I interview myself about my time at Exeter, because, let’s face it, I’m great and full of useful knowledge, and who knows me better than me? As I reflect on my time at Exeter, I couldn't help but think about the valuable experiences and insights I've gained. If you're wondering how to write a graduation speech that captures the essence of your journey and leaves a lasting impact, I've got you covered with some practical tips and guidance.
Hi Declan, it’s great to meet you. If you don’t mind me saying, you look great today.
Thanks Declan, it’s great to meet you too, and if you don’t mind me saying, you don’t look too bad yourself.
Wow, both handsome and kind! You’re a rare breed of man. So, if you could introduce yourself to our readers…
I’m Declan, former Deputy Editor of Exetera magazine, the greatest magazine in the entire Exeter stratosphere. I graduated from the University this year and now I’m out in the real world trying to work out what to do with my History degree.
So you came to Exeter? I literally had no idea. Crazy, crazy stuff. Did you enjoy your time here?
I really did, Declan. I really did. I wouldn’t say my first year was what I expected; it took me a little while to settle in and get a feel for the place. Exeter’s a weird city and a strange University. It has so much to offer but I really had to work at finding out what I enjoyed and what I didn’t. Exeter isn’t just good looking blonde people getting drunk at the Lemmy and Timepiece. Some people have different coloured hair. Some people go to different clubs to get drunk. It’s a place that on the surface seems to lack diversity, but if you stick with it and try out different things then there’s something for everyone. Like brunettes at Cavern.
What advice would you give to Freshers?
Make the most of everything. Drink as much as you can.
Do as many illegal activities as you can get away with.
Any other top tips?
Exeter might be small, but there’s actually more than meets the eye. I love junk and weird shit that I can waste my money on. I probably visited the charity shops about twice a week. You can find some real gems there. But there are also places that nobody seems to know about. There’s an industrial estate about ten/fifteen minutes walk out of town. Every Sunday morning they have an incredible car-boot there. There are so many stalls, so much rubbish; it’s just a treasure trove. There are a couple of great shops down in Marsh Barton too; the Vintage Trading Company can be good; even better is Steptoes Market, a big warehouse full of literal junk. You might not find anything, but the fun is in the looking.
What are you going to miss the most?
Cellar Door. Or rather nights there with my friends. But also just Cellar Door. I know it’s incredibly egotistical to say, but I’ll never be as popular as I was there. I liked knowing people, and I liked people knowing me. I’ll freely admit it. It’s all downhill from here.
Finally, what makes the University special?
The size. At first it seemed too small. Like a big school. No, like a big private school. But that’s eventually what I came to love about it. It’s nice to bump into people on the street, to live across the road from your friends, to be only ten minutes away from pretty much everything. My sisters went to university in Manchester and Birmingham, and while the cities offered them more in other ways, they were always envious of the feeling of community at Exeter – if even if it does sound sickeningly cheesy.