Author: Jen Keywood

October 24, 2025

The 2025 Student & Staff Commuting Travel Survey results are in, with over 750 responses collected from across Falmouth University, the University of Exeter, FX Plus, and the Students’ Union. Thank you to everyone who took part—your feedback is helping shape the future of travel to and from our campuses. 

Each year, the survey provides valuable insights into commuting behaviours, preferences, and challenges, supporting our shared commitment to improving the travel experience and advancing sustainable transport initiatives as part of the Universities’ climate emergency response. 

---

Key Findings at a Glance 

Campus Attendance:

Students average 4.4 days/week on campus; staff average 3.7 days/week. 

Commuting Distance:

Students travel 3.7–4.7 miles; staff travel 7.5–8.7 miles. 

Journey Time:

Students average 21–23 minutes; staff average 24–26 minutes. 

Most Common Arrival/Departure Time for Students:

9am–10am arrival (both campuses), departing 4pm-5pm from Falmouth campus and 5pm-6pm from Penryn campus. 

Most Common Arrival/Departure Time for Staff:

8am-9am arrival and 5pm–6pm across both campuses. 

Main Transport Modes:  

• Walking, cycling and bus travel remain popular among students, while staff tend to commute by car.

• Students (Penryn campus): Bus (39%), Foot/Bike (23%), Car Share (16%) 

• Students (Falmouth campus): Foot/Bike (59%), Car Alone (17%), Bus (15%) 

• Staff (Penryn campus): Car Alone (49.2%), Bus (23.2%), Foot/Bike (18.7%) 

• Staff (Falmouth Campus): Car Alone (50%), Foot/Bike (22.8%), Train (13.6%), 

Top Reasons for Transport Choices:  

• Students: Convenience, Cost, Travel Time 

• Staff: Convenience, Travel Time, Difficulty Accessing Public Transport  

Feedback Highlights 

Students raised concerns about rising bus fares, limited rural transport options, and off-campus cycling safety. Many are choosing to walk to campus to reduce costs, especially following the discontinuation of the U3 bus service. 

Staff also noted challenges with cycling to work due to road safety, weather, and terrain, and called for better incentives for sustainable travel. Concerns were also raised about declining bus service quality and the impact of car congestion on local communities. 

---

Next Steps 

FX Plus and the University partnership is reviewing the findings to inform future improvements in campus travel infrastructure, services, and sustainability initiatives. This includes continuing to improve electric vehicle, e-bike and cycling facilities on campus, raising greater awareness about incentives for low-carbon commuting and our employee cycle scheme, and doing what we can to influence improvements to bus services to campus. 

Since we learned about the bus fare increases and the removal of termly and annual bundles a few weeks before the start of term (Aug 2025), FX Plus and the Universities have done everything possible to get this reversed or at least delayed. We have been in discussions with relevant stakeholders, including Cornwall Council, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, and the transport providers. 

On 22 September 2025 we attended a Cornwall Bus Services Round table to air concerns about bus services, and to try and find solutions. We want to see lower bus fares and the reintroduction of bundles. However, it has been made clear that the operators are running on thin margins, and fares are currently being supported by government funding. 

The meeting saw a proposal for a new stakeholder forum, which will work on the recommended actions from the meeting – including seeking support from MPs in improving the funding model, reinstating lower fares and staff and student bundles, and strengthening the integration between all forms of public transport in Cornwall. 

Your continued feedback about this matter is helping to inform our conversations. If you would like to contribute your thoughts, please email the SU on presidents@thesu.org.uk (students) or sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk (staff).

For any questions or further information about the Commuting Travel Survey results, please contact sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.

October 20, 2025

As Bonfire Night approaches, we know many of you are excited to celebrate the season. However, we want to remind all students that bonfires and fireworks are strictly prohibited on campus grounds and nearby beaches. 

This policy is in place to keep everyone safe and to protect our local environment and community. We kindly ask you to respect these rules and enjoy a licensed public display instead. 

---

🚫 Why bonfires and fireworks are not allowed: 

On campus and beaches: 

• Local byelaws prohibit fires and fireworks – violations can result in fines, and many areas are monitored by CCTV. 

• Hot ashes can remain dangerous for up to 48 hours, posing risks to children and pets who may dig in the sand. 

• Debris like nails and screws from burnt wood can cause injury. 

• Uncontrolled fires and fireworks can lead to serious accidents, especially in crowded areas. 

On beaches specifically: 

• Fireworks launched without proper equipment can veer off course, potentially hitting homes, businesses, or people. 

• Beaches are popular gathering spots on Bonfire Night – a misfired firework could cause life-threatening injuries. 

