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Ifyou’re anything like me, as soon as Monday hits, I’m already refreshing the Students' Guild website to see where the next weekend trip is heading. Between assignments and lectures, these trips have become my absolute favorite way to reset. They are such a bargain, perfect for a student budget, and honestly the easiest way to see more of Devon while meeting a whole bunch of new people.
Last weekend, I hopped on the GIAG (Give It A Go) trip to Shaldon Wildlife Trust, and it was exactly what I needed!
Why Shaldon Zoo?
Well, I’ve always wanted to see a meerkat in real life for ages. There’s just something about their personalities that makes me smile. Shaldon is a"boutique" zoo, which means it’s smaller and focuses heavily on conservation. I was so surprised to learn about some of the more endangered animals they look after, like the tiny margay (a very cool wild cat) and the slow loris. They are incredibly cute, but it was also really eye-opening to hear about the work the Trust does to protect them.
More than just the Zoo
The best part about these Guild trips is that you usually get some"bonus" time to explore the surrounding area. After we’d finished visiting the animals, we took a stroll through Shaldon itself. If you haven’t been, it’s a beautiful little village. We wandered through the narrow lanes, past these lovely old vacation houses that look like they belong in a movie, and ended up at the park and the beach. Breathing in the salty air was the perfect end to the afternoon.
The Social Side
I actually went on this trip with a couple of friends, but here’s the funny part—what a coincidence, I actually bumped into some other people I’d met at a different event a few weeks ago! It really goes to show how small the Exeter community can feel once you start getting out there.
If you’re nervous about going on a GIAG trip alone, please don’t be! Whether you bring a flatmate or show up solo, you’ll definitely end the day with new friends. Everyone is in the same boat, looking to explore and have a chat.
This trip was low-stress, affordable, and filled with some of the cutest faces I've ever seen. If you're looking for a sign to book onto the next weekend trip—this is it! Check the website to see the upcoming trips!