New Student Guide: Everything You Need to Know at Exeter

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Starting university is exciting, but the first few weeks can also feel confusing. This New Student Guide: Everything You Need to Know at Exeter explains what to prepare before arrival, what to do during your first days, and how to settle into university life with confidence.

Whether you are a home student, an international student or joining from Bangladesh, having a simple plan can make your transition much easier.

Before Arriving at Exeter

Your university journey starts before you reach campus. The University of Exeter's official New Students Guide provides essential and recommended tasks based on your student status, level of study and campus.

Start by checking your university emails regularly. Important information about registration, induction, your course and other first steps may be sent before you arrive.

Complete Your Pre-Arrival Tasks

Before travelling, check that you have completed the tasks relevant to your course and student status.

These may include:

• Activating your University IT account

• Completing your online pre-arrival induction

• Checking your course information

• Reviewing your Welcome Week details

• Checking your timetable when it becomes available

• Preparing the documents you need for arrival

• Checking travel arrangements

• Reading information sent by your faculty or department

The University recommends starting your online induction before arrival. These courses help you learn more about the University and your subject before you begin your studies.

For international students, the University also provides specific pre-arrival information covering travel, International Student Clearance and the International Welcome Programme.

Prepare for Your First Days

Do not wait until the last minute to organise everything.

Create a simple folder on your phone or laptop for important university emails, documents, travel information and contact details. Also keep copies of important documents you may need during your journey.

If you are travelling from Bangladesh, give yourself enough time to adjust to the new environment. Exeter will be different from what you are used to, and the first few days may feel busy.

That is normal.

What to Do When You Arrive

Once you reach Exeter, focus on the basics first. You do not need to understand the entire university in one day.

International students should check the University's current International Welcome Programme information and complete any required clearance or arrival activities. The programme is designed to help international students settle into university life and includes welcome activities, information sessions and opportunities to meet other students.

University registration is another important step. Exeter states that registration is completed online through the Student Record System. New students receive registration information in their Welcome email, and activating the University IT account is required before registering. Some new international students on a Student Visa must complete International Student Clearance before registration.

Do Not Miss Your Academic Induction

Your academic induction is particularly important.

It introduces you to your course, subject and fellow students. At Exeter, academic induction takes place during Welcome Week, while your MyTimetable provides the latest information about scheduled sessions once you are registered and have activated your IT account.

Treat these sessions as essential rather than optional social events. They can help you understand how your course is organised from the beginning.

Get Familiar With Your Exeter Campus

Your first few days are the best time to explore your campus.

The University has campuses in Exeter and Cornwall, so make sure you are checking information for the campus where your course is based. The official New Students Guide provides campus-specific information and links to campus maps and guides.

During your first week, find the places you are most likely to use:

• Your teaching buildings

• Lecture rooms

• Library and study spaces

• Main student information points

• Places to eat or take a break

• Your faculty or department location

• Key meeting points for Welcome Week activities

You do not need to memorise the whole campus.

Instead, learn the routes you will use most often. Try walking between your main buildings before teaching starts so that you are not rushing to find a room on your first day.

Complete Important University Tasks

The first few days can become overwhelming if you try to remember everything at once.

Break your tasks into small steps and keep a checklist.

Do not assume that completing one task means everything is finished. University systems may have different deadlines, so check your emails and official Exeter information regularly.

Find Academic and Student Resources

University study can feel very different from school or college.

You are expected to take more responsibility for managing your time, attending teaching sessions and keeping track of academic information.

Exeter's New Students Guide includes a Guide to University Study, covering areas such as teaching preparation, timetables, online learning tools, libraries, study spaces, personal tutors and study skills.

During your first month, learn where to find reliable information instead of depending only on messages from other students.

If you are unsure about something related to your course, start with your faculty, department or the appropriate University contact.

If you have a general question about settling into Exeter, the University directs students to its student information and support services. In Exeter, students can contact SID, while students in Cornwall can contact the Student Helpdesk.

Not sure which UK university or course is right for you? Get a Free Consultation with our UK Education Experts.

If you have a general question about settling into Exeter, the University directs students to its student information and support services. You can also exploreEssential Student Services at the University of Exeter for a broader overview of the key services available to students.

Meet People and Get Involved

Making friends does not always happen immediately.

The easiest way to meet people is to put yourself in situations where you regularly see the same students.

Start with your course and Welcome Week activities. Then explore societies, clubs and other student activities.

