🌍 My Exchange Abroad Experience in Exeter

This year, I had the opportunity to go on exchange as part of my Bachelor of Laws and Cyber Security at Deakin University. I spent Trimester 1, 2025 at the University of Exeter, a small but lively university city about three hours south-west of London by train.

Exeter has almost everything you could need, all within walking distance, and I quickly got used to its hilly streets and reliable public transport. The winter was definitely a shock at first, but as the weather warmed, so did my experience. The city balances history, student life, and modern living (yes, even an IKEA), with plenty of opportunities to explore and connect.

A Day in My Life Abroad

A typical day in Exeter usually started with breakfast and a call home to family or friends in Australia. If I had class, I’d meet up with friends and walk to university together. We’d often grab food after lectures and spend some time studying in the library. Evenings usually meant the gym at my accommodation, followed by dinner with my roommates. Sharing a kitchen with 11 other students meant we spent a lot of time together, meals often turned into chats or late-night dessert runs.

The Academic Side

One of the most rewarding aspects of studying abroad was the chance to take subjects not available back home. At Exeter, I studied:

• Equality & Diversity Law

• AI Law

• Technology and Human Rights Law

• International Criminal Law

These subjects allowed me to explore the intersections of technology, law, and social justice, and gave me new perspectives that I’ll carry into the rest of my degree and beyond.

The Challenge of Connection

As someone who’s naturally quite shy, I knew making friends would be a challenge. But it ended up being the most rewarding part of exchange. Exeter ran events for new students that helped me meet people early on, and I also joined clubs and connected through classes.

I became especially close with my roommates – 11 people sharing one kitchen meant we saw each other a lot! I also met fellow Deakin students at the preparation session before departure, and many of them became close friends. Together, we explored Exeter’s brunch spots, its nightlife, and travelled across the UK and Europe. Those experiences created friendships and memories I’ll carry for life.

My Advice

If you’re thinking about exchange, my biggest advice is: put yourself out there. It might feel daunting, especially if you’re shy, but once you make friends, the whole experience transforms. You’re not doing it alone – there’s so much support available, and the friendships and growth make it all worthwhile.

Read my piece: UK – Will | Students