Louise-Oceane Delion – BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology
With a passion for the ocean and the coast, Plymouth is where Louise-Oceane was destined to study
Louise is also an international student blogger, writing about everything from open water swimming to making friends at university. To find out more about what it's like to live and study in Plymouth, take a look at Louise's latest blog posts.
So, why Plymouth?
“My first journey to Plymouth was when I came for an open day. I flew from Bordeaux to London and got a train from London Paddington to Plymouth.
The University of Plymouth had so much to offer in terms of university life and seemed the best place to study Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, something I couldn’t study back in France.
There is so much to do at the University, with all the clubs, societies, and all your course mates that you will never feel alone.”
“You will meet many people doing the same things as you. The lecturers are great, the facilities are amazing and the waterfront is the icing on the cake.”
Life-changing
“Being International, you really feel like you are contributing to something new, bringing new ways of thinking, speaking and studying while making university life more interesting and richer for everyone.
It is really interesting to meet so many people with a different culture and to share experiences and knowledge.
"Yes, it is challenging and it can be hard sometimes. But this will be the best decision of your life."
This is going to give you much more than a degree, it will give you new friends, a new cultural experience and so much more.”
Louise-Oceane's typical weekend in Plymouth
“On Friday nightI pop to the Life Centre for a free-swimming session for students.
On Saturday morningI go to Royal William Yard to do Ashtanga Yoga or take the ferry to do the Mount Edgecumbe park run.
In the afternoon I relax at one of the coffee shops with some tea and cake.
During Saturday eveningI walk along the Barbican, up to The Hoe and watch the sun setting behind Mount Edgecumbe, with a beer and a barbecue in summer months.
On SundayI either go for breakfast at Jacka, or for a Sunday roast or head to Royal William Yard’s for lunch.
On Sunday night I usually cook dinner with my friends and watch one of Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries (and depending on the period, I’ll try to squeeze in some hours of work in the library).”
Louise-Oceane's favourite places to eat
B-Bar for the best Pad Thai and live music
Jacka Bakery for a nice Pain au Chocolat, croissant or toast for breakfast
The University Market for the best falafel wrap and the best brownies
Himalayan Spice on the Barbican for the best Indian food
Prime Café and Good Coffee Headquarters for tea and nice cakes
The Royal William Yard food market for everything there is to eat
Aroma Pizza for woodfire pizzas from an independent shop
The Gipsy Moth on the Hoe for the best veggie Sunday roast.
“There are some stunning places. My favourite beaches around Plymouth are Wembury, Bigbury and Whitsand Bay.”
“Going for an early morning swim on The Hoe with friends when no one is there and the sun is shining (and the water freezing) is one of my best memories.”
Louise-Oceane's top tips
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Join clubs and societies and get involved. Don’t be afraid of the cost, because it really is worth it
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Open a bank account as soon as you arrive
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6Don’t feel you need to do what other students do to ‘fit in’. Do what you like and you will meet people like you
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Explore the city, explore the country
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6Talk to your coursemates, you will be spending the next few years with them so the sooner you get to know them, the better
Study marine and coastal ecosystems in a global context
In this hands-on degree, one of the best in the UK and with an international reputation, you’ll tackle big questions, such as why are coral reefs so diverse, how do we best manage and conserve marine life, and how will climate change impact biodiversity? Fieldwork will be a key component of your studies, using the excellent marine and coastal habitats on Plymouth’s doorstep, as well as on residential courses in France and South Africa.