fUSE
THE FUSE MAGAZINE
COAST. CULTURE. CREATIVITY. WHAT MAKES OUR UNI UNIQUE? GOING OUT-OUT WHERE’S BEST FOR A NIGHT ON THE TOWN? DIVE IN TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST TERM WHAT’S ON, WHERE & WHEN LIVING FALMOUTH LIFE TO THE MAX!
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Liam Alford
David J Blanks
Clint Bustrillos
Ben Catchpole
Matt Grocutt
Hugh Hastings
Rafael C Henriques
Matt Jessop
Ian Kingsnorth
Annika Koster-Occupati
Irene Lasus
Daniel Lincoln
Ben Lindberg
Danielle Lowenna
Kevin Moir
Katie Murphy
Andrea Oakes
Jem Turner
Jack Tyler
Alex Walker
Lucy Williamson
Cover:
Our cover features a scene from Dancing at Duvet, a large-scale fabric backdrop by final-year Textile Design BA(Hons) student Eden Kingston. Drawing on her roots in the UK deep house music scene, Eden translated photographs from her family’s Bristol-based house collective Duvet Vous into digital embroidery, interlinking party scenes to convey the sense of connection and shared identity within the community.
@eden_stitch_
… and welcome to THE FUSE, your guide to life at Falmouth. Flick through and you’ll find a round-up of the coolest things to uncover here and a snapshot of the colourful, creative community that makes up our town and University.
There’s so much to squeeze into your time at university that it can be difficult to know where to start. There’s no right way to do it –everyone’s journey and experience will be different. The only advice we’d give is to arrive with an open mind, ready to plunge in and seize the opportunities in front of you.
If you choose to study at Falmouth, you’ll find plenty of
info and advice in these pages on everything from how to get involved with activities to the top beaches and bars to try. We’ve included practical tips, fascinating features and stunning examples of student work – much of it inspired by our coastal location. We think life here is pretty special. Falmouth consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the UK and it’s not hard to see why.
Whether you’re planning to start at Falmouth in September or still thinking about it, enjoy THE FUSE. And remember, if you have any questions in the run-up to your first term – or at any time throughout the year – we’re here to help.
THE FUSE TEAM
44 47 DRAWING INSPIRATION AHEAD OF THE GAME MEETFALMOUTH'SHEADOFART BOBAVISITSOUREXPO
50 54 IT'S YOUR TURN WELCOME TO THE CLUB GETGAMING:ANESSENTIALGUIDE SOCIETIESTOSUITYOU
58 63 PIMP YOUR POTATO EARLY DAYS EASYDINNERWINS TIPSFORYOURFIRSTTERM
FANTASTIC FALIFORNIA
WITH PALM TREES, ENDLESS COASTLINE AND A COOL CREATIVE SCENE, THIS IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE UNIVERSITY LOCATION. READY TO DIVE IN?
University at Falmouth is an experience like no other. While we can’t guarantee eternal sunshine, you’ll find a warm welcome and creative inspiration by the bucketful. Sea swimming before lectures? Beach drinks at sunset? You bet. Our spectacular setting has inspired adventurers, pioneers and explorers over the centuries and now it’s your turn.
If you’re new to the town, it won’t take you long to find your bearings. Most locations are within walkable distance and nearby Penryn is just a short bus or bike ride away. We’ve outlined a few places you’ll want to explore, but the fun is in finding your own Falmouth and adding your favourites to the list.
BEACHES
The south side of Falmouth town boasts four great beaches: Gyllyngvase, Swanpool, Maenporth and Castle Beach. The pride of Falmouth Bay is Gylly, as it’s known by the locals (find out more in our pull-out guide on page 31). This sandy crescent is a hub of activity with swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, a surf life saving club and beach volleyball.
FALMOUTH CENTRAL
At one end of town is Events Square, home to the National Maritime Museum and a collection of bars and restaurants. At the other end is the Prince of Wales Pier, where ferries leave for St Mawes, Flushing, Trelissick Garden and even Truro on a high tide. In between is a jumble of one-off shops and galleries, many tucked away on tiny side streets leading to the harbour, such as an art shop housed in a sailors’ jail dating back to 1666. The focal point at festival-time is The Waterfront – drop by during Falmouth Week or the Sea Shanty Festival for pop-up bars, live music and street food.
THE OLD HIGH STREET
With galleries, the Time & Tide tattoo studio and a miniature museum of folklore and magic with its own ‘cabinet of queeriosities’, this street is a little bit special. Here you can browse second-hand books and clothes or stop by at Stones for freshly baked treats. Falmouth’s most colourful bar, The Chintz, brings the Old Brewery Yard alive at night.
THE MOOR
In the middle of town is The Moor, home to Falmouth Art Gallery and where buses leave for Penryn Campus. Indie cafes and classic pubs nestle among bigger names including Wetherspoons and Domino’s. The 111-step Jacob’s Ladder leads off from The Moor. At the top, your reward is a pub with the same name.
PRINCESS PAVILION
This small concert hall punches well above its weight with live music, theatre and comedy, but it’s more than a night-time venue. The surrounding Gyllyngdune Gardens are a semi-tropical paradise just made for lounging and free to enter year-round. A rose garden and a secret grotto lead to the seafront, with spectacular views of Pendennis Castle.
PENDENNIS POINT
Follow the scenic coastal path to the headland for a blast of fresh air and an almost 360-degree panorama of the Fal Estuary and Falmouth Bay. Stop for a wellearned ice cream and watch the yachts and working boats, or the bigger ships on their way to the docks nearby. You might spot seabirds and seals – and perhaps even dolphins, basking sharks or whales.
Harbour Lights
@harbourlightsfalmouth 1 2
Die Happy Pizza Co
@diehappypizza
Alongside great food at great prices on both campuses, you’ll find a thriving cosmopolitan food scene in Falmouth and Penryn. Book a table with friends or take a meal home and tuck into flavours from around the globe.
If you love fish and chips, the awardwinning Harbour Lights runs great deals all year round. You can eat on the quay, in the restaurant or in The ’Front bar beneath. There’s also a vegan tofu ‘fish’ fillet, wrapped in nori seaweed and deep fried.
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Habaneros
@habanerosfalmouth1
Stop by for burritos, fajitas and tacos, stuffed with pulled meat or veggie fillings and accompanied by your choice of Habaneros sauces – from mild, sweet mango to the challenging “super, super hot” Trinidad Scorpion, made with home-grown chillies.
Wilder
@wilder_kitchen
Look for the all-seeing eye on Falmouth’s Upton Slip (or follow your nose) to this popular plant-based Indian kitchen, which serves a different platter of delicious dishes – called a thali – each week. Fans are also raving about the sticky puddings.
IN A HURRY?
Grab a stool or a takeaway and enjoy fresh pizza favourites including the fiery ’nduja-topped Laser Lips and the Del Rey, with vodka sauce, mozzarella, pistachio pesto and parmesan. Even better, there’s student discount and a ‘Die Twice Tuesday’ deal.
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Sabzi
@sabzideli
Enjoy the mouthwatering flavours of the Middle East at Sabzi, founded by a MasterChef quarter-finalist, where seasonal salads, hummus, flatbreads and dahl star alongside homemade Persian Love Cake and cinnamon and tahini buns.
Whether you want to kickstart the day, catch up with friends or spend some quiet time with a good book, you’ll find no end of quality cafes in town. We’ve picked a few of the best for great coffee and guaranteed good vibes.
@espressini 1 2 5 4 3
Dark Pony
Among the best indie coffee spots in town, Dark Pony features a wall mural created by a Falmouth graphic design graduate, a global menu of roasts, a tempting array of pastries and a resident dog, Roo. Start the weekend here with a window seat and a slice of banana bread, or shake things up with a creamy matcha latte.
Beacon Coffee
@beacon_coffee
Situated on the Old High Street and run by true coffee connoisseurs (one of them a Falmouth photography graduate), Beacon is dedicated to sourcing and serving a selection of coffees from worldwide roasters. You can also buy coffee supplies for a home brew and treat yourself to cake, to eat in or take away.
Rubicund
For good coffee and likeminded company, make a beeline for Rubicund, a radical bookshop, vegan cafe and lending library tucked away in St George’s Arcade. The shelves are full of interesting reads, including titles on gender issues, feminism, politics, social theory, art, photography, poetry and more.
Espressini
Watch the baristas at work at Falmouth’s bright-pink artisan coffee hub, where they source the best beans from independent global growers and brew them to perfection. The interior is cosy and the cakes are divine, from creamy Portuguese custard tarts to indulgent specials such as the vegan Biscoff cake.
