Your Student Priorities
About the DataHealth and WellbeingJob ProspectsEquality, Diversity and InclusionLiving CostsCampaigns, Initiatives and ActivismEvents and Activities
Exeter students

How we got here...

We received over 2000 pieces of student feedback through surveys, workshops and Let’s Talks, we are excited to share this year’s Priorities. These are the things that you told us are most important to you and will have the greatest positive impact on your student experience. This work will shape what Guild staff and Officers focus on throughout the year, to ensure we are working on what matters to YOU.  

Six key themes emerged from the research, each with actions and suggestions created by you.

Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

You told us you wanted us to do more to support you, especially surrounding health and wellbeing. Our exam de-stress programme was well received but could run for longer with more targeted support. Although there are wellbeing provisions on campus, you said they can often be confusing and hard to access and would like us to push for these to be expanded.

Continuation and expansion of our exam de-stress programme

Better promotion and signposting to existing wellbeing services: who to go to and how to access them

Work with the University to improve the current approach to mitigation by introducing quicker response times

Increase in Guild-led wellness-based activities e.g., therapy dogs

Improve health & wellbeing provisions on campus alongside the University, including enhancing access to health services on campus

Current Resources

Take a look at the current wellbeing services offered by the University, book an appointment with our Advice Team & make sure you are registered at the Student Health Centre.

Exeter students sitting in a row

Job Prospects

You said you wanted the Guild to provide more information and opportunities to improve your career prospects. Many of you were unaware of what the Career Zone offered in terms of support, guidance and events. You also asked for more paid opportunities on campus to develop your skills and earn some extra money.

Delivering more career focused events, including careers fairs and employer talks

Review the Guild’s approach to student staff with the goal to create more paid opportunities

Better signposting of existing career services and opportunities

Networking events for students to meet part-time employers in Exeter

Ensure a range of paid roles are available that are accessible to all students

Career Info

Check out Career Zone and sign up to Handshake for the latest opportunities.

Job ProspectsThe Exeter Students' Guild Full-Time Officers 2023-24

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

You said you wanted events, activities, and services to be more inclusive and accessible. You also wanted more opportunities to meet other students and develop a sense of belonging. Celebrations around diversity came up as a suggestion, including an international day or festival to share the diverse cultures across campus.

More networking opportunities for students and staff for communities throughout the year to meet other students

Support settling in of international students through promoting and collaborating with the existing buddy scheme

A dedicated programme of events and activities aimed at PGR and St Luke’s students

Supporting the delivery of cultural celebrations and student-led cultural events across campuses

Build inclusivity into everything the Guild does, through student consultation, staff training and review of current barriers to engagement

Making change

Take a look at our EDI Advisory Board and read about how they are influencing change.

Equality, Diversity & InclusionInternational Students at Exeter

Living Costs

You told us that Living Costs were a big concern, particularly around the cost of food and refreshments on campus. The £2 meal was seen as a positive step but would like to see the introduction of more schemes and initiatives to ease living costs.

Better promotion of existing financial support and how students can access it

Increase freebies and giveaways throughout the year

Tailored financial guidance for students

Introduction of a ‘student exchange’ for students to swap and pick up free household items, clothing, sports kit etc

Introduce a Campus Food cupboard for students to pick up free essentials

Scope developing a free transport scheme to low cost supermarkets and key locations in Exeter

Work towards a campaign to push for regulated rental costs in Exeter

Current Living Cost support

For existing information and guidance around Cost of Living check out our dedicated COL webpage.

Living CostsExeter students and a row of houses

Campaigns, Initiatives and Activism

You said you wanted the Guild to run and support more campaigns, particularly around student housing. This included providing guidance and funding for student-led campaigns. You also wanted regular, free events to meet our student communities, alongside better information about what they are doing and how you can get involved.

Share information about the existing student communities at Exeter and how to get involved

Greater advocacy for student housing rights

Ensure consistency with the offering of free period products across toilets on all campuses

Develop our campaigns hub to provide students with information and support on campaigning and activism

Greater support for students to launch campaigns on issues that matter to them

Current Projects

Check out what our student communities have planned and take a look at this year’s housing campaign ‘Move Smart’.

Campaigns, Initiatives & ActivismExeter students engaging in activism

Events and Activities

You said you wanted us to increase our events and activities offering, through new events, better promotion and reducing costs where possible. This included working closely with societies to ensure memberships were accessible, providing alcohol-free events and review how events are delivered.

Increase of free and low-cost events across campus with input from students to ensure the events are relevant and desirable to attend

Working with societies to review membership prices, event delivery and increasing the frequency of non-alcohol events.

Incorporate free food and refreshments into all events and activities where possible

Greater promotion of arts-based events and activities to provide creative experiences and opportunities for students

Better promotion of upcoming events and activities

Current resources

Take a look at our What’s On guide to find the perfect event for you, we also post weekly event round-ups over on our Instagram!

Events and ActivitiesExeter students taking part in activities