00 - Arrival & Registration: Arrive early to beat the crowds, grab a campus map, and get your free welcome drink.
- 09:30 - Subject-Specific Talk: Head straight to your department's introductory presentation. This is where you'll learn about module options, study abroad programs, and assessment structures.
- 11:00 - Accommodation Tour: View realistic student flats. Don't just look at the high-end showrooms; ask to see standard catered and self-catered options to match your realistic budget.
- 12:30 - Campus Tour & Lunch: Take a guided tour led by a current student. They will show you the hidden study spots, the best places to grab coffee, and share honest insights.
- 14:00 - Student Life & Finance Panel: Attend general sessions covering student finance, mental health support, and extracurricular activities like societies and sports clubs.
- 15:30 - Explore the Local Area: A university experience extends beyond campus boundaries. Walk down to the Exeter Quayside or take a quick trip to Gyllyngvase Beach if visiting Penryn.
Crucial Questions to Ask During Your Visit
Do not be passive during your campus visit. This is your chance to interview the university. Here are the top questions to ask academics, current students, and housing advisors to ensure you get the raw, honest facts.
Your Open Day Checklist: Questions to Ask
- To Academics: What are the contact hours per week for first-year students? Are exams the primary method of assessment, or is there a heavy emphasis on coursework and group projects?
- To Student Ambassadors: What is the honestly hardest part about transitioning to life at Exeter? How do you cope with the famous hills on campus?
- To Accommodation Staff: Are first-year students guaranteed university housing? What are the payment schedules, and do the rental costs include all utility bills and internet?
- To Careers Advisory: What kind of placement year opportunities or industry connections exist specifically for my course pathway?
What if You Can’t Attend? Exploring the Virtual Tour
Sometimes, travel restrictions, financial constraints, or clashing open day dates make attending an in-person prospective student event difficult. Thankfully, the University of Exeter offers an incredibly immersive virtual tour platform.
The interactive virtual tour allows you to explore 360-degree panoramas of the lecture theatres, accommodation rooms, social hubs, and sports parks. You can also listen to pre-recorded subject talks, view student accommodation walk-through videos, and chat live with current student ambassadors via their online portal. While it cannot completely replicate the atmosphere of standing on Devon soil, it is an exceptional alternative for initial research and shortlisting.
Final Prep Checklist for Your University of Exeter Open Day
Before you pack your bag and set off for the South West, run through this quick checklist to guarantee a smooth, stress-free day:
- Book Your Tickets Early: Spaces for the most popular subject talks fill up fast. Ensure you secure your place weeks in advance.
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: Exeter's Streatham campus is famously built on a series of steep hills (locals call the climb up to the library 'Cardiac Hill'). Leave your fashion heels or flat, unsupportive shoes at home!
- Check the Weather Forecast: The South West is beautiful but notoriously unpredictable. Pack an umbrella and a warm, windproof layer.
- Download the Open Day App: Exeter usually provides a digital guide containing map coordinates, schedules, and digital tickets. Keep your phone fully charged.