Tidal Coffee Van
If you’re down at Gylly beach and in need of refreshment, this revamped horsebox in cheery blue is the place to go for hot coffee and homemade biscotti. If the sun’s out, make it an iced mocha or chocolate. Takeaway only, of course, and with limited opening days in winter, but you can be sure of an inspiring view.
OUT OUT LET’S GO
OUT OUT
AS THE SUN SETS ACROSS FALMOUTH AND PENRYN, THE STREETS START BUZZING THANKS TO A PLETHORA OF BARS, MUSIC VENUES AND CLUBS.
Whether you’re into local brews, big tunes or cosy pub rooms, you and your crowd will be spoilt for choice when heading into town. Here are some of the top places to try when you’re going out-out.
THE BOATHOUSE
If you want to start your night on a high, you can’t go wrong with a trip to The Boathouse. Perched on a hill at the end of Falmouth’s Old High Street, this is a pub that’s full of life as soon as the doors swing open. You can relish some of the best views in Falmouth from their heated terrace, which looks out along the Fal Estuary and towards the Carrick Roads. Lively music nights on the terrace are a regular occurrence, as is their cosy weekly pub quiz. Extra points for being one of the most dog-friendly pubs in town – ideal if you want to make some four-legged friends.
@theboathousefalmouth
THE CHINTZ SYMPOSIUM AND UNDERLAND
No Falmouth night out is complete without a venture down into our town’s very own Wonderland. A true Falmouth institution, The Chintz Symposium is an eccentric haven full of mirrors, secret rooms and endless inspiration. Once you’ve soaked up the surreal surroundings (made even brighter in winter by the roaring fire), head downstairs to Underland for some serious entertainment: live music and poetry open mics jostle with comedy nights and jazz clubs to make this affordable hangout one of the most eclectic in town. You’ll find The Chintz and Underland nestled in the corner of Old Brewery Yard, a charming space home to independent makers, food pop-ups and regular courtyard parties.
@thechintzbar
THE POLY
Iconic in every sense of the word, The Poly on Church Street has been a hub for the arts, sciences and Cornish history since the 1800s. Upstairs in the lofty Grade II listed space you’ll find The Poly cafe bar. Stylish and simple, this is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-show drink if you’ve got tickets to a Poly performance or film screening.
@polyfalmouth
THE CORNISH BANK AND THE TOUC INN
If there was ever a venue to epitomise Falmouth, it’s the Cornish Bank. Inclusive, lively, surprising and soulful, the Bank has become our town’s creative epicentre. Their ‘pay what you can’ ticketing makes enjoying local and eclectic live music accessible, and with a soaring reputation, it’s attracting renowned acts down to Cornwall too (The Wytches, Pulled Apart by Horses and Young Knives are just some of the big names that have taken to the stage).
Among its international lineup, The Bank has featured major African musicians – with Damon Albarn joining Malian guitarist Afel Bocoum during his show in January. With a grassroots and community-centred ethos, there truly is something for everyone.
Turn right at the Bank’s front door and head downstairs to find The Touc Inn, a pub full of drinks, snacks, games and records. Make a night of it with a fresh, Napoli-style pizza from Lucky Rod – the ovens fire up in the pub garden several nights a week.
@cornishbank
THE ODDFELLOWS ARMS
Classic and cosy, The Oddfellows Arms is a proper community pub tucked away just off Falmouth’s bustling Arwenack Street. A fine, affordable drinking establishment for students and locals alike, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome and vast choice of refreshment. If you’re lucky enough to bag the back room, you’ll be in for hours of fun playing pool and board games. The monthly pub quiz is the cherry on top of this beloved local.
Theoddies Falmouth
OUT OUT
OUT OUT
FIVES
Local cider taps, TVs screening big sports fixtures, a buzzing beer garden playing tunes into the evening and an underground venue hosting wild multi-genre club nights… it’s no wonder Fives is a favourite student haunt. Taking over one of Grove Place’s famous townhouses, this fun-loving venue is certain to inject some energy into your night out yet is equally ideal if you’re looking for an easy-going spot to spend a few hours with friends.
VERDANT TAPROOM
Since Cornwall’s inventive Verdant brewery set up a taproom just a stone’s throw from Penryn Campus, it has become a hive of creative activity. Serving up 20 lines of their award-winning vegan craft beer alongside specially selected spirits, wines and alcoholfree offerings, the spacious and sleek industrial interior is the perfect place to hang out. Throw into the mix the taproom’s regular DJ sets, vinyl nights, discos and film screenings, and you’ve got the recipe for a seriously memorable night.
THE THIRSTY SCHOLAR
Pubs don’t get much more classic than The Thirsty Scholar in Penryn. This former coaching house packs a punch when it comes to character and is a crowd-pleaser all year round thanks to its open fire and idyllic beer garden. The staff are friendly, the drinks are free-flowing and its location – just a short walk from Penryn Campus – makes it the perfect place to start any pub crawl. Or simply gather around the fire with friends and settle in for the evening.
THE FISH FACTORY
You can’t miss Penryn’s Fish Factory, a bold and colourful space on the busy Commercial Road. Once you’ve discovered the delights in store, you won’t want to miss it. A trendy shop, vegan cafe and artist studio space by day, and a diverse events venue by night, The Fish Factory is the place to discover the local punk scene, dazzling burlesque shows and much more. And if that wasn't cool enough, it also houses an inclusive recording studio, a contemporary gallery and an experimental photography collective.
THE GRAPES
With its harbourside views and central location, this refurbished haunt ticks all the boxes for students. Fusing a ‘locals’ feel with fun drinks deals and live sports, The Grapes does a great job of serving Falmouth’s vibrant and diverse community. Expect plenty of events throughout the week too, from quizzes to karaoke.
THE KILLIGREW INN
There’s truly something for everyone at one of Falmouth’s most beloved pubs. It may be halfway up the steep incline that is Killigrew Street, but it’s more than worth the climb: cheap drinks, quality pool tables, live sport and some of the best independent live music in town. If punk and alternative tunes are your jam, check out their Insta page for the latest shows.
1. Idle Tongues at Fives; 2. COSM at The Upper Deck; 3. The Touc Inn; 4. Webmoms at the Cornish Bank; 5. Verdant Taproom; 6. The Fish Factory; 7. The Cornish Bank.
Better than Boardies? Tunes in the Dunes at Perranporth
Beach.
TOP 5
BOARDMASTERS IS ONE OF THE UK’S BEST-LOVED SUMMER MUSIC EVENTS – AND IT’S RIGHT ON OUR DOORSTEP. BUT CORNWALL’S FESTIVAL SCENE DOESN’T STOP THERE. TAKE A LOOK AT THE LINE-UP OF BRILLIANT BEACH PARTIES, THEMED EVENTS AND FUN GOINGS-ON…
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Tunes in the Dunes
The big one – a celebration of sun (sometimes), surf, music and beach life on the cliffs at Watergate Bay, near Newquay, where a pop-up town emerges to accommodate a five-day riot of indoor raves, open-air parties and watersports fun. Boardmasters is home to the largest outdoor silent disco in the UK and boasts headliners this year including Lily Allen, The Kooks, Kasabian and Fatboy Slim.
Finish up your first year on the sands at Perranporth Beach. This three-day live music fest each June is a more pocket-friendly option, featuring a retro line-up – this year featuring Basement Jaxx, Sigala, Charlie Hedges and Eats Everything –and a nightly after-party. Go sea swimming before dancing to DJs until the early hours and camping out under the stars.
Sea Shanty Festival Rattler Fest
Cornwall’s favourite cyder brand has built a big following for its April bash, where old timers such as D:Ream, Dub Pistols and Chesney Hawkes join the likes of Mr C of The Shamen fame. It’s a proper party, based at the Rattler HQ on a country farm, featuring fairground rides, yodelling competitions, Apres Ski Lodge sessions and even the Rattler Olympics.
Boardmasters Wanderfal
Wander between stages and genres at a this community music fest in April, which sprawls between town locations. Legendary venue the Cornish Bank invites favourites such as The Golden Dregs, art-pop trio Stealing Sheep and multi-instrumentalists Truthpaste, plus emerging and international talent. From soul to psychedelia, synth-driven party rhythms and garage rock, expect the unexpected.
Here’s one you won’t find elsewhere! As this free nautical knees-up takes over our University town in June, the streets fill with the sounds of more than 90 shanty groups – recalling the days when Falmouth was the first safe port of call for deepwater sailing ships. Look out for the Barnacle Buoys, local favourites The Oggymen and the all-girl Femmes de la Mer.
Our colourful town is definitely more one of a kind than run of the mill, peppered with imaginative shops and unique businesses. Here’s where to find what’s funky, alternative and original.
Roma Surf
@beerwolf_books 1 2 5 4 3
The newest of several surf shops in town, Roma stocks wetsuits, accessories and prestigious board brands including BOS and Toy Boat alongside its own. There are branded tees, caps and tote bags for those on a tighter budget, plus pop-up pizza nights with music and drinks where the surfing tips are free.
