Life at Exeter Uni: Miruna’s Experience at the University of Exeter Medical
School
Hello! I’m Miruna, a (soon-to-be) fifth-year medical student at the University of
Exeter. With my time at university wrapping up, I wanted to put together a handy
guide for those of you who are starting or thinking about studying Medicine at Exeter. This advice combines my own experiences and the feedback from my colleagues, making it a well-rounded resource to help you navigate your journey at Exeter Medical School.
City and Atmosphere
Exeter is a fantastic place to live and study. The city is renowned for its warm,
welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community, which makes it easy to feel at home. The students here are friendly, and the lecturers are approachable and always ready to offer support beyond the classroom. Exeter has a vibrant student-oriented vibe with plenty of activities and excellent restaurants to explore.
Firstly, lets address the elephant in the room: despite what you might think, not
everyone at Exeter is posh just because many students come from private schools.
In reality, Exeter boasts a wonderfully diverse community, brimming with students
from all kinds of backgrounds. So, don’t be put off by assumptions—embrace the
variety and relish the chance to connect with people from all walks of life.
You’ll find a range of things to do, from visiting historic sites like the Cathedral to
enjoying the local nightlife. Some of my favourite spots include Magdalen Road,
home to fantastic cafes like Common Beaver, delicious eateries such as Portal
Pizza, and a charming tapas place. For a relaxing stroll, I recommend the scenic
route along the river to Double Locks or a visit to the Quay, which becomes a lively
spot as soon as the weather warms up. The Firehouse is another great hangout,
especially if you’re a fan of pizza.
When it comes to studying, Artigianos is perfect for a coffee and study session, while the main campus offers excellent facilities. For a tasty veggie brunch, Vegebox on the Quay is a must-visit. Socialising is easy with venues like Timepiece, a popular place for fun with friends. Exeter strikes a perfect balance between a lively student experience and a manageable size, which was especially comforting for me coming from a small town.
The campus is conveniently located with the train station and city centre within
walking distance. The city also boasts green spaces and parks, and the stunning
Devon countryside is just a short trip away. Adjusting to life here was straightforward, thanks to the friendly environment and support from fellow students. Make sure to explore the city and surrounding areas, such as the beaches (Exmouth, Dawlish, Torquay, Budleigh) and Dartmoor.
Joining local social media groups like Overheard at Exeter on Facebook and using the FIXR app for event tickets will help you stay updated on activities. Socialising early on will help you settle in and form lasting friendships.
Course and Teaching Style
In the first and second years, you'll delve into the pre-clinical aspects of Medicine.
The teaching approach is interactive, blending lectures, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and hands-on sessions in the Life Sciences Resource Centre (LSRC). This
mix helps solidify your learning and develop critical thinking skills. Clinical Skills
sessions are also key, where you’ll learn essential techniques, such as taking patient histories and performing examinations, building your confidence and competence in clinical settings.
From the third year onward, the focus shifts to clinical placements, which are both
challenging and rewarding. You'll rotate through various specialties and wards,
gaining practical experience in patient care. Tutorials led by consultants and
registrars provide in-depth insights and learning from experienced professionals.
A unique aspect of the course is the mandatory rotation to the Truro campus in
Cornwall, which starts from Year 2 and lasts 1-2 years, depending on your allocation. While this move might initially seem daunting (it is a canon event), it often turns intoa cherished experience. Many students find themselves growing fond of Truro, and it’s not uncommon to feel a bit nostalgic about leaving when the time comes to return to Exeter.
Research Opportunities
Exeter offers numerous research opportunities. In your third year, you’ll engage in a Student Selected Unit (SSU), where you’ll explore a research topic, develop a
question, and create a poster to present your findings. This experience is invaluable for understanding how academic conferences work and developing essential research skills.
Intercalation
Exeter provides a range of intercalation options, allowing you to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in various subjects between Years 3 and 4. While intercalation is not mandatory, it’s a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge or broaden your academic perspective. You can choose to study subjects like Biosciences, Exercise and Sports Science, Medical Humanities, Infectious Disease, and Molecular and Cellular Science for a Bachelor’s degree, or fields like Genomic Medicine, Health Data Science, Paediatric Exercise and Health, Clinical Education, and Healthcare Leadership and Management for a Master’s degree.
Student Life and Clubs/Societies
Joining societies is a fantastic way to enrich your university experience. In your first
year, take advantage of the opportunity to try out different societies before
committing. The core medical student community, MedSoc, organises various social events, including parties and formals, providing a great way to connect with fellow medics. Flamingos, the hockey society, is especially welcoming, even if you don’t play hockey. ClinEd is another great society for academic support and mentoring.
Don’t limit yourself to medic societies; explore those involving students from other
courses to broaden your university experience. There are numerous sports teams
like volleyball, football, and badminton, which offer social events and a chance to
stay active. Additionally, consider joining societies related to your hobbies, whether it’s drama, music, or politics. My advice: Embrace opportunities but don’t be afraid to say no when needed. Balance is key. Sometimes missing out is okay and can be beneficial.
For accommodation, Rowancroft is the main hall where medics live. If you want to be around fellow medics, apply for Rowancroft. However, if you prefer to integrate with students from other courses, consider different accommodations.
Student Support
Exeter Medical School is committed to providing comprehensive support to its
students. Academic support includes a personal tutor system, offering guidance and feedback. For personal and wellbeing support, confidential counselling services, a campus health centre, and the Disability and Access Centre are available. Peer support is also crucial, with a peer mentoring scheme connecting you with experienced students and student societies like MedSoc offering a strong support network.
I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared and excited for your journey at Exeter Medical School. Embrace every moment and enjoy your time at this fantastic university!
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