- Jan-Peter van Tijk
I wish I'd found InterNations sooner: It would have made my first few month as an expat in London much less overwhelming.
Living in Exeter
The University City of Exeter, as it is often referred to, is one of the urban gems of the south of England. As its nickname suggests, any expatriate living in Exeter will find themselves in a bustling university town with a bohemian, friendly feel and plenty of independent cafés, traditional British pubs and a busy cultural calendar. Despite being relatively small, at around 115,000 people, it is one of England's prettiest and most historic cities with a history going back to Roman times. The central Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and its picturesque lawn is a favorite spot for locals and expats in Exeter alike to come and relax in the surprisingly warm summer sun. The cathedral has a fascinating astronomical clock and the main entrance is one of the most elaborate anywhere in England. The ruins of Rougemont Castle, built in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, are also worth a visit, as is the famous 'house that moved' – a medieval house that was moved down the street on rollers in 1961, making way for a new road.
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Moving to Exeter
As the county town of Devon, expats moving to Exeter have a number of travel options. The Exeter International Airport is an obvious choice, with flights to the British Isles and mainland Europe, as well as connection flights to London's Heathrow airport. It is almost as quick however, and immeasurably more relaxing, to take the train to Exeter from the capital. The railway passes through some of the country's most picturesque countryside and expatriates moving to Exeter will be able to look out onto the famous rolling hills of southern England. There is plenty of extra information on expatriation generally in our Expat Magazine, an online collection of articles on topics ranging from culture shock to living abroad. Also, for more 'on the ground' accounts of expatriation as well as helpful tips, we have a good collection of articles by other InterNations members. And in case of specific questions, you can always use our forums to ask other members for advice.
Working in Exeter
The University City has a strong local economy which draws in tens of thousands of commuters from the local region on a daily basis. There is a busy higher education and research sector here, of course, as well as a strong tourism industry and retail sector. There is also plenty for expatriates working in Exeter to enjoy after hours, with a great selection of restaurants, bars and traditional pubs. For culture lovers, a theater, city museum and a number of galleries offer a rich variety of local and international exhibitions. Expats working in Exeter can also get in touch with the city's sizeable international community using the discussion groups and private communications features on the InterNations website. There should be plenty of opportunities to meet up, socialize and network in this internationally spirited, friendly university city.