Blackdog
@blackdoghaircutters
A styling destination with a difference. Offering some of the coolest cuts around, with barbering and colouring experts to razor, fade, blend and bleach, Blackdog also serves as a hot-desking hub and a sometime music venue. Look for the glitterball in the window and then check out the eclectic interior.
Dig N Delve
Dig N Delve
Find your next bargain at this thrift emporium, packed with everything preloved – from denim to DVDs and skate stuff to old-school stereos and games consoles. Bag a wetsuit for watersports and browse a fine selection of guitars and vinyl. When you’re done with with rummaging, you can play Street Fighter for free.
Sailors Jail
@sailorsjail
Housed in an original sailors’ jail, dating back to 1666, this unique creative space showcases work from local artists, students and alumni. Above the basement gallery sits a shop and a small studio, hosting art classes and workshops. You’ll find it on an alleyway leading down to the water – look for the mermaids.
Beerwolf Books
Tucked away in a small side alley, the back half of this characterful pub is a bookshop – crammed with contemporary and classic literature, graphic novels and thoughtprovoking non-fiction. With a warm atmosphere and a fine array of ales and ciders, it’s the perfect place to while away the hours.
@romasurf
IT DISPELS DARKNESS, REVEALS THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD AROUND US AND INSPIRES NEW WAYS OF SEEING. JOIN US TO TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC.
As a fundamental element of image-making, light lies at the heart of our lens-based courses. Here, three final-year Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) students use light to shape their stories – harnessing its power to evoke clarity and calm, to reveal the fragile wonder of our night skies and to illuminate a world beyond the scope of the naked eye.
“They started suddenly and evolved quickly,” says Nicolas of the stress-induced tics that plagued his teenage years. “One thing helped me to cope: the ocean. Watching the water move and the light dance across its surface, breaking through to the seabed, brought me peace.”
Nicolas sought to capture the light on Cornwall’s beaches, where he’d spent memorable times. “I'd often wake before the sun, leaving the house not knowing what colours the morning might bring, or wait patiently for sundown. Shooting in the water gave me a stronger sense of connection, but in rough conditions I had to work from the shore with a zoom lens – pushing my creativity in new directions.”
Deeble In Light of it All @ndeeble.photography
Nicolas
“Human technologies have slowly shrouded the earth in illuminance,” says Toby, reflecting on the growing footprint of artificial light pollution that hinders astronomical observation. “Greed is visible. Proposals such as the SpaceX plan to turn the night sky into a constellation of AI databases takes the issue far beyond seeing fewer stars.”
Accompanied by a short film, Toby’s collection presents the night sky as it was, as it is now and as it may become. “I’d camp out overnight beneath the skies of Cornwall and Dorset,” he says. “The high-end kit I could access through the University, along with the expertise of the lecturers, helped me capture light within darkness.”
Toby Sinkinson
The Mega Constellation @sinkifoto
One of the most diverse and successful forms of life, parasitoid wasps remain largely hidden from view.
“They’re often no bigger than the tip of a pin and their lives unfold mostly in darkness – concealed within the bodies of other living organisms,” says Aryah. Working with Harper Adams University and London’s Natural History Museum, Aryah used macro photography, advanced scientific imaging and artistic reconstruction to capture the wasps’ development from egg and larva to pupa and adult.
“These organisms are photographed at a scale that pushes the limits of light itself, where natural colour disappears and structure becomes almost imperceptible,” adds Aryah, who collaborated with Dr Alex Ball to develop new imaging techniques for the project.
Aryah Nagarajan Unseen Queens @_kurotori00_
Final cut: Lillian's dance garment Lattice Jumper
SKETCH STITCH SHOOT
FROM INITIAL OUTFIT CONCEPTS TO MAGAZINEWORTHY IMAGES, STUDENTS IN OUR FASHION & TEXTILES INSTITUTE COLLABORATE TO BRING CREATIVE VISIONS TO LIFE.
LILLIAN COOPER Fashion Design BA(Hons)
"For my final-year collection Unloose, I drew inspiration from dance. With an interest in outdoor and technical wear, and a background as a dancer, I focused on how garments move on the body. The leather piece Lattice Jumper references a classic sweatshirt silhouette reimagined with laser-cut panels to create shape and movement. Producing these ‘slices’ proved challenging, requiring patience to repeatedly refine the lines and improve results. It demanded a real commitment to both the process and the collection as a whole.
"Completing Unloose marked the culmination of the technical skills I’ve developed on the course. As my personal style evolved, I learned how to apply these skills to my own creative vision. The course prepares you for industry, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsibility – an awareness of what that means, even when a garment itself is not fully sustainable. Coming from the fast-paced, competitive world of London, Falmouth gave me the space to develop creatively."
DIANA GIBBONS
Fashion Design BA(Hons)
"I wanted to pose a rhetorical question: what’s the true price of luxury and quality in fashion? In designing my final-year collection Tales of Knitwear & Weave, I collaborated with Textile Design BA(Hons) student Twig Searle, who created hand-dyed and woven cloth, while I led on design, pattern cutting, direction and construction. The woven Twig’s Dress alone took around 200 hours to make. It feels incredible against the skin, but would people be willing to pay for that level of craftsmanship?
"I chose to study fashion at Falmouth rather than following the London trend. The tutors here don’t push you towards a house look but instead focus on who you are as an individual. I soon began designing for myself rather than others, asking, ‘what do I want?’ My work has since drawn on sustainability, recyclability and minimising textile waste, and I hope to take these values forward into a career in the industry."
As part of a second-year ‘Collaboration’ module, Laurie Wignall worked with a team of students from our Fashion Photography and Fashion Styling & Art Direction BA(Hons) degrees to stage and shoot the two collections…
Fashion Photography BA(Hons)
"I pushed myself outside my comfort zone when planning the direction and mood of the shoot. I usually work on location, so I felt a little nervous in the studio, but I prepared well in advance to consider lighting, colour and posing. The project gave me my first real taste of industry and I learned to manage challenges and adapt to unexpected changes on the day itself.
"As I finish my second year, I’m developing a more distinctive style. I love the process of film; colour darkroom facilities are rare and we’re fortunate to have access to them at Falmouth. I’m inspired by Elaine Constantine, Petra Collins and Nadia Lee Cohen – artists who translate their lived experiences and perspectives into their work. I was recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD and I’m finding personal meaning in ideas of girlhood and uncertainty, working from a female perspective. Looking at my images of Lillian and Diana’s collections, it’s good to see how far I’ve come."
Amerie Remy-Aidoo, Fashion Marketing.
The shoot was a collaboration between second-year BA(Hons) students: Fashion Photography: Laurie Wignall, Alexia Smith, Jess Grindle; Fashion Styling & Art Direction: Emily Gozzard, Isabella Owen, Gracie Edmondson. Models: George Hankins, Creative Events Management,
LAURIE WIGNALL
True value: Diana's designs
Buckthorn Tunic (left) and Twig's Dress
TOP 5 GIVE IT A TRY
Step out of your comfort zone with a new hobby or an adrenalinefuelled adventure. If you’re already a pro, join the local scene. But don’t worry about being a first-timer –you’ll be among people only too happy to share their expertise.
Baseball league
@trurobaseballuk 1 2
Take a swing at baseball with up-andcoming team the Truro Blue Jays – no kit or experience needed. This inclusive and very sociable club practises indoors in winter and offers free taster sessions at various venues. As players progress, there’s the chance to take part in baseball leagues in the West Country and beyond.
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Indoor skatepark
@loveparkuk
Work on some new tricks at Falmouth’s indoor skate park. Open every day, with a women’s night each Tuesday and lessons available from a professional skateboarder and qualified coach, LovePark features ramps, rails, hips, ledges, a driveway and a wall ride – ideal for practising the basics or for a more challenging skate.
Circus school
@cirkhes
Trapeze, tight rope, aerial silks and hoops – master these skills at Cirk Hes, an exciting school in nearby Helston offering circus classes for all abilities, with student concessions. Learn, train and perform with the pros. Just imagine astounding your friends and family with your ability to unicycle, juggle or walk on stilts.
Via Ferrata
@viaferrata_cornwall
Meaning ‘iron stairway’, this climbing, high wire and zipline adventure takes you around the quarry cliffs before you cross the chasm on a 70m long single strand of wire. Find your Matrix moment by leaping from the cliff edge on a zipwire finale. You can also try freshwater coasteering, watersports and archery at this cool out-of-town venue.
