Caius Datt
What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?
I greatly appreciated the practical legal experience the course provided. Being part of a small law cohort compared with Streatham Campus (and most other schools nationwide) allowed us to engage in unique and impactful activities that those larger law schools cannot offer.
Just a month into our first year, we started preparing to participate in mock employment tribunals and civil trials, assuming various roles such as barrister, solicitor, and witness. These exercises required us to work in new teams, research case law, and prepare thoroughly for high-level legal performances. We practiced delivering legal submissions to a judge, drafting witness statements, and studying case files meticulously for questioning and cross-examination.
This hands-on experience continued into the second year with mock negotiations over contractual terms for the provision of a site for construction and mining purposes. Finally, in our final-year trusts module, we engaged in mock mediations. These sessions taught us the importance of compromise, making small concessions and settling disputes to avoid the significant financial costs of going to trial – a vital lesson for future lawyers!
Overall, these practical experiences were invaluable and enriched my understanding of the legal profession.
Some of the students we are profiling have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you, please can you tell us about this and what it means to you?
I was awarded both the following:
A Dean’s Commendation (2024) – for exceptional academic performance in the final year of undergraduate studies.
Murrell Associates Corporate Finance Prize (2024) – for achieving the highest overall grade in the Law of Corporate Finance module.
I am extremely proud to have achieved both of these awards. Having never studied the law prior to reaching university and then receiving a disappointing grade on my first assignment, I initially doubted my aptitude. Thus, I view these achievements as a testament to the countless hours of dedication I put into my degree. The recognition of my tenacity and determination motivates me to carry these qualities into my future career and strive for further excellence.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
Tremough Football Club (Member 2021-2024; President 2022-2024).
Tremough Follies Musical Theatre Society (Musical Director 2022-2024)
What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?
The highlight of my time at Exeter has been making the most of the intimate studying experience in Cornwall. Being twinned with Falmouth University on the Penryn Campus allows Exeter students to enrich their academic studies through discussions with peers studying a range of creative disciplines, including Film, Musical Theatre, and Fine Art.
As someone with a deep passion for music, I particularly relished this opportunity. I participated in productions of musicals such as ‘Legally Blonde,’ ‘9 to 5,’ and ‘Footloose,’ and sang with the Jam First Big Band at a regional ‘Battle of the Big Bands’ competition. Through these activities, I formed close connections with others who shared my hobbies. The opportunity to engage with individuals passionate about music, alongside the legal minds on my course, truly characterised my time at the university.
What will you miss the most about University?
The community. Whether you are outgoing or shy, into gaming or sports, you will find your people here. Some connections form over shared hobbies, while others develop through spontaneous course events.
In Cornwall, the sense of community feels even stronger. It’s common to walk down Falmouth High Street and run into familiar faces. This close-knit environment quickly becomes a ‘home away from home’ if you embrace it. With smaller student-to-staff ratios on campus, I’ve been able to get to know my lecturers on a personal level, discussing weekend plans and life in the county. That in turn has a positive impact on student’s educational experience, as staff can observe your personal growth and learn to tailor their teaching approach within seminars to your character for optimal success.
Overall, the University of Exeter is a phenomenal institution with a deeply personal character that is even more pronounced in Cornwall. The staff are incredibly supportive, and there are plenty of societal activities to enjoy. Make the most of it, because, like me, you will miss it deeply.
What advice would you give to current and future students? (If you are an international student what would you like to tell future students from back home who might be thinking about applying to study in Exeter?)
Not just to grasp, but attack EVERY opportunity that comes your way. University can propel your career in unexpected ways beyond your field of study. Join societies to explore new hobbies and meet like-minded people, keep a keen eye on your emails for employment opportunities, and GET INVOLVED in university life. You’ll never have as much free time to spend expanding your skillset.
Speaking as someone who did just that (while possibly overloading my schedule), it was the opportunities I embraced that defined my university experience. I ended up dining three-courses with barristers at Lincoln’s Inn, attending the Cornwall Law Society’s Annual Awards Dinner at Truro Cathedral, performing on the AMATA stage, and playing a County Cup Final for Tremough FC in front of a crowd of over 100! I promise you won’t regret diving in and making the most of every moment.
What are your plans now that you have graduated?
With the view to qualify as a solicitor by the end of 2026, I plan to study part-time for the SQE (solicitor examinations) alongside working for Prince Evans Solicitors as a trainee solicitor. Alongside this, I will continue to gain musical experience by working with youth theatre groups and signing in various choirs around the London area.