---

✅ What you can do instead: 

We encourage you to attend a licensed bonfire or fireworks event instead. These displays are professionally managed and offer a safe, festive way to enjoy the night. 

You can find a list of events held in Cornwall on the Falmouth Packet website and Cornwall Live website. 

For more safety advice, take a moment to watch this important message from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. Let’s work together to keep our campuses and local spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

---

Image by Marcello Rabozzi from Pixabay

October 16, 2025

The ESI Café has reopened this academic year with a bold new menu that’s big on flavour — and driven by sustainability!

Led by Michael Connor, Head of Hospitality and Retail at FX Plus, the café has been refreshed. It now serves a vibrant, ever-changing menu that champions fresh, seasonal ingredients while reducing food waste.

The menu evolves daily based on what’s available, embracing a creative and conscious approach to dining. Each dish is a celebration of upcycled ingredients and inventive cooking. Picture this: surplus heritage tomatoes transformed into a roasted tomato and caramelised onion quiche; a hearty ham hock terrine reimagined as golden sausage rolls; or a leafy salad whipped up into a zesty dressing. It’s food with purpose — delicious, imaginative and planet-friendly.

But the transformation doesn’t stop at the food. In collaboration with design studio Perch & Ponder, the café space has also been redesigned with sustainability in mind, featuring recycled wood finishes and a calming, earthy colour palette.

Michael Connor shared:

“We set out to refresh the café offering so that it that reflects what matters most to those who use it, both from an environmental and sustainability perspective but also to be conscious of individuals’ dietary requirements.

“Knowing how important this was to everyone, I wanted to create for them a unique food destination that students, staff, and visitors could all enjoy and was different to anywhere else on campus.”

The relaunch was shaped through consultation with key stakeholders at the University of Exeter, and Michael is keen to hear your thoughts. Share your feedback by emailing foodanddrink@fxplus.ac.uk.

You can explore the example menu, special offers, and opening times here.

September 11, 2025

Sustrans, the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle, will be returning to Penryn campus to provide free bike safety checks and tune-ups, as well as free bike security marking.

Whether you have a bike or not, you can still pop along to say hello! There will also be active travel information and resources available about local walking, cycling and public transport routes.

Their stall will be located outside the Stannary on Thursday 18th and 25th of September and 2nd October and 9th of October from 10:00am to 16:00pm. It is open to all students, staff and visitors.

For more information, email Andy.Dickson@sustrans.org.uk.

September 4, 2025

The recent launch of the Transport for Cornwall app 2024/25 and set pricing by Cornwall Council has resulted in a number of changes to the ticket bundles available for students and staff for the 2025/26 academic year.  

Transport for Cornwall’s new pricing structure is based on age and is available for anyone county-wide. The new pricing structure means that any bundles bought are interoperable – meaning you can use the same bundle on any bus operator (First Bus, Go Cornwall Bus, Stagecoach, OTS & Hopley’s).  

You can buy day tickets and weekly bundles for unlimited travel either across all of Cornwall or within specific town zones, like Penryn to Falmouth, or you can use the Tap & Cap method. The most cost effective option for you will depend on your age and frequency of travel to and from campus, and across Cornwall. Please ensure you do your own research prior to making any purchase.

Please be aware that the Tap & Cap method is not suitable if you need under 19s fares, as the system is unable to distinguish between age and will charge the adult price. To get the best available daily fare you will need to use the same payment method that day. If you use other contactless cards or payment methods, your transactions will not be linked. 

This is the case even if the payments come from the same account – for example, your phone’s Apple Pay will register as a separate payment method from your watch’s Apple Pay, even if they link to the same bank account. Refer to the Tap & Cap FAQs.  

The current bundles available to purchase via the app are*: 

Under 19s Fares 

Town Zone Ticket – Penryn & Falmouth 

For anyone aged between 16-18, travelling between Penryn & Falmouth, an unlimited 7-day bundle will cost £16, a day pass will cost £4. 

All of Cornwall Ticket

For anyone aged between 16-18, for travel across the county, an unlimited 7-day bundle will cost £20, a day pass will cost £5.

16- 18 Month Ticket

A month ticket for anyone aged between 16-18 can be purchased in the app for £75, and can be used until your last day as a 18 year old.

Adults (26 +)

Town Zone Ticket – Penryn & Falmouth 

For anyone aged 26+, travelling between Penryn & Falmouth, an unlimited 7-day bundle will cost £26, a day pass will cost £6.50. 

