INTO University of Exeter pre-arrival guide
Experience world-class education in a safe, vibrant and multicultural community at the University of Exeter.
Soon you’ll be beginning your journey to study with us at INTO University of Exeter. There are a few things you can do to prepare before you travel. And once you arrive, our expert Student Services team will be there for you every step of the way. Get ready for a lively community, teaching excellence and outstanding student satisfaction on one of the UK's best university campus.
We're here to help
Our dedicated Student Services team will support you through every stage of the process.
Your pre-arrival questions answered
Weather-appropriate clothing. Temperatures in the UK can range from around 0°C in winter up to around 30°C in the summer. We experience all types of weather in the south west of the UK, so keep this in mind when you're packing.
A credit card that works in the UK. You’ll need this for any purchases you make until you’re able to set up a bank account here. Most businesses in the UK will accept card payments – in fact, many are now card-only and won’t accept cash at all. However, we do recommend bringing some cash with you for safety.
Bring a laptop for your studies, as well as a plug adaptor depending on where you are travelling from.
It’s a good idea to bring some items to remind you of home – such as pictures of friends, family and pets as well as some comfort food for the first few days.
Please make sure that you only pack items that you are allowed to bring into the UK. You can find the list of banned items on the UK government website along with guidance on bringing food into the UK.
We advise that you arrive in Exeter the weekend before Welcome Week. However, you may be able to arrive earlier if your accommodation contract allows, or if you seek alternative accommodation such as a hotel until your contract starts.
You will receive an email from our Accommodation Team after you have applied, which confirms which type of accommodation you have been allocated. Please make sure you bring a copy of this email with you on arrival at your accommodation to help staff locate your details easily.
You will find out your allocated building and room number on arrival. The accommodation address is: INTO University of Exeter
Duryard Halls
Lower Argyll Road
Exeter
EX4 4RG
The accommodation is located on Streatham Campus. It is around a 15-minute walk to the INTO Center on Stocker Road.
We recommend that you consider travelling to an airport in Bristol or Exeter if you are able as transfer times to the university are significantly shorter and travel through customs is easier. If you are not able to do so, you can arrange for an airport transfer from another UK airport to your accommodation (additional costs apply).
The University of Exeter has provided guidance on travelling from some of the UK's main airports to the University of Exeter's Streatham Campus, where our INTO accommodation is located.
How to get from Gatwick Airport to Exeter
How to get from Heathrow Airport to Exeter
For students arriving in September, the University of Exeter offers a coach service from London Heathrow, which can be booked on their website. Spaces on the coach are limited and are allocated in the order that bookings are received, so it is beneficial to book as soon as possible.
INTO also offers an airport pickup service which is available throughout the year. You can request this on your application form, or book separately by completing the Arrival form (additional costs apply).
It is very important that we know when you are arriving in Exeter, even if you do not book your airport transfer with us. This is so we can then ensure a member of staff is available to meet you on arrival at the INTO accommodation.
For students under 18 years of age, it is essential that we know when you will arrive, who will accompany you and any other specific requirements. This can be done by filling in the Arrival form.
Welcome Week is the first week of term, the week before your classes start. We strongly recommend that you attend Welcome Week and that you arrive in Exeter in advance so you are settled and ready for the first day.
You’ll meet your classmates, teachers and support teams, and you’ll have the opportunity to attend events and socialize with other students, with plenty of time to settle into student life. We’ll help you set up your IT accounts, register for your classes, complete any outstanding fee payments, register with a doctor and open a UK bank account.
You will also be able to collect your student ID – in order to do this, you should email a photograph in jpeg format to into@exeter.ac.uk prior to your arrival so it is ready to collect on arrival. You will need to send your full name, date of birth and INTO student number. This is particularly important as it allows access to the accommodation.
We'll send you your Welcome Week schedule around one week before the start of term – so make sure to look out for it. This will tell you where you need to be in your first week, and at what time.
You’ll receive your academic timetable during Welcome Week, usually towards the end of the week. You will receive this via email.
Firstly, these are all perfectly normal emotions to feel when you are going through a major life change. Many international students experience homesickness when they first move to a new country.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind.
Talk to other students who might also be away from home for the first time, who are probably feeling the same way.
Bring a few familiar items with you to make your room feel more like home.
Join student clubs and societies where you can enjoy socializing with British and international students with the same interests.
Get plenty of rest, eat well and exercise.
Reach out to your Personal Tutor or our Welfare Team who are on hand to provide help and support. You can ask for them at the INTO Center Reception or email them at into@exeter.ac.uk.