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Mountain biking
cornwallmtb.co.uk
With the tagline “Get out, get fit and get muddy”, Cornwall MTB club is a fun way to explore the county by bike. Weekend rides range from a relaxing “smooth and flat-ish” to hardcore routes with “relentless steep downhills”. Trips to popular bike parks, featuring technical tracks, will keep your riding skills sharp.
WITH THE LONGEST COASTLINE IN THE COUNTRY, CORNWALL IS HOME TO MORE THAN 300 BEACHES – FROM SECRET COVES JUST WAITING TO BE EXPLORED TO SPECTACULAR SANDY STRETCHES AND EPIC SURFING VENUES THAT ARE THE ENVY OF THE WORLD.
We’ve picked four of our favourites to get you started. As a student here, you’ll find one of the best just a short walk from Falmouth campus. Picture yourself strolling there after studies with a towel tucked under your arm and your shades on – it really is that close!
As you find your feet, you can share transport or travel by bus to these blockbusters further afield. Whether you want to catch a wave, take a dip or just stroll along the shore and enjoy a refreshing blast of salt spray, there’s something for everyone.
GYLLYNGVASE
FISTRAL
PENRYN CAMPUS
FALMOUTH CAMPUS
GODREVY
Considered the home of British surfing and a mecca for thrill-seekers and global competitors, this iconic beach is close to the lively town of Newquay. Nearby, the mighty Cribbar reef wave is revered as England’s biggest and most deadly. BEST FOR: A full-on surf scene with big swell, local bars and buzzing festivals – including the legendary Boardmasters.
On a vast stretch of sand with a stunning skyline, Godrevy and neighbouring Gwithian are a go-to for surfing, bodyboarding or simply seeking inspiration. The view from nearby St Ives to Godrevy Island prompted Virginia Woolf to write To the Lighthouse. BEST FOR: Spotting seals at nearby Mutton Cove and the dramatic cliffs at Hell’s Mouth.
GYLLYNGVASE
BEACH
Known to locals as ‘Gylly’, this is the place to be for beach volleyball, summer barbeques and swimming year-round. Boasting Blue Flag status, this perfect sandy crescent is lifeguarded in the season and home to one of the UK’s leading surf life saving clubs. BEST FOR: The takeaway bar on the beach. A bacon brioche bap always goes down well after a dip.
KYNANCE COVE
In a picture-postcard setting with clifftop footpaths that wind their way down to a magical cove, Kynance is cool for stunning sands at low tide and pounding waves at high water. Home to serpentine rock formations and a mysterious Mermaid’s Pool. BEST FOR: Picturing the the scene – House of the Dragon and the new Harry Potter series were filmed here.
FISTRAL BEACH
GODREVY BEACH
STAY SAFE
Enjoy the beach safely and happily by taking a few simple precautions. Be aware of tide times and rip dangers and follow advice from the lifeguards about local conditions. Unless you’re a pro, be realistic about your surfing ability. The Students’ Union (SU) club Fal Surf will help you progress, whatever your experience.
For those who want to do more than bask in the sun, there’s plenty to do at the beach. The sea doesn’t just make for a great backdrop – it’s an aquatic playground where you can enjoy a range of water-based activities.
SEA SWIMMING
Studies suggest that immersion in cold water, along with time spent in nature, is not only a great way to stay active but it can boost mental health and the immune system. Our local beaches, Gylly, Swanpool and Maenporth, are great places for open water swimming, as the water is usually calm. There can occasionally be surf and rip tides, however, so get to know your chosen location and always check that it’s safe. If you haven’t swum in the sea before, it’s a good idea to get a swimming buddy or join a local group. Sensible measures include a bright-coloured cap, goggles and a tow float, to help you see and be seen. It's also wise to acclimatise to the cold water and get dressed and warm as soon as possible afterwards. You’ll find safety advice online at sea swimming sites or rnli.org
KAYAKING
The SU Kayak Club runs regular skills sessions, as well as weekend trips paddling and surfing the coast. In and around Falmouth, you can hire kayaks from Swanpool, Gylly Beach, Mylor Harbour and Loe Beach.
SCUBA DIVING
The local waters offer spectacular diving with great visibility, wrecks and sea life aplenty. Fal Dive is a student-led club that helps to keep the costs down. You can also try Dive UK in Falmouth or Seaways in Penryn.
GIG ROWING
Originally working boats that guided ships into the harbour, the 32ft-long gigs are now raced for fun. Falmouth Pilot Gig Club runs intro sessions from the Watersports Centre in town – or join the University club, which sent a crew to the world championships on the Isles of Scilly this year.
SUP
Explore the coves and beaches around Falmouth on a stand-up paddleboard (or SUP). Check out local clubs and hire centres online.
SURF LIFE SAVING
Improve your water confidence and endurance with a sport based on surf rescue techniques, combining swimming, running and board paddling. While the emphasis is on fun and fitness, some local clubs compete and also offer the opportunity to train and qualify as a beach lifeguard.
“I WANTED TO PUT TIME AND EFFORT INTO BECOMING A HUMAN PRINTER.”
CTRL + ALT+ PROTEST
IS TECH TAKING OVER OUR LIVES? ONE STUDENT REFLECTS.
Intrigued by screen use and the digitisation of social behaviours (including his own), Drawing BA(Hons) student Louis King pasted prints from his final-year project Do Not Disturb onto empty shop windows in Falmouth and observed the response of passers-by. Louis also created a vast image of his own eye, composed of thousands of hand-drawn dots, with the
glow of his phone screen reflected in the pupil. “Instead of pressing ‘enter’ and printing an image, I used several pens to draw each dot by hand, as a protest against our dependence on technology,” he says.
See footage of Louis’ street performance piece at @louiss_drawing
“TERRIFICALLY ATMOSPHERIC, THRUMMING WITH FOREBODING AND DREAD.”
The Spectator
Making waves: the feature film Rose of Nevada garnered critical acclaim on its UK release this spring.
ACCESS ALL AREAS
CREWING ON MAJOR UK RELEASE
ROSE OF NEVADA PROVED A CAREERMAKING OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS OF FILM AT FALMOUTH. WE WENT BEHIND THE SCENES TO FIND OUT MORE.
Rock stars: the crew manipulated the boat in a studio environment to recreate stormy sea conditions.
The chance to work on a film set as a student or recent graduate is a big deal – bigger still when the director in question is Mark Jenkin. Our Distinguished Professor of Film Practice has been instrumental in putting Cornish filmmaking on the map with a string of bold and distinctive films that have earned international acclaim, including BAFTA winner Bait and folk horror Enys Men.
Through the University’s Sound/Image Cinema Lab, students from our School of Film & Television were selected to work on Mark’s highly anticipated fishing tale Rose of Nevada, shot entirely on location in Cornwall last year. Trainee and shadowing roles were available across the full spectrum of the production process, from lighting and costume to art direction – giving more than 30 students invaluable hands-on experience. Falmouth graduates were also involved, including Film BA(Hons) alumna Rachel Burton, who is now assistant producer at production company Bosena and managed the student team.
See how the Falmouth crew rose to the challenge in a real-world production environment...
“I’d just completed my first year when I applied by sending my CV and a cover letter; after an interview with Rachel, I secured the role of AD trainee. I had to lock off areas and control the public to ensure shots weren't interrupted during filming and help cue the actors. I also mastered how to make the PERFECT coffee.
“This was my second time on a professional set and I was still very nervous, but the crew was so friendly and accommodating. There are stressful moments when things need to be done with speed, but it’s also important to keep morale high – and I learned how to balance efficiency with fun.”
TOM CHURCHILL
“Spending three weeks on set – two of them paid – gave me a new perspective on being part of a larger crew. As a second-year student, the scale of the project was a huge learning curve, but it also gave me the confidence to pursue a career as a spark [lighting technician]. Since then, I’ve worked across shorts, commercials, features and television.
“The experience was unique. At one point I was hired to rock the boat in a studio; at others, I was chatting with actors between takes in the sun at a beautiful harbour. Being outside and hands-on with Cornish shoots has given me an edge over studio-based sparks. On a recent Channel 5 shoot in Scotland, the cold and wet felt very familiar."
ELLA CANNON
“A CORNISH MODERN CLASSIC.”
“This was my first job straight out of university. I applied for summer work experience on the film, as it felt like an accessible way to get that first step onto a professional set.
“I initially joined for a week as a production runner but ended up staying for three, working across various areas, including helping with costume dailies. One of the main challenges was adjusting to the pace and unpredictability of a real set compared to university projects. You have to be ready to jump in wherever needed. I now work as a production assistant, and this experience was key to getting there, giving me the contacts and confidence to move onto other productions. You learn quickly to stay calm, move fast and take the chaos in your stride.”
“I didn’t have a lot of experience to offer when I answered the crew call, but I gained work on set in the art department with the construction and painting team. I learnt a lot from the scenic painters, including techniques to create authentic finishes. I’m now a second-year student and since the film I’ve worked on industry productions and as a production designer on a short film – my first paid role.”