All of Cornwall Ticket

For anyone aged 26+, for travel across the county, an unlimited 7-day bundle will cost £36, a day pass will cost £9. 

Young Person’s (19-25) Tickets 

For anyone aged between 19-25, an unlimited 7-day bundle will cost £20 for All of Cornwall, a day pass will cost £5. Please be aware there is no ‘Town Zone Ticket’ option available for this age group.

* All the deals and bundles featured in this article were available at the time of writing it, in September 2025, but may be subject to change. Please ensure you do your own research prior to making any purchase.

September 2, 2025

As the use of E-Bikes by staff and students increases and to avoid the risk of fire associated with their lithium batteries, four E-Bike charging stands have been installed at Glasney Village, Penryn Campus.

Lithium battery fires, although rare, can be catastrophic. FX Plus and its partner Universities fully support and actively encourage the use of E-Bikes by staff, students, and visitors anywhere on campus, but the following must be observed to reduce the risks of fire to any of the buildings.

E-Bikes and Detachable Batteries Prohibited in Buildings

Due to the associated fire risks, E-Bikes and their detachable batteries must not be taken into any campus buildings, especially accommodation blocks.

Parking and Storage of E-Bikes on Campus

All electric bikes must be parked within the designated bike racks provided around our campuses. These areas are positioned an appropriate distance away from our buildings. Under no circumstances may an electric bike be parked where they are liable to cause obstruction or danger, be attached to fences, railings, at entrances or by external escape routes of buildings.

E-Bike Charging on Campus

Penryn Campus

E-Bike battery charging facilities are now available at Penryn campus. They are located in Glasney Village, outside Glasney View block E, in the bike store. They are accessed by key which can be signed out at Glasney Lodge Reception with your University ID card. The battery can be placed in the locker to charge or remain attached to your bike while it is secured to the stand. The key must be returned within 12 hours otherwise a late charge of £25 will be applied as this prevents the locker being used by another person. If a key is lost, a charge to replace the lock and the keys will apply.

The E-Bike charging facilities at Penryn Campus are for the priority use of students living on campus. It is expected that members of staff will sufficiently charge their electric bikes so that they are able to cycle to and from campus.

Falmouth Campus

At this time, you are unable to charge your electric bike at Falmouth Campus. In line with our Green Travel Strategy, this is something we plan to change in the future. However, until there is resource available to increase the provision of E-Bike charging facilities, staff and students are politely asked to charge their E-Bikes at home. We appreciate this is frustrating and thank you for your patience whilst we continue to work on a solution.

Failure to Observe E-Bike, Battery and Storage Guidelines

E-Bikes must be managed appropriately – Where possible, any E-Bike owners in breach of the guidelines shall be asked in the first instance to comply. Any E-Bikes that are left in such a way as to cause or lead to an obstruction to any emergency exit, escape route or access point will be removed by Safety and Support Staff or any member of staff acting in their authority.

Responsibilities of E-Bike Ownership and Insurance

The owners of E-Bikes are responsible for ensuring that they maintain their bikes in a safe and road worthy manner. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the E-Bike owner to have insurance to cover against any damage caused by a potential Lithium-Ion battery fire.

E-Bike Operators Beryl Bikes – Cornwall Campuses

Staff, students and visitors are encouraged to use the E-Bikes available via the Beryl Bike network. This is an affordable, fun, and sustainable way to get around Falmouth and Penryn. Beryl electric bikes must always be returned to the docking stations provided and should never be left in any other campus location. These locations are designated areas for safe charging, parking, and storage. In line with the guidance above, Beryl electric bikes must not be taken into any campus buildings, especially accommodation blocks. For safety, please ensure you wear a helmet when cycling.

E-Scooters Prohibited

Please note that FX Plus and its University Partners DO NOT permit the use, storage or charging of E-Scooters anywhere on the Cornwall campuses by staff, students, contractors, or visitors. Any such item found on the Cornwall Campuses will be removed by the Safety and Support Team, Health & Safety Team, Residencies Support Team or any member of staff acting on their authority.

July 22, 2025

The Green Flag flies over Penryn University campus after receiving the prestigious Green Flag Award for another year. 

The campus, shared by Falmouth University and the University of Exeter, is one of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. A total of just five locations in Cornwall have been recognised by the scheme.

This is the eighth consecutive year that the site has retained the esteemed accolade. Oliver Lane, Director of Campus Services, said: “Our green spaces are incredibly important to us, and we take great pride in the stewardship of the Tremough Estate, what is now the Penryn University Campus.  

“Earning the Green Flag year after year is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the FX Plus Grounds and Gardening team. They consistently showcase Penryn’s green spaces at their very best—for students, staff, and guests to enjoy. A heartfelt thank you to all who made this another successful year.” 

