University of Exeter in Cornwall Penryn

[cloughie100]

Hi Does anyone else have a YP starting at Exeter Uni Penryn campus this year or already at Penryn ? If so is it difficult to get accommodation in the first year - I have heard bad reports of Exeter Uni accommodation being in short supply but that might be the main Exeter campus only. Any other info about the Penryn campus greatly appreciated!

I have a DS already there, albeit at Falmouth Uni which shares the campus & accommodation.
There are a fair number of shared rooms at Glasney which are tiny and really not suitable for two. I'm not sure how many are allocated to Exeter students but if you're coming as a late or clearing applicant, you may well get offered one.
If there is any diagnosis (eg anxiety or neurodiversity) make sure you get a GP letter it to avoid being allocated one. If you don't, and are allocated one, be persistent and keep ringing the accommodation office to check for single occupancy rooms coming up.
The reality is that few people end up with a roommate - many get offered a single occupancy in the weeks before arrival, others arrive to an empty room and a lot of uncertainty - but almost everyone who does end up sharing is offered their own room later into term if they want one.
Costs are high considering how remote it is. Most will want to move into Falmouth town in 2nd year for social reasons - rents are expensive, as are bus fares back to campus in Penryn.
It's a uni experience like no other and attracts an interesting bunch of people. My son has been very happy there.

Swan237 thank you and glad to hear your DS is happy there. I am worried about how small the Uni/campus is and also the recent cuts (to Exeter not Falmouth) but that might suit my YP

I have heard of Exeter cuts - but do remember that all universities are cutting at the moment, not just this one. It's a dire time to be employed in the sector (believe me!).

And "Small" is what you make it - it can be much more social than a big anonymous city when your network encompasses such a big proportion of people in the town. Granted there are some things you miss out on being stuck down in the far SW, but you gain something too, something that very few other unis can offer.

My daughter has been there for two years and really enjoys the lifestyle. She did have a shared room but her room mate moved out after a few weeks. It is expensive but a beautiful part of the world. I am sure your dc will love the outdoors lifestyle.

My daughter is just going into her 3rd year doing Law and Business as an Exeter University student down in Penryn. The campus down there does not have the accommodation shortages that the main campus has so I would expect that it should be fine. Also far fewer of the shared rooms are allocated to the Exeter students (my daughter did not know anyone who was sharing who did not want to). She has been having a great experience there and has enjoyed both the course and location. Feel free to message me if you have any questions on anything. There is also a WhatsApp group of some of the Exeter Cornwall campus parents I could link you up with if you would like.