“As a spark trainee, I assisted the lighting team by keeping our workspace organised, ensuring batteries and equipment were charged, fetching whatever the gaffer or best boy needed and, of course, making lots of tea. In the final week, during interior boat scenes, the lighting setups changed very little. Figuring out where I could be useful was initially a challenge, but once I understood the rhythm of the production it became easier to step in where needed.
“While I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, I realised being a spark wasn’t for me. I now work as a creative director at Worldwide Veterinary Service, where I often operate a camera and conduct interviews. The project gave me a valuable understanding of shaping light and translating ideas into practical on-screen results.”
KITTY MOSS
LAUREN CLARK
SULLY TARRANT
Rose of Nevada earns praise from film critic Mark Kermode
NEVADA ROSE OF
WHAT DID THE FILM LOOK LIKE ON THE BIG SCREEN? TAKING HER SEAT AT THE POLY IN FALMOUTH, THIRD-YEAR ENGLISH & CREATIVE WRITING BA(HONS) STUDENT MARTHA JENKINS OFFERS HER PERSPECTIVE…
Through its fishing boats, rugged faces and haunting shots of the Cornish sea, Mark Jenkin’s eerie story tells the tale of time-travelling fishermen. Jenkin’s third instalment in his Cornish trilogy makes the viewer feel as if they are watching a piece of longforgotten history, an archive of a fishing village lost to time. The grainy feel is reminiscent of a home video or a 1970s documentary.
Throughout, Jenkin works wonders with his ability to portray the texture of being human. People are shown in all their glory: veins protrude from foreheads, cheeks are rosy and skin is wrinkled and textured. We see the realities of a town changed by industries left behind. In the rust of the boat itself, the cracked edges in MacKay’s ceiling and the jagged message inscribed on the wooden interior of the boat, we are shown the hauntingly beautiful nostalgia of a not-so-distant past.
Jenkin bends any expectations of a traditional ghost story. In the present day, our main characters have not died, yet are taken back and forth through time, stepping into the shoes of those who passed away on the fishing boat Rose of Nevada. Through his unconventional grasp on time, Jenkin allows the viewer to appreciate the grief, confusion and tragedy of both the townspeople and those lost at sea. He explores how time affects people in startlingly different ways. Nick (George MacKay), is desperate to return to the present day to his wife and young daughter, stuck between past and present versions of himself. Nick’s urge to return to the present is contrasted by Liam (Callum Turner), who is quick to adapt to his new life. Assumed to be the long-lost partner and father of a family in the past, he is taken in and both loved and criticised by his wife.
He is gifted a red cap by his new daughter (similar to that of Harry Dean Stanton in Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas), which guides the viewer through the time skips. Liam is happy to forget his past and accept life as it now looks, whereas Nick is desperate to return home. Through the plot twist, Jenkin questions whether the past is truly worth returning to. The sound design, often metronomic in nature, keeps the viewer gripped. Through the repetitive ticking of a clock, Jenkin reminds us that time is passing but not in the way we have come to expect. Liam and Nick are lost to time, just like those who vanished on the original boat. The fishing village is stuck in a more industrial age. They are living and working in a village held back by grief, forced back to a nostalgic time neither of them were around to remember.
Jenkin lovingly portrays Cornwall in all its colours, the 16mm film highlighting the wonderfully vivid shades of Jenkin’s work. The sea, in both its danger and beauty, is shown in the brightest blue that leaves the viewer longing for more of the director’s technicolor-esque love letter to his home county. Modern-day Cornwall is often reduced to tourism and postcard imagery, yet Rose of Nevada highlights the hard-working industries that shaped the county long before holidaymakers arrived. Jenkin understands there is beauty in the everyday, capturing Cornwall’s working communities all while telling a quiet and haunting ghost story.
MEET THE PEOPLE OF FALMOUTH! FROM ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS TO STYLE-SETTERS AND GO-GETTERS, THE TOWN IS HOME TO AN ECLECTIC MIX OF CHARACTERS.
Vinted and Bershka
Where’s your weekend go-to?
Castle beach for rock pooling and Beerwolf for books and hot chocolate
What makes Falmouth different?
The music scene: the Cornish Bank
Top tip for new students?
Take the ferry to St Anthony Head and walk the coast. There’s loads to see
Charity shops, like the British Red Cross store, and Urban Outfitters
Where’s your weekend go-to?
A beer garden and a beach
What’s best about Falmouth?
The folks – they’re really welcoming
Top tip for new students?
Get lost, in the nicest way! Explore the alleyways and venues you find
Creative artist and sculptor
Where do you buy your clothes?
Charity shops and dumpster diving
Where’s your weekend go-to?
Coffee with friends at Ukrainian Soul
What makes Falmouth different?
The colour and the people. It’s an accepting community
Top tip for new students?
Don’t underestimate the music scene – and make use of the uni facilities
Where’s your weekend go-to?
A pint in the Chain Locker and playing cards on the picnic benches
What makes Falmouth different?
It’s a proper High Street town, where people say hello Top tip for new students? Make the most of the sun
Dig N Delve, Clints and Minga London
Where’s your weekend go-to?
A day at Gylly beach, a meal at Pizza Jockeys and a night out at Fives
What’s best about Falmouth?
It’s quite quirky – different to everywhere else Top tip for new students? Stay in Falmouth over summer
Where’s your weekend go-to?
The Shed, for my favourite steak What makes Falmouth different? Everything! I moved here from Nigeria and for me it’s been a hit Top tip for new students? Be open-minded. The town is full of beautiful, friendly people
DUNCAN
CAMERON STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
ARTIST
It’s fair to say that the Falmouth lecturers are an inspirational bunch. Alongside lending their expertise to our budding creatives, they’re out there leading the way – exploring the polar regions, writing acclaimed novels, directing BAFTA-winning films and breaking new ground in the gaming industry.
Duncan Cameron, Head of Art, is an environmentalist, naturalist, diver and beekeeper. His practice, which spans journalling, sketchbooks, sculpture and installation, earned him this year’s John Ruskin Art Prize. As he took a break from building a giant wicker cephalopod, for a project highlighting the impact of ocean pollution on vulnerable species, we caught up with Duncan to discover what fuels his creative energy.
“I was always doodling in my school books. Growing up in Norfolk, I spent my time drawing, playing with Lego, making Airfix models and building dens. Nature has been a constant source of inspiration; I planned to study marine biology, but when I completed an Art Foundation after A-Levels I realised I’d found my place. These were my people – and I never looked back.
“I’m a keen diver with a love for the Cornish seas. After completing a fine art degree and teaching and managing art foundation courses, I seized the opportunity to join Falmouth University. In 2022, I came on board to establish the new Integrated Foundation Year – a role that felt as though it had been written for me.
“FALMOUTH IS BRILLIANT: A VIBRANT TOWN, WARM PEOPLE AND COURSES WITH THE ENERGY AND CHALLENGE TO BRING OUT YOUR BEST.”
“Everyone can draw – and we can all be artists, if the will is there. Making art is a calling: an honest commitment to the enjoyment and challenge of continually developing your skills. Draw regularly and progress comes quickly; with each new piece, your knowledge and critical awareness will grow. But be kind to yourself – and try to avoid comparison with others.
“It was a wonderful surprise to win the 2026 John Ruskin Prize. Going to London to see the shortlisted exhibits is always exciting; there are some terrific artworks on display. My work Stratigraphy was inspired by observation of the Somerset landscape. A cabinet acts as a museum frame, housing an ethically gathered fieldwork collection of bones from mice, shrews and voles, the prey of tawny and barn owls inhabiting shifting wetlands. Recovered from owl pellets, the bones are arranged beneath a reedbed skyline, evoking the often unseen, non-human lives that surround us.
“In a world of AI, we should celebrate the weird and the wonky. People want to enjoy true, idiosyncratic and quirky human creativity, the material skills and message making that communicate with us in a way that derivative AI never will. Art will endure, as it has previously with the development of printing, photography and the internet.
“The landscape here is endlessly inspiring – from the raw, rugged coastline at Cape Cornwall to remote beaches and moorland crags and tors. There’s so much to capture in town, too, such as the Pendennis boatyards glimpsed from the railings above and the National Maritime Museum. I love observing town life: I run an informal group with students and together we sketch folk musicians at local pubs, including The ’Front, The Cornish Bank and The Moth & The Moon. Drawing encourages me to slow down and find focus. It’s part of my regular routine, along with a sea swim before work or a walk to the beach to make time for thinking and perspective.
“I’m never without my art tool roll, with its pencils, pens and sharpeners. If I were shipwrecked, I’d also want a thick, hardback sketchbook, so I could draw the island creatures and landscapes and record my experiences and observations in a rich, evolving journal.”
