January and February can seem long months: exams, short days, dark nights. This is a good time for making plans and comfort eating!

But there is much to do and be cheerful about in February, especially Chinese New Year. So get those wet weather clothes on and enjoy what's on offer this month.

And next month things go off with a bang as the International Students' Council host the Diversity Week activities including the exciting Diversity  Talent Hunt and Diversity Ball.

All the best,
Zoe Rutterford
Student Support Officer: Transition and Integration

We will be celebrating the year of the Monkey in Exeter next month. It's going to be spectacular so put the date in your diary!

Saturday 13 February will see the main celebrations start in the city centre and then move to the Streatham Campus at 3pm
More details click here.

• Do you love Exeter?
• Do you want to help new students settle in?
• Do you enjoy talking to people?

Being a part of the Welcome Team will be the best thing you do at Exeter! You must be in Exeter and available for your volunteering duties 9-18 September 2016. Applications open via the Students Guild website in late February. We want the best and the brightest to provide the best welcome to new students. Is it you?

Everyone has mental health but how do you make sure yours is good with the awful weather, academic stress, living away from home, financial pressures etc. Being concerned about your mental health, or the health of a friend, isn't a sign of weakness; it actually shows how serious you are about your studies at Exeter! There will be great programme of activities during the week.

From 1 February 2016, students must show that they have the right to rent in the UK before signing a tenancy agreement. This only applies to private (not University) accommodation and only affects new tenancy agreements.

It is usually a simple requirement to meet by showing your passport and current visa (if applicable) or BRP card.

Detailed information is available online. 

Please contact the Iinternational Student Support Office if you need advice on the changes: sid@exeter.ac.uk

Is it time to wake up your taste buds for the new year? We can all get stuck in a rut or sometimes stuck for inspiration or maybe just some basic recipes to keep us warm in January. Turn to StudentCooking.com It's a free website full of recipes for you to try including video instructions. Why not challenge your flat mates to a 'cook off'?

If you are walking around campus during the week beginning 8 February you won't be able to ignore that it's Sabbatical Elections. Do question the candidates about their ideas. DO PLEASE VOTE. Even if you will be graduating this year this is your opportunity to make a change so please get involved.

We have a great range of upcoming employer events that you may find useful for developing your skills and finding out more about a particular employer or career sector. Click here for a list of events or log in to My Career Zone to make a booking.

Make sure you also check out the Global Employability website for further employability information for international students.