The University of Exeter says it has hundreds of societies covering interests such as music, drama, debate, environmental action and many other areas. These groups are student-led and open to students who want to get involved.

You do not need to join ten societies.

Choose one or two that genuinely interest you and attend a few activities before deciding whether they are right for you.

For international students, activities such as the International Welcome Programme and intercultural events can also provide opportunities to meet students from different backgrounds.

Give Yourself Time to Settle

It is easy to compare yourself with other students during your first few weeks.

Someone may make friends immediately. Someone else may need several weeks.

Do not assume that feeling nervous means you are doing something wrong.

Try small steps:

• Say hello to someone sitting beside you

• Attend one Welcome Week event

• Introduce yourself to a coursemate

• Visit a society that interests you

• Ask a question when something is unclear

• Explore one new part of campus each day

Small actions can gradually make an unfamiliar place feel familiar.

A Useful Resource for New Students

Preparing for university involves more than completing registration and attending classes. Learning about your campus, understanding your schedule and getting involved in student activities can make the transition into university life easier.

Resource:BestColleges - A Complete First-Year College Checklist

Getting Help When Something Is Unclear

You are not expected to know everything on your first day.

If you are confused about a course requirement, timetable, registration task or university process, ask rather than guessing.

Start with the official University information relevant to your question. Exeter's New Students Guide brings together essential tasks, study guidance and information about support and services.

For international students, the University's International Student Community and Support team can help with questions covering the journey from application and admissions through to graduation.

Remember one simple rule: if a university process affects your studies, registration or student status, check the official source first.

Your First-Week Checklist

Your first week will probably be busy, so keep your priorities simple.

First 7 Days

• Complete registration if required

• Check your University email

• Activate and test your university accounts

• Check MyTimetable

• Attend your academic induction

• Complete any remaining pre-arrival or course tasks

• Explore your main campus buildings

• Find your library and study spaces

• Attend at least one Welcome Week activity

• Look at societies and student groups

• Save important University contact details

• Ask questions about anything you do not understand

Do not try to do everything at once. Your goal during the first week is to understand how your university life works.

Your First-Month Checklist

By the end of your first month, you should have a clearer routine.

Focus on:

• Understanding your weekly timetable

• Keeping up with academic work

• Learning how to use your main online study systems

• Finding study spaces that work for you

• Getting to know classmates

• Joining activities that interest you

• Building a realistic weekly routine

• Checking University announcements regularly

• Knowing where to ask for help

• Reviewing your progress and adjusting your routine

This is also a good time to think about what is working and what is not.

If you are struggling to manage your time, finding academic work difficult or feeling unsure about university life, do not wait until the problem becomes serious before asking for guidance.

Practical Tips for International Students

Moving from Bangladesh to Exeter is a major change, so give yourself time to adjust.

You may need to become comfortable with a different academic environment, weather, food, transport, communication style and daily routine.

A few practical habits can help:

Keep important information organised. Save University emails, documents and contact details somewhere easy to access.

Check your emails regularly. University updates can contain important instructions and deadlines.

Explore Exeter gradually. You do not need to learn the whole city immediately. Start with the areas you use most.

Join activities. Societies, Welcome Week events and international activities can help you meet people outside your course.

Ask questions early. If you do not understand a process, contact the appropriate University team instead of relying on assumptions.

Keep a realistic routine. Give yourself time for study, food, rest, social activities and personal tasks.

Most importantly, remember that settling into university is a process. You are not expected to feel completely comfortable after one day or even one week.

Support for Bangladeshi Students via SGE

For students from Bangladesh, Shabuj Global Education (SGE) can provide guidance throughout the Exeter journey.

SGE can support students with:

• Course and university guidance: Helping you understand course options and entry requirements.

• Application support: Assistance with document checks and application preparation.

• Visa and pre-departure guidance: Helping you prepare for the next stages of your UK journey.

• Ongoing guidance: Support as you move from admission towards starting university.

The aim is to make the process clearer and more organised for Bangladeshi students preparing to study in the UK.

Ready to start your UK journey? Fill out our form and let's begin your application.

A Simple Way to Start Your Exeter Journey

Starting at the University of Exeter becomes easier when you break the process into manageable steps. Prepare before arrival, complete your essential tasks, attend your induction, explore your campus, meet people and ask for help when you need it.

Your first few weeks are not about knowing everything. They are about learning how your new university works and gradually building a routine that suits you.

For the most current tasks and requirements, always check the University's official New Students Guide because information can change between intakes and student groups.