OCEAN AWARENESS
Duncan’s campaign for cleaner seas saw him build a 21ft mechanical ‘basket shark’, from materials including salvaged bamboo, pallet wood and willow, to parade at the Surfers Against Sewage Paddle-Out Protest 2025 and on World Ocean Day. This summer, it’s The Rise of the Cephalopods as a giant cuttlefish joins the crusade, created by Duncan and a team of staff and students.
TOP 5 ARTS FILM &
You’re never far from an inspiring installation, exhibition or performance in Cornwall. You'll find one of the country’s leading art galleries, an open-air theatre in a spectacular cliffside setting and an abundance of homegrown talent.
The Minack
The Poly
Located in the heart of Falmouth, The Poly was founded in 1833 ‘to promote the useful and fine arts’. This popular venue continues that ethos today – screening a mix of independent and new films and hosting workshops, talks and live performances, as well as providing a space for art and craft exhibitions.
@polyfalmouth 1 2 5
Tate St Ives
@tatestives
St Ives has long been a haven for artists, drawn to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean by the quality of light. Tate St Ives is worth the journey, with its striking architecture and exhibitions by local and international artists. Make a day of it and visit the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden as well.
@phoenixfalmouth 4 3
@minacktheatre
You may need a friend with a car, but a trip to The Minack is essential. Perched on granite cliffs and overlooking Porthcurno Bay, this is a venue like no other. Wrap up warm for an open-air concert or a play, with the outdoor setting adding an other-worldly dimension to an already dramatic performance.
amata.org.uk
Located on Penryn Campus, the Academy of Music & Theatre Arts (AMATA) is more than a learning space. This purpose-built performance centre and professional venue hosts international music, theatre, dance and comedy from leading acts. There’s a real creative vibe, a great cafe and discounted tickets for students.
The Phoenix
We have more than our fair share of arts and retro cinemas in Cornwall, such as the small but characterful Phoenix in Falmouth. Other favourites include the Art Deco-style Regal in Redruth and the Filmhouse near the fishing harbour in Newlyn, where a ‘no crunching, no rustling’ policy will please film buffs.
THIS YEAR WE INVITED CONTENT CREATOR AND STREAMER BOBA TO OUR GAMES EXPO TO IMMERSE HERSELF IN THE STANDOUT WORK COMING OUT OF THE GAMES ACADEMY. BOBA, ALSO KNOWN ONLINE AS BOBAWITCH, OFTEN APPEARS IN COLLABORATION WITH YOGSCAST AND STREAMS A MIX OF GAMES TO HER WHOLESOME COMMUNITY OF FOLLOWERS.
PROFILE: BOBA
BASED IN BRISTOL AND ORIGINALLY FROM FLORIDA, BOBA STREAMS ON TWITCH TO TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FOLLOWERS, DRAWN IN BY HER HUMOUR AND THE LIVELY CHAT AS MUCH AS THE GAMES.
"WHEN I WALKED INTO FALMOUTH'S GAMES ACADEMY EXPO, I HONESTLY WASN'T SURE WHAT TO EXPECT. BY THE TIME I LEFT I'D TEARED UP AND PICKED UP A SUDDEN URGE TO REOPEN GAME DEVELOPMENT TOOLS LIKE BLENDER AND UNITY.
“The Falmouth University Games Expo is an annual event that showcases all of the work of the students in the Games Academy, and I spent the day checking everything out and talking with the students. The scale of it got me first. There were so many different games set up across about three large rooms, plus a room dedicated to character design and art courses, and even robotics.
A SHOWCASE THAT BLEW ME AWAY
“I've been to a fair few conventions, so I had something to compare it to. The students cleared the bar easily. I was super impressed with the set-up and the amount of effort all of the students put into their games and booths. It was even leagues above some of the anime and video game conventions I've been to. The demos I played were so polished, even better than a lot of demos from well-known publishers.
“I just wish I'd had time to play more. Some of my standouts were Buggin' Out, Buck Up, Bubble!,
The Dopple-Effect and Brine. Brine, now in development by a team that has graduated, was just so well developed, it was like I'd stumbled onto it on Steam, bought it and downloaded it to play.
The Dopple-Effect won me over with a really clever idea, giving each player a different perspective through blue and red glasses. At the Buck Up, Bubble! booth, the student who spoke to me was absolutely lovely and made the experience of playing that much better.
Levelling up: Boba gets hands-on with student game Greedies.
boba boba69 boba.wtch
SEEING THE WORK BEHIND THE GAME
“I studied a ton of art and art history at uni, it's what my degree is in, and I really love character design and making models in 3D creation software Blender. The art and interactive installations really spoke to me.
“You usually get a game once it's finished, or at least in early access, so you don't always think about everything that actually goes into making it. I loved that the expo put the art and art studies right alongside the playable games, because it showed that the students all have different talents and interests. The coding and developing shows up in the game itself, and you might buy the artwork of a game, but you don't often get to directly connect that with the actual process.
THE PEOPLE ARE WHAT STAYED WITH ME
“You could feel the excitement in the air. The students were really looking forward to their futures in game development, and that energy was infectious. I'm also a huge emotional baby, so walking through the expo and attending the awards show had me tearing up a bit, which I successfully hid. Speaking with the students has honestly, no joke, become one of the highlights of my career as a content creator.
“Getting to talk to the faculty felt like a bonus too. Each one of them was such a cool person, and you could tell they really believed not only in the students but in the programme itself. They seemed to be on the same wavelength as the students, or wanted to work hard to understand them. The award show on the final day was just another example of how they go above and beyond. It made me really hopeful for young people, ones I could see a lot of myself in at that age, having a wonderful environment to be themselves and be embraced for their interests.
“I want to say a proper thank you. To the staff and academic staff who spoke so highly of the students, to everyone who made me feel so welcome, and most of all to the students who took the time to talk to me and were so engaging.
“It honestly did shift how I think about game making. More than anything, witnessing all of their hard work has me eager to open my games engine back up and put some more work in.”
"IN A DIFFERENT LIFE I TOTALLY WOULD HAVE LOVED ATTENDING FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY — AND THAT'S NOT ME INSERTING AN AD."
IT’S TURN! YOUR
COSPLAY & COMIC CON
A celebration of pop culture comes to Cornwall this summer with the Comic, Movie and Anime Fest in Penryn, an explosion of cosplay contests, live-action roleplay, character meets, film and games. Various Comic Con and Gaming events take place across the county year-round, including UKCGF spectaculars at Exeter and Newquay. Check their Instagram for local listings.
@truebutterfliesfoundation
@ukcgf
DID YOU KNOW?
WONDERING WHAT THE SCENE IS LIKE FOR GAMES FANS AT FALMOUTH? WITH SOCIETIES, GAMING STORES AND COSPLAY GET-TOGETHERS, YOU WON’T BE BOARD. (SEE WHAT WE DID THERE?)
VIDEO GAMING
If you love electronic entertainment, try the Students’ Union (SU) Gaming Soc. Based around the community and culture of video games, this popular club runs events and meet-ups to cater for all, from tournament-ready gamers to the newest of players. You’ll find beginner-friendly favourites, such as Mario Kart and Mario Party, and those for experienced gamers: Guilty Gear, BlazBlue and many more.
ESPORTS
The FLEX Esports society welcomes casual and competitive players, with opportunities to compete in weekly NSE and NUEL matches – and potentially LAN Events. “Team players can create identities, elect captains and access volunteer coaching,” says Esports & Livestreaming BA(Hons) student Raven Weston. “We’ve had coaches in the Overwatch top 500 and a Valorant grassroots team manager.”
OUR GAMES ACADEMY IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP INSTITUTIONS FOR GAME DESIGN – RANKING 16TH GLOBALLY AND NO.1 IN ENGLAND (PRINCETON REVIEW, 2026).
BAR & BOARD GAMES
Open midday till midnight, every night, The Games Room in Falmouth is where you’ll find snooker, E-darts, pool, air hockey, giant Jenga, table tennis and a stack of board games. There’s even shuffleboard (think Olympic curling, on a smaller scale).
@gamesroomfalmouth
GAMING STORES
Stock up on supplies and get to know the local gaming community. Some stores trade cards and figures and run events such as workshops and tournaments. Favourites include A Toy On Titan and Stan’s Games in Falmouth and Warhammer in Truro.
@a_toy_on_titan
@StansGames
@WarhammerTruro
ESCAPE ROOMS
Can you break out of the Kernow Escape Rooms in Falmouth? Pit your wits against mind-bending challenges, which include Number 4, nautical adventure Adrift and STARVAULT: Blackout – based aboard a vessel hovering above a ruined planet earth.
