Term 3 has arrived – the one with exams, deadlines, and final submissions. Whether you're feeling prepared or a bit overwhelmed, now’s the time to check your exam and assignment schedule, understand what’s expected, and plan how you'll look after yourself along the way.

Study Zone workshops, Intercultural Café meetups, and moments outdoors can all help keep you balanced. If you’re looking to take a break from the books, there are some great ways to get involved – from volunteering with the University Grounds Team to joining local events like the Brixham Pirate Festival or Exeter Pride. 

Whether you’re staying all term or heading off early, we hope you make the most of the weeks ahead. If you’re finishing your time at Exeter, we wish you all the best for the future. And don't forget you can stay in touch through our global alumni community. Good luck with everything ahead! 

Sue, Sophie and Cara
International Student Experience

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Friday sessions over the Spring Vacation. This week the Intercultural Café returns to its regular three sessions a week throughout term 3. 

Term 3 schedule:

• Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30am – ISCA Eats, Streatham Campus
• Wednesdays, 1:30–2:30pm – Cross Keys, St Luke’s Campus
• Fridays, 10:30–11:30am – ISCA Eats, Streatham Campus

Please bring your Unicard. We open registration 30 minutes before each session, and the first 100 students to sign in by 11:00 will receive a free coffee voucher and pastry. 

For session themes visit the Intercultural Café website. 

We are looking for a co-ordinator (paid position) and 100 mentors (volunteers) to help new international and EU students find their feet and settle into life in the UK. If you will be a returning student at Exeter from September 2025 this is a really rewarding way of sharing your knowledge and experiences (both good and bad) with a group of new students. Your time will be recognised towards the Exeter Award, and you'll get the chance to meet some new people from across the globe. For more information on the scheme click here.

Coordinator Post Application. The International Peer Mentoring Coordinator post runs part time (120 hours in total) from August 2025 to March 2026. Deadline for applications: 12 May.

Apply online to be a volunteer mentor now.

Watch our how-to video to help you plan ahead.

The Students on the Move (SOTM) campaign is back and can help you dispose responsibly of anything you no longer want or need. You can organise:

• Free extra waste collections using a special SOTM envelope.
• A collection for items to go to charity.
• Unwanted food to go to Streatham campus Community Fridge.

Get more details on these Students on the Move services here or you can contact the Community Engagement Team. This hugely successful service will help you plan to move out for term 3.

Supporting our local communities and staying safe has never been a greater priority. Do you want to be part of an innovative team, supporting students and working in the local community? Are you interested in a flexible, part time job that provides experience in working with community organisations?

Consider applying to be a Community Engagement Officer, working with our Community Liaison Team throughout 2025/26. Find out more about how to become a Community Engagement Officer on our Community page.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 25 May.

Please continue to be mindful of your noise levels, as you may have neighbours with young families, early morning work commitments or exams.

If you’re arranging a gathering, it is important to socialise safely and considerately. See the noise section of the Community Guide (pages 26-29) for advice. Noise in the street can carry and have a big impact on all our community. Please consider those who need to sleep, particularly during the week.

Exeter Pride is back for another year to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community on Saturday 10 May. While full event details haven't yet been confirmed, previous years have included a colourful march through the city, stalls in Northernhay Gardens, and performances, workshops and community events at Exeter Phoenix and the Exeter Library. Click here for the latest information.

Want to get involved? They're currently looking for volunteers – sign up here.

We want every student at Exeter to feel welcome, supported, and able to thrive, whoever you are and wherever you’re from. Each department has a dedicated Academic Lead for Student Support (Racial Equality and Inclusion) - also known as ALSS (REI). These staff members are here to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.

If you ever experience discrimination or harassment, or just need someone to talk to, you can reach out to your ALSS (REI). They offer a confidential, non-judgmental space to talk through any concerns. They can also guide you through wellbeing support, explain how to report incidents via Exeter Speaks Out, and support you throughout the process if you choose to make a report.

Find out more information here.

Join us for an afternoon of fun at the Summer Fete outside the Mary Harris Memorial Chapel on Saturday 17 May, from 11am-2pm. 

There’ll be something for everyone - enjoy games, a bake sale, and try your luck in the raffle, all while supporting a good cause. All proceeds will go to the Melanesian Mission, the Anglican Chapels’ chosen charity.

Everyone is welcome - come along, bring your friends, and help us fundraise while enjoying a relaxed afternoon on campus. 

