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Being a student isn’t just about lectures, exams, or campus life. Living in Exeter gives you a unique opportunity to connect with the local community, gain new experiences, and make a meaningful difference. Engaging with the city around you can be rewarding in ways you might not expect- in addition to helping others, there are many hard and soft skills that you can gain.
One of the most direct ways to get involved is through volunteering. Exeter is home to numerous charities, youth clubs, and social projects that welcome student support. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank, assisting schools with mentoring or tutoring, or taking part in environmental clean-ups, volunteering allows you to contribute to causes that matter while developing skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Many students find that these experiences provide a sense of purpose outside of their academic work, and the people you meet along the way can become lifelong friends, they can also help to boost your CV and attract employers.
Joining community-focused societies is another way to engage. The Guild hosts a range of groups that are dedicated to social change, sustainability, and local outreach. These societies often run campaigns, fundraising events, or community projects, offering students the chance to get hands-on experience while connecting with like-minded peers. Being part of a society allows you to combine your passions with practical action, whether that’s organising an awareness campaign, supporting charity events, or participating in city-wide initiatives. See the full list.
Many students also contribute to conservation efforts, like river and beach clean-ups, community gardening, or local recycling initiatives: societies such as Surf do beach clean-ups at Exmouth and Dawlish which you can get involved in. Taking part in these projects allows you to make tangible improvements to the city while also learning about sustainability and the challenges facing the local area. Even small contributions, like helping to maintain a community garden or supporting a local awareness campaign, can have a visible impact.
Some students take their involvement a step further by working with young people in the city. Mentoring or tutoring programs allow you to share your knowledge, build confidence in others, and make a lasting impact on children and teenagers in the community. These experiences not only benefit those you support but also help you develop leadership and communication skills that are invaluable both academically and professionally.
Of course, you don’t always have to join an existing initiative — many students find that starting your own project or society is a powerful way to create change. Whether it’s organising a fundraiser, launching a sustainability campaign, or starting a community awareness event, taking the initiative can inspire others and leave a lasting mark. The key is to identify a need, set achievable goals, and build a small team to help you bring your ideas to life.
Exeter is full of opportunities to make a difference. The city and the Students’ Guild provide countless ways for students to get involved, contribute, and leave a positive impact. All it takes is curiosity, commitment, and the willingness to step outside campus life and explore how you can help. The experiences you gain, the connections you make, and the change you create will stay with you long after your time at university.