Guild officers took your biggest concerns straight to Exeter’s MP Steve Race, pushing for change on issues that impact every part of student life here at Exeter. Representing over 30,000 Guild members – about 26% of Steve’s entire constituency – they brought data and real stories from campus, diving into the tough conversations that matter most to you. Making Exeter better means ensuring your voice gets heard and acted on.
“It was great to see Steve to get a chance to voice Exeter students’ concerns to their member of parliament. Steve was very receptive to our concerns and open to ideas for how the new government can better support students. We look forward to continuing to build this relationship and to hosting Steve again in future.”
Alex Martin, Guild President
Here’s the lowdown on what they tackled and what’s next.
#1 – Housing that works for all students
Housing costs are one of the biggest challenges students face. Officers shared hard-hitting data on Exeter’s housing quality and costs, highlighting how guarantor requirements unfairly impact international and lower-income students. They put forward a bold idea: removing guarantors altogether. Steve, the MP, backed this call, agreeing that Exeter needs more affordable student housing and pledging his support for expanding accommodation in the city.
#2 – Jobs for International Students
International students face serious hurdles when it comes to finding work, from restrictive work visa limits to instances of discrimination. Officers laid out how these barriers affect everything from meeting basic needs, to Exeter missing out on valuable talent. They discussed the importance of building community and openly tackling racism within the city, creating a stronger support network for international students. Steve was on board, recognising the crucial role international students play in Exeter’s cultural and economic growth.
“Currently, international students are barred from self-employment and gig work, limiting both their ability to support themselves and to get the most out of their education. This could look like students being unable to get paid for volunteering, comp-sci students unable to freelance, and creative writing students unable to publish. Together, we're hoping to see what the government can do to make sure the experience for international students is a positive and memorable one.”
Thomas Tran, Communities and Equality Officer
3 – Affordable and accessible local transport
With transport being a constant headache, Guild officers made it clear that students need more accessible and affordable options. They shared your feedback on the daily challenges of getting around, especially with limited options for students with mobility needs. Steve assured them he’s already working to make St Thomas and Polsloe train stations more accessible, moving us closer to a transport system that really works for everyone.
#4 – Access to physical and mental health services
Officers highlighted the urgent need for improved health services, particularly in light of the mental health crisis that students are facing. Though time ran short before they could fully explore this topic, Steve committed to a follow-up meeting, determined to make sure Exeter students have access to the mental health support they need.
“The University of Exeter and our student residents add significantly to the life and prosperity of our city. We talked about some of the challenges that students face, and some of the way in which we can work together. Where we have challenges, they are often experienced by everyone across the city - from high housing costs, to a public transport system that needs to improve, and a lack of mental health services.
I’m thankful for all the work that students undertake in our city to make it a better place: working in our hospitality and retail businesses, volunteering in our charities and mentoring in our schools, setting up student-led soup kitchens, and much besides.
My ambition is to ensure that we work together so that Exeter works for everyone. I want more students to be able to access the homes and jobs here in Exeter after graduation, so you can continue to add to the life of our city.”
Steve Race, Labour MP for Exeter
This meeting marks a big win in our push to get student voices heard at every level. And this is just the beginning – we’re in it for the long haul to make sure every Exeter student has the support, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
If you are passionate about making a difference to an issue or cause that you feel strongly about, why not chat with a member of our team about starting a campaign? They have the knowledge and resources to empower you to make change. Visit www.exeterguild.com/campaigns to kick your idea off.