We are set to enjoy two bank holidays in May (5 and 26 May). Whilst almost everything in the city and university will remain open for business there might be some changes to service. 

• SID open on bank holidays
• Campus cafes and shops
• Library open 24/7

If you are living in privately rented accommodation, please be aware that bin collection dates will be affected this month by the May bank holidays. Check the bin calendar on your MyExeter app for date changes and take your bin in (or off the pavement) between collections. For tips on waste disposal visit the Community page or talk to the Community Engagement Team. 

Encompass, a group of local Caribbean, Hindu/Indian, and Polish community members, is preparing a vibrant cultural show in partnership with Barnfield Theatre this October. This free event celebrates the lived experiences of our communities through dance, music, storytelling, poetry, art, and craft. You can see more of our past work here.

We’d love for students to join in and contribute – through dance, storytelling, poetry, art and mehndi paintings, and more! Please also share with friends, regardless of their heritage or background, though not missing those from Indian, Caribbean, or Polish backgrounds.

Contact jay.jina10@gmail.com for more information.

Looking to spend time outdoors, meet new people, and give back to our campus community? The University Grounds Team is offering two volunteering opportunities for students and staff – no gardening experience required!

GIVE – Garden Involvement Volunteers Event
Join monthly sessions to help care for the beautiful and diverse grounds on campus, working alongside the University horticulturists. Sessions run through to July 2025. Book your place here.

Veg Heads

Help grow vegetables for the University kitchens while learning about sustainable gardening in the Grounds veg garden. Sessions are fortnightly on Thursdays, 2–4pm until October 2025. Book your place here

All tools and training are provided. Just wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear, and bring a drink - plus a hat and sun cream if it’s sunny. Feel free to bring lunch and stay afterwards for a chat!

Struggling with exams, assignments, or time management? The Study Zone is here to help! Open throughout Term 3, it offers expert advice, helpful resources, and friendly 1:1 appointments to support your academic success.

Join one of the upcoming online workshops to boost your skills:

• Tue 6 May, 12:00 – Managing Time, Maximising Success
• Tue 6 May, 16:00 – Referencing Made Easy
• Fri 9 May, 10:00 – Understanding Assessment Criteria
• Thur 15 May, 13:30 – Critical Reading and Writing
• Mon 19 May, 16:00 – Feedback 101: Making Feedback Work for You

Book your place here.

You can also explore resources and support via Study Zone Digital and follow @uoestudyzone for updates and study tips.

Our Graduation Team would like to ask you about your preferences for which names are announced at graduation for their future planning. Even if you aren't graduating this year we'd like to hear from you. 

Fill in this really quick survey. 

This is where we share your suggestions for the best local places to visit, things to do, and hidden gems in and around Exeter.

This month’s recommendation comes from Sam, an International Student Ambassador, who suggested Stover Country Park for a peaceful day out. It’s just a short bus journey from Exeter, and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy nature and unwind.

Stover Country Park is a stunning 114-acre park near Newton Abbott that is home to a lake, walking trails, and a variety of wildlife. It is also designated as a dragonfly hotspot by the British Dragonfly Society.  

You can also usually buy birdseed at The Stover Centre which is near the entrance of the park. And if you're looking for a post-walk treat, there is a coffee van with great cake. 

To get there, you can take the 38 bus from Exeter Bus Station (towards Ivybridge) and get off at Drumbridges Roundabout (34 minutes). From the roundabout it's a 2 minutes walk to Stover. 

Want to be featured next? Share your favourite local spots, day trips, cafés, or study spaces! Email your recommendation (and a photo if you have one) to intstudentevents@exeter.ac.uk with the subject "I Recommend".

Looking for a fun and unique way to spend the bank holiday weekend? The Brixham Pirate Festival takes place from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May 2025 in the small fishing town of Brixham, on the south Devon coast. This free annual event celebrates the town’s maritime history with live music, pirate-themed entertainment, historical reenactments, family activities, and food and craft stalls. Brixham has a long tradition of seafaring, and the festival brings the community together to celebrate that heritage in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to experience a local tradition and enjoy the beautiful seaside.

You can get a train from Exeter St David's to Torre, followed by a bus to Brixham, all in up to 2 hours. But be sure to check train and bus schedules ahead of time to coordinate your connections - there are usually more frequent services on Saturdays.