As a third year student, I have now become familiar with all the major events that students are encouraged to attend before graduating from the University. Having attended several of these events myself, I have found them to be both enjoyable and valuable experiences. They provide great opportunities to meet new people, celebrate achievements, and make lasting memories. I would strongly recommend that other students take advantage of the following key events before they leave the University.
Rugby Varsity
Rugby Varsity is one of my favourite events, and I have attended it several times. Sandy Park is easy to get to, whether you travel by train or take one of the organised coaches. The coaches create an amazing atmosphere. If you catch an early one, you may even travel with some of the other rugby teams, who sing the entire way! On the day, there is plenty of drinking, and the rugby itself is fantastic to watch. It offers a great opportunity to support the university team. The cheerleaders are just as impressive, with routines that wow the crowd every time. Overall, this is an iconic Exeter event that I would recommend to everyone, even if you are not a rugby fan.
The Races
The Races is hosted by INVADERS and takes place at Exeter Racecourse. It is a student heavy event with plenty of drinking, food, and betting throughout the day. Everyone has the opportunity to dress in their smartest outfits while enjoying the excitement of horse racing. The event is very accessible, with organised coaches available, and the racecourse is located just on the outskirts of Exeter. As it is a daytime event, it is ideal for those who prefer to be home and in bed by 9pm. The Races is a great Exeter event for anyone who enjoys horse racing and also provides a chance to mix with students from nearby universities.
Fight Night
Twice a year, Fight Night is held at Exeter Castle, where students dress in black tie to watch and support Exeter students competing in boxing matches. The event features numerous matches throughout the night, with both male and female fighters taking part, which adds to the excitement and inclusivity of the evening. Fight Night is one of the biggest events in the Exeter social calendar, attracting a large crowd and creating an electric atmosphere. It is a unique opportunity to support fellow students while enjoying a memorable and well-organised evening that many students make an effort to attend.
The Enchanted Garden Ball (EGB)
EGB is probably the most expensive night of the year, but it is also one of the most sought after events. Trying to get tickets is often considered one of the hardest challenges an Exeter student will face during their time at university. If you do manage to secure a ticket, it is a great event to attend with friends. There is plenty of drinking, food, and funfair rides to explore, if you manage not to feel sick. This event was a highlight of mine last year, and it is something I would highly recommend experiencing at least once. If you can ignore the cold and dodge people feeling unwell on the rides, it makes for a great night. Although the music tents filled up quickly and queues were long for most of the evening, EGB was still a fun adventure. It is also a great opportunity to bump into people you haven’t seen in months!
Hijacked
If you are a festival goer, Hijacked is the Exeter event for you. It is a music festival based in and around Exeter. Last year it was held at the stunning Powderham Castle. The event offers a wide range of food and drink options, alongside performances from a variety of artists, ensuring there is something for everyone. Hijacked is advertised as a “perfectly formed outdoor party,” which accurately reflects the relaxed and chilled vibe of the festival. It is a great event to attend with friends, enjoy live music, and soak up the atmosphere, making it a standout experience in the Exeter events calendar.
Batty Bingo
Another fantastic event is Batty Bingo. As a first year student, this was an amazing activity to do with friends, and the dressing up made it even better. With the chance to win big prizes such as a TV or a basketball hoop, Batty Bingo has a lot to offer. The returning hosts made the event hilarious, and the large open space of Mecca Bingo allowed the venue to feel busy while still maintaining a great atmosphere. The pens handed out were lethal, and no one left the building without having something written all over their body. This is a great event, and the different themes each time help keep it exciting.