To quote John Keats, Autumn in the UK is a 'season of mists and mellow fruitfulness'. And that's exactly what I see as I walk around campus; the changing colour of the leaves, the soft Autumn sunlight (when it comes out). I know many of you have upcoming assignments but if you can, then do take some time out to explore the campuses and the countryside around. Fresh air is a great stimulant to the brain! The library study spaces can get very busy too at this time of year so don't forget to check the availability of spaces and computers on the iExeter app. It also has lots of other useful functions too.

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

Fireworks feature in many world celebrations. In the UK the 5th of November goes with a BANG as we remember the plot to blow up Parliament in 1605. On that very night bonfires were lit across the country to celebrate the safety of the King. To this day we continue that tradition of bonfires and many burn a 'guy' which is an effigy of Guy Fawkes, the first conspirator to be caught. Gruesome! Click here for the firework displays in Exeter. You might also have heard about the annual Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels. The best way to see this amazing local spectacle is via an organised trip. Many societies are hiring coaches to go so make sure you get a ticket!  

Last year you may have seen news items about the poppy installation at the Tower of London, or you might be starting to notice people wearing poppies on their lapels and wondering why. In the UK we remember all those who have lost their lives in battle on 11 November with a minutes silence at 11am and we also wear a poppy. The sale of these poppies goes to support service men and women whose lives have been changed by war. There will also be many parades on Sunday 8 November with people laying wreaths of poppies at cenotaphs in every town.

University of Exeter's Thai society is hosting our very first cultural event, 'Siam Night'.

The event includes:

• Authentic Thai food: Pad Thai, Thai style Omlette with basil, Thai Milk Tea and a Thai dessert.
• Cultural performances: Muay Thai, Fashion show, Thai-Western Fusion dances
• A chance to win a raffle prize

Ticket info.
Early Bird Ticket: £6
Door-sales: £8

The event is on Friday13th November, 5.00-8:30 pm

Find out more about the event on Facebook

Come and enjoy the fabulous Diwali events in Exeter starting on 12 November with the Hindu Chaplain's Gowardhan Puja in the Forum and definitely don't miss the Asian and Hindu Society's Diwali celebrations in the Forum on 15 November starting at 3pm, ending with fireworks at XFI at 6.30pm.

It's free and open to everyone.

There's a lot to be Thankful for so come and join us for our American Thanksgiving two course lunch in the Terrace, Devonshire House on 26 November, 12-2pm. We'll be serving a traditional Turkey lunch with all the trimmings (nut roast also available) and pumpkin pie or American cheesecake. Advance tickets for students only £6 (staff £6.50) available online now, or from SID in the Forum from 9 November until 24 November. Tickets available on the day in the Terrace students £7 (staff £7.50). Don't delay in buying your tickets, we normally sell out!

And if you are free before come and cheer along, and even join in, the American Football Club who will be playing touch football on the Piazza from 11am.

Human Rights Week
23th November - 27th November

We aim to raise awareness of the importance of Human Rights', and to offer you with an open platform to share your ideas. Do come and celebrate with us the rights to human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality!

For more information, please 'like' our ISC facebook page

We would like to make students aware of changes to the University’s interruption policy which came into effect on 1st September 2015.

The University will not withdraw its sponsorship of visas during a periods of interruption approved by the college, which are 60 days or less.  Students can take a maximum of four months of interruption during their course without the University withdrawing immigration sponsorship, but no one period of interruption can be for more than 2 months.

Find out more on the website

Following a Sport England survey carried out at the end of the last academic year, the University of Exeter Sport department and the Athletic Union have identified that the ways in which the University can engage with international students can be improved.

In order to help this, the International Students' Council would like to form a focus group to discuss your experiences within sport and physical activity at the University and your suggestions for how they can be improved. For those who are interested in taking part in this focus group, please send an email to ccbt201@exeter.ac.uk

Want to improve your English or second language? Want to make new friends from all over the world? With Tandem Language Exchange, you can.

Simply sign up here to find a language exchange partner and get invited to exciting events including quizzes, films and restaurant trips.

The scheme is run by the University of Exeter's Foreign Language Centre and we cater for all languages. We are looking for native, fluent or very advanced speakers of French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian....or any other language you would love to share!

Any questions? Don't hesitate to send us a Facebook message

Is cultural diversity significant to you? Are you looking to expand your social circle and make new friends? Looking to get artsy? Or just looking to lend a helping hand? Look no further!

The International Students' Council is currently recruiting volunteers to help at some of the biggest and most important yearly international events on campus. We will need some people to manoeuvre tables and heavy materials, artists to inspire us, and also those who are quite tech-savy to help us with lighting in our performances.

Without volunteers, like you, we would struggle to successfully put on these events. By helping us, you will be increasing cultural awareness, meeting people from across the world, and contributing to the university community, whilst building up your CV! So what are you waiting for?

For those of you who are interested, or have further questions, please send an email to gmhk201@exeter.ac.uk

Market Place Shops - Meal deal: Any sandwich, 330ml can of drink (or 500ml water) and either crisps or fruit for £3.49
La Touche café - Buy two pizzas or two pastas and two sides for just £10; Meal deal: Any panini, packet of Burts crisps and a soft drink for just £5.00
Farmers Market - On the Forum Piazzas, 11am – 3pm
6 November
13 November
20 November
Sign up to the newsletter for exclusive offers and discounts and you'll be entered into a monthly prize draw for £20 vouchers to spend across University outlets.
Visit www.exeter.ac.uk/retailoutlets for full details.

Whilst I can't guarantee choristers froliking in the snow, I can guarantee there will be lots going on on campus from 1-11 December including Christmas lights switch on, Christmas market, carol services and lots more. Information will be coming to you at the end of November in a special email and in next months Your International News.