@kernowescape
RETROBLAST
Take a trip to Newquay to play authentic recreations of classic gaming cabinets such as Gauntlet, Joust, Space Invaders and Pac-Man. The Retroblast cafe and gaming arcade has an appealing milkshake menu and holds regular game gatherings.
@retroblast_coffee
TABLETOP GAMING
Roll the dice with the SU Tabletop Gaming Society. Sociable games nights with fellow tabletop fanatics revolve around board, war and card games – including Warhammer 40,000, Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
EXPO & GAMES JAM
Level up at the University's Games Jam in January. Held over a weekend in our Games Academy, this legendary event gives gamers access to a huge suite of PCs equipped with all the necessary software and tools to create. And there’s free pizza.
FOLLOW THE GAMER GRAM
TO KEEP UP WITH OUR GAMES ACADEMY NEWS
BREAKING NEWS
Lucky strike: Jack's winning image features Hannah Haughton, England Women’s National Beach Soccer team goalkeeper, at St Ives, Cornwall.
FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S ANNUAL PRESS AWARDS CELEBRATE THE POWER OF A SINGLE MOMENT TO TELL A COMPELLING STORY. MEET THE 2026 WINNERS.
Each May, the next generation of visual storytellers steps forward, as final-year students on our Press & Editorial Photography BA(Hons) – now Documentary & Editorial – select their strongest work for the Press Awards.
The most coveted honour is Photographer of the Year, this time judged by the full picture desk team at Reuters – the world’s largest multimedia news provider. The panel included senior photographer Phil Noble, whose image of Andrew MountbattenWindsor in the back of a car following his arrest in February made headlines across newspapers and websites worldwide.
“JACK’S PORTFOLIO DEMONSTRATES RESOURCEFULNESS AND CURIOSITY – TWO SKILLS ESSENTIAL IN THIS INDUSTRY.”
The Reuters judges on winning student Jack Tyler
Team talk: Jack captures the Penryn Athletic team in the dressing room at half-time.
Hot couture: Fashion Design BA(Hons) student Amber Joiner models ‘Rosario’, a zero-waste jacket inspired by her Spanish heritage.
WINNER: JACK TYLER
RUNNER-UP: ZOE IRVING
TO THE CLUB WELCOME
JOINING A SOCIETY IS A GREAT WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS OUTSIDE OF YOUR ACCOMMODATION, COURSE AND YEAR GROUP. MAKE TIME TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE, FIND A NEW PASSION OR TRY SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER CONSIDERED BEFORE.
If you’d like to fill your free time and feel part of something fun, signing up with one or more of our clubs and societies could be the way to go. Who better to give us a glimpse of what’s on offer than our students themselves…
CSM FOOTBALL
“My main circle of friends are all connected through the club,” says Chris of CSM (Camborne School of Mines) Football. “They’re people I’d never have come across otherwise – from fashion, geology, business, marine biology… and through them you meet their friends and discover a whole new network. It has genuinely made my university experience, giving me some unreal memories and shaping who I am. I’m way more confident in myself now.”
With players ranging from five-a-siders to those who’ve played at high levels in professional setups, and even a core of members who don’t play but turn up to events, the club strikes a balance between sport and socialising. “Obviously everyone wants to win and improve, but there’s a good balance between high standards on the pitch and having a laugh off it,” Chris adds.
“The season’s been really strong, with some fantastic victories. We’ve put ourselves in a good position for promotion to step 6 of the football pyramid – which would be an incredible feat for a student-run university team. We unfortunately lost the annual University Bottle Match for only the third time in 20-odd years, which was gutting, but we also celebrated the life of our former president Jack Geldard and raised more than £4,000 for Headway UK.”
Chris Metherell, Game Development: Art BA(Hons)
A-Z
Our Students’ Union – which represents both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter – facilitates more than 100 clubs and societies. For the full A-Z, visit thesu.org.uk.
EXPEDITION SOCIETY
Escape into the wilds of Cornwall and beyond with the Expedition society. “It’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends, have a laugh and get some exercise each weekend,” says president Jem, who reveals that the ‘post-walk pint’ (which need not be alcoholic) is a great reward after a day exploring the great outdoors.
“Everyone is welcome,” he adds. “The longest walk we’ve hosted in Cornwall was around 13 miles, but our yearly residential trips often involve longer distances and higher altitudes. We’re off to Slovenia this year, where difficult mountain hikes require a level of fitness and experience.
“We’ve met super-friendly sheep at Castle an Dinas, enjoyed an unexpected tour of King Edward mine on the Great Flat Lode and once tackled 55 miles of tricky coast path on a 24-hour charity walk. A personal highlight was our residential in Tintagel, which featured some of the best Cornish views we've had and a brilliant atmosphere at the cliffside YHA hostel where we stayed – with communal card games and cooking each evening."
Jem Turner, Graphic Design BA(Hons)
HIP HOP DANCE
“If you feel like you ‘can’t dance’, coming along is one of the best ways to change that,” says Tanya, who adds: “A sense of rhythm or style is definitely helpful, but it’s absolutely not required. The club is super welcoming and relaxed – some of us have trained in other styles, while others have never danced before.”
Whether they’re complete beginners or experienced performers, members can build skills through inclusive classes and audition for commercial and intermediate street teams. The club performs at showcases and charity events and also competes at the university dance circuit’s flagship event, Go Hard or Go Home in Nottingham. “I find dance to be a huge stress reliever,” says Tanya. “It’s a chance to switch off and focus on learning a fun routine, maybe to a Tate McRae track or something equally vibey. By the end of a session, you feel lighter mentally, with a sense of accomplishment that stays with you long after the class ends.”
Tanya Collings, Post Production & Visual Effects BA(Hons)
SWIM
With a growing membership and a successful run to the British University Swimming League finals in Cardiff this year, the Swim society is riding a wave. But it’s not only accomplished swimmers who benefit from sessions designed to build skills and fitness – as club president Ela explains.
“We welcome all ability levels; some of our members started out unable to swim a full length and have gone on to compete,” she says. “For more experienced swimmers, the challenge often begins with getting back into a consistent training routine after time away. From there, competition is a great way to push performance and set new goals. The Swim Society truly is a big group of friends, as cliché as that sounds. Making it to the BUSL final this year was my highlight – an experience made even better by travelling together and building stronger connections as a team along the way.”
Ela
Norton, Interior Architecture BA(Hons)
EQUESTRIAN
“Who wouldn’t feel better after cuddling a horse?” says incoming president Haider, describing the therapeutic effect of a trip to the stables. With weekly lessons or hacks for riders of all levels, alongside jumping and cross-country sessions and the occasional ride on a windswept Cornish beach, the club offers something for everyone.
“Members are grouped by ability and can attend lessons at that level,” he adds. “As you improve, the riding school lets you know when you’re ready to move up, so there’s always something to aim for. I only started riding this year and was really anxious at first, but the instructors are fantastic at teaching you everything you need to know. I’ve already
progressed to the novice group and gained the skills and confidence to start riding one of the less beginner-friendly horses.”
Haider Shabbir, Robotics BSc(Hons)
INTERNATIONAL
It was during a club karaoke night that Marusa was joined mid-song by another club member – and the pair discovered they spoke the same Balkan language. “It didn’t just happen to me; others had similar experiences,” she says. “It was both funny and genuinely heartwarming to see people connect while singing.
“Meeting other students who speak the same language and bonding over that makes our community stronger,” she adds. “It’s reassuring to find people with similar backgrounds and feel more at home, whether through our language or the shared experience of living in a different country. It also means we never run out of conversation topics.”
Marusa Kunst, Musical Theatre BA(Hons)
THE ABRAMOVIĆ METHOD
Society founder and president Becky explains that activities in this new club are based on the performance artist Marina Abramović's method cards. “In each session, we lead members through a short breathing/grounding exercise and complete a durational performance,” she adds. “These have included ‘complaining to a
tree, ‘exploring a space without use of sight or sound’ and ‘counting grains of rice and lentils’.
“We’re an open community that can try new and strange things together,” she adds. “Practising slow processes and durational methods really changes your relationship with time, perspective and endurance. For one session we breathed through a cold dip in the sea and ran back to the cafe for hot chocolates. We were so giddy and happy.”
Becky Weston, Fine Art BA(Hons)
FALCLIMB
“Good vibes, meeting cool people and having fun climbing,” says club president Lillian when asked what Falclimb is all about. “It’s a common misconception that strength matters most in climbing, as that will only take you so far. Having the courage to get on the wall, face your fears and maybe even look a little silly while doing it is by far the most important thing.”
