Erasmus Experience in Exeter, United Kingdom

Why did you choose to go to Exeter, United Kingdom?

In reality, I didn't choose it, the place was offered to me and after reading up on the University and surrounding area, it seemed interesting. Frankly, I don't regret choosing to go there.

The Campus

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'The Forum' is a very modern building in the centre of campus

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For how long were you there? How much grant did you recieve?

Nine months. I received 400 euros per month, which in reality barely covered the cost of my rent.

What's the student life like in Exeter?

Very interesting and varied, you can meet people of many different nationalities all over campus. Plus, generally speaking, the people usually happen to be very nice and quite willing to help you.

Students at an event held at the shopping centre

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Exeter to other students?

Definitely, yes.

Reed Hall is an old building on campus, with beautiful landscaped gardens

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What's the food like in this country?

Typically English, which doesn't stand out as being of good quality, but the majority of students live in residences where they can cook their own food and therefore have the freedom to not have to eat typical English food.

An example of the kitchen in a University residence

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How did you find accomodation?

The University sent me all the information once I had submitted my Erasmus application and I had no problems sorting it out.

What are the accomodation prices like? And the general cost of living?

Expensive, accomodation in particular. I was paying 100 pounds per week for the cheapest residence offered by the University. Food prices are good, especially if you know where to buy it. The cheapest supermarket is Tesco, which tends to have good quality products.

The are several supermarkets in the centre of Exeter

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What's the language like? Did you take a language course at the University?

I had no problems. The University has a service known as INTO which offers different English classes for non native speakers, which are really useful.

The INTO building where English classes are held

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What's the cheapest way of getting to Exeter from your city?

I travelled from Alicante so the cheapest route was to go Alicante to Bristol, and from there a train to Exeter. There are also flights Alicante to Exeter, which are more expensive.

What places would you recommend for a night out in Exeter?

Mainly the nightclub Unit 1. Plus the city is full of pubs where you can get really good food and drink. And if commercial music isn't your thing, the pub Cavern holds rock and indie music nights.

A live music event in Cavern

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What about eating out in Exeter? What are your favourite places?

Most of the pubs offer good, cheap food. I would particularly recommend The Imperial, The Black Horse and The Old Firehouse.

The interior of Old Firehouse is very cosy

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And as about cultural sites?

The Cathedral is beautiful and the inside is well worth a visit.

Exeter Cathedral

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Do you have any advice for future Exeter Students?

Don't worry if you end up with Exeter as you will have a great time. The city is designed for university students and has loads of places which are good fun. And the residence I would totally recommend is Lafrowda, which is where the majority of the international students live, as well as the first years so it's a guaranteed good time.

A bedroom in Lafrowda

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