The club runs sessions for indoor bouldering and top rope and lead climbing, helping members develop skills in belaying, rope management, knot tying and technique. Day and overnight trips provide opportunities to take these skills outdoors. “This year, we ran a club trip to El Chorro in Spain,” adds Lillian. “It was amazing to be out in the sun, climbing on big walls, then hanging out with everyone by the pool at the hostel – absolutely ideal!”
Lillian Cooper, Fashion Design BA(Hons)
YOUR POTATO
THANCHEAPERCHIPS RECIPES TOTRY
THE HUMBLE SPUD IS A STUDENT’S BEST FRIEND WHEN IT COMES TO EATING WELL ON A BUDGET. PACKED WITH HEALTHY GOODNESS, NOTHING BEATS A POTATO ONCE BAKED AND DRESSED FOR DINNER. BORED WITH CLASSIC CHEESE ‘N BEANS? JAZZ UP YOUR TOPPINGS WITH THESE EASY MEAL IDEAS.
TAKE ONE BAKED POTATO*…
*Wondering how to do this? Wash your potato and prick it with a fork (to avoid explosions), then bake it in a mediumhot oven for 45 minutes or so (reduce this time for an air fryer). A microwave will do the job in a matter of minutes.
WE'VE GOT BEEF
Make a hash of things: fry some chopped onion in oil until soft, then scoop out your baked potato into to the pan and add tinned corned beef. Fry the mixture for a few minutes more and pile it back into the skin, topping it with a fried egg.
BEST SPUDDY
Keep it green by heating some oil in a pan and throwing in a handful of spinach leaves. When they start to wilt, crack in an egg and scramble it. Stir through grated parmesan (or a cheaper hard cheese), then halve your baked potato and pile it all on.
THE MEXICAN
Spice it up with a sweet potato. Scoop out the baked insides and fry briefly in a pan with tinned black beans (rinsed first in water), then stir in some salsa, put the potato filling back in its skin and top with sour cream. You could also add crunchy tortilla chips.
FISHY MCFISHFACE
Oven-bake or fry some fish fingers till crispy, then chop them up and mix with the fluffy insides of your scooped-out potato – adding cooked peas and plenty of grated cheese. Heap it all back into the potato skin and slather with ketchup or mayo.
Season your potato with salt and pepper to taste.
DEGREE SHOWS
AS A STUDENT AT FALMOUTH, YOU’LL SET OUT ON A JOURNEY OF CREATIVE DISCOVERY – EXPLORING THE IDEAS AND MEDIUMS THAT INSPIRE YOU. OVER TIME, YOU’LL DEVELOP YOUR VOICE AND DEFINE YOUR IDENTITY, READY TO LAUNCH YOUR WORK INTO THE WORLD AT OUR FINAL-YEAR DEGREE SHOWS. TRUST US! YOU’LL BE READY…
PREVIOUS PAGE:
Vasilia Panteli, Fine Art BA(Hons). THIS PAGE:
1. Abe Ursell & Kate McVicar, Architecture; 2. Arthur Tunnicliffe, Fine Art; 3. Havyn Chan, Fine Art; 4 & 9. Charlie Ribeiro, Photography; 5. Louis Webb, Fine Art; 6. Leah Jones, Commercial Photography; 7. Megan Rew, Fine Art; 8, Morwenna Antcliff, Illustration; 10. Toby Templeman, Illustration. All final-year BA(Hons).
YOUR FIRST TERM SORTED
AS SHE FINISHES HER JOURNALISM & CREATIVE WRITING BA(HONS), TIA BODDEY (RIGHT) OFFERS AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR FEET AT FALMOUTH.
If I’d written a love letter to Falmouth every day I was here, I’d have nearly a thousand of them. This is one of those places with a wonderful sense of community and charm. Falmouth is my peace, my fresh air. Sometimes, you just need a change of scenery to ‘unstick’ yourself, and that’s what coming to uni here has done for me. I’ve made so many memories that I’ll cherish forever; somehow ending up on the beach or a boat every time after a night out, the late-night cramming in the library, the strange characters you meet.
My favourite part is the night life. That may be surprising to some, especially if you’re coming from a city like I did, but Falmouth’s town centre is built for a great pub crawl. My friends and I have perfected our route; Fives, Beerwolf, Chintz and lastly, Finns. Fives has the best pizza I’ve ever had, the iconic Rattler cider and a great beer garden; Beerwolf is relaxed and cosy, Chintz has live music and is beautifully decorated and Finns is a good laugh. We switch this up from time to time, going to The Games Room, Grapes or Spoons (The Packet Station), among other places.
SETTLING IN
Don’t worry if Welcome Week is not what you hope –mine was pretty uneventful. I spent the first night in my accommodation at Tuke House, too nervous to make dinner in the kitchen, and it seemed like everyone else was also holed away in their rooms. I was hesitant to knock on any doors and introduce myself, so I sat decorating my room instead. This minor isolation didn’t last long though; one of my flatmates bought a fruit bowl and left a note inside it, writing her Instagram at the bottom of the crumpled paper. That evening, we all shared our nervousness on our group chat, which majorly calmed my nerves. I only went out three times that first week. I truly believe that a lot of the friendships you gain are down to luck – I met my best friend when she walked into our first lecture super hungover and chose me to sit next to. That’s it! I then made friends with her friends and the rest is history. I’ll be moving in with them when I finish uni – I’ve made friends for life here.
TIA’S TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST TERM:
1. Say yes to every opportunity, even if you’re scared or unsure. The best experiences I’ve had were rooted in uncertainty. Working as a journalist at Boardmasters, meeting loads of new people and nearly interviewing a main stage artist all came from being quick to respond to my lecturer’s email and asking for more details.
2. If you’re on the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and have access to wellbeing and study skills mentors, use them! Mine kept me on track and saved me so many times. They’re incredibly helpful. Make the most of your lecturers too – I’m sure this will kick in in third year, once you realise how little time you have left.
3. A couple of months into first year, you’ll be pressured to figure out your second-year house. It can feel daunting when you don’t know people well yet, but remember it’s not forever. You can change things in third year, and houses are still available to view after Christmas (so don’t completely panic). I chose to live with a quiet group and visit livelier friends, knowing I had somewhere peaceful to come back to.
Cornwall than meets the eye – and a whole lot more than we could fit in the pages of THE FUSE. But then we don’t want to reveal all our favourite spots and deny you the pleasure of discovering them!
Falmouth is a unique place where you can truly be yourself. Your time as a student here might be full of barbeques on the beach, dancing in the streets and sea shanties in the
your surfing skills and keeping fit in the amazing natural adventure playground on our doorstep. Whether you want to game, get active or go wild, the choice is yours.
At Falmouth, you’ll be welcomed into our warm, vibrant and creative community, whatever life you seek. We promise you'll leave with memories that last a lifetime.
THE FUSE TEAM
ESSENTIAL GUIDE
You’ll soon settle in once you start at Falmouth University. Here’s a useful list to help you on your way – keep it somewhere handy…
GETTING AROUND
Bus
Local bus services run between the two campuses regularly throughout the day.
Train
With multiple stations in Falmouth and one in Penryn, it’s easy to hop on a train and explore Cornwall or travel further afield.
Bike
You’ll find secure cycle storage facilities at both campuses, along with free showers and changing facilities for cyclists. Look out for rentable electric Beryl bikes at locations around town.
Car
Car parking permits for both campuses are available at an annual cost if you meet certain criteria. There are electric vehicle charging points at our Penryn Campus. fxplus.ac.uk
Taxi
Abacus: 01326 212141
A2B Taxis: 01326 317898
Jimmy’s Kars: 01326 313123
STUDENT SERVICES
Student Services are here for you through your time at Falmouth University with a range of specialist resources and information. Our handy central helpdesk is a great first port of call for any questions you may have and can point you in the right direction for help and support.
studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk 01326 370460
SUPERMARKETS
Along with a variety of corner shops and local markets, you’ll find these major supermarkets in Falmouth and Penryn:
ASDA (Penryn)
Lidl (Falmouth/Penryn)
Sainsbury’s (Falmouth) Tesco Express (Falmouth)
VISITOR INFORMATION
There’s a great Visitor Information Centre on Falmouth’s Prince of Wales Pier. The staff are full of local knowledge and can give you tips for exploring the local area and beyond.
info@falriver.co.uk 01326 741194
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
In the event of an emergency, contact the police, ambulance, fire services or coastguard by calling 999.
Assistance from Campus Safety and Support: 01326 254444 (emergency) or 01326 255875 (non-emergency)
NHS Medical Advice Line: 111 Samaritans: 116 123 (you can call the Samaritans for free at any time and talk about issues big and small)
Download the free SafeZone app and check in when you’re on campus: safezone.com
STUDENT HEALTH
There are surgeries in both Falmouth and Penryn. If you register with the Penryn Surgery, you can see a doctor at the Student Health Centre on Penryn Campus.