Penryn University Campus covers 100 acres of countryside, combining historic sub-tropical gardens with new landscapes that are open to everyone. Visitors are able to explore the Walled Garden, a fruit-producing orchard, the Italianate Garden and Terraces, the 18th-century Lime Avenue, the old drive with its Pinetum and native woodlands, and historically rare rhododendrons cultivated on-site during the Victorian era. A more recent addition is the rare and historic Lucombe Oak, gifted by the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus in 2017. 

The grounds and gardens are managed with environmental sensitivity, enhancing natural habitats and boosting biodiversity on campus. Since January 2025, over 300 square metres of wildflower turf and 1,700 individual wildflower plugs have been planted—attracting a wide variety of pollinating insects and helping to support local wildlife. 

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved at Penryn University Campus who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award. 

“Quality parks and green spaces like those at Penryn campus make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest. 

“Crucially, it is a vital green space for communities in Penryn to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.” 

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. 

July 15, 2025

Flix Bus have launched a new daily return bus service via Penryn Campus bus stop and ending at London Hammersmith bus station at a competitive price. The service also runs from London Hammersmith to Penryn Campus. The service is already running and you are able to book your coach tickets via the Flix Bus website.

To book, enter ‘Penryn’ and the date you wish to travel into the search toolbar (either for the start or end journey) at www.flixbus.co.uk.  The option will appear as ‘Falmouth University’ – however this is the title for Penryn Campus.

The service running from Penryn Campus to London Hammersmith leaves campus at 06:00am and stops at: Truro bus station (6:20am), Plymouth bus station (08:05am), Exeter Stover Court-Bampfylde Street (9:20am), Taunton BP garage (10:10am), Bristol bus station (11:20am) and finally London Hammersmith (14:00pm).

The journey from London Hammersmith to Penryn Campus leaves at 16:00pm and stops at: Bristol bus station (19:15pm), Taunton BP garage (20:25pm), Exeter Stover Court-Bampfylde Street (21:15pm), Plymouth bus station (22:25pm), Truro bus station (00:10am) and Penryn Campus bus stop (00:35am).

July 11, 2025

Since January 2025, the Grounds and Garden team have installed over 300m2 of wildflower turf in numerous areas around Penryn campus. Many of these spaces are in bloom, attracting a variety of pollinating insects, supporting wildlife and boosting biodiversity on campus.
Some of the spaces in flower to check out include:

• An 80m long strip along the hedge between Reception and the Porters lodge.
• Next to Peter Lanyon, where concentric circles of wildflowers have been planted amongst short mown turf with a mown circular space in the middle. This will, in time, have a tree in the centre with a circular bench around it.
• Wildflower planting directly opposite the bus stops has more than doubled.
• Areas by the main entrance roundabout and the corner near the wooden Information Building and barriers (as you drive onto campus), have all been expanded.
• A section of dead box hedge between the School of Film and Television building and the Chapel Lecture Theatre, has been replaced with wildflowers.
• A small patch of wildflowers has been introduced the other side of the Heart Reception, near the shop.

The team have also continued to plant potted wildflower plugs, which are grown on campus by our gardeners and introduced into the designated wildflower areas. Last year (Jan-Dec 2024) a total of 3,010 individual wildflower plugs were planted and this year (since Jan 2025) we have increased that number by 1,700 plants. This means we are on track to beat last years’ total by the end of the calendar year.

Across the Tremough Estate, over five acres of grassland is cut annually in a wildflower friendly way. This is means it is cut only once or twice a year, at the end of summer or autumn, so that wildflowers have time to flower and set seed. After cutting, all the cut material is gathered up and removed to prevent the build-up of nutrient levels in the soil.

This area size is a conservative estimate, and “actual figures are likely to be much larger than this. Some of these areas can be more long grass than wildflowers as our soil is quite nutrient rich. Hopefully managing the land in the right way and continuing planting, when possible, will increase wildflower diversity and abundance over time”, said Alasdair Garnett, Gardener at FX Plus.

July 7, 2025

In June (2025), we completed a project to replace an aging and inefficient waste compactor by installing two new compactors – one for general waste and one for Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR).  

The additional compactor for DMR is a first for Penryn campus and the investment will help to generate significant cost savings and reduce the carbon footprint related to waste transport, as DMR collections will reduce from once a week to once every 4 or 5 weeks.  

Lynn Storey, Head of Facilities Management, said:  

“The new compactors are welcome additions to our waste compound facilities. The two machines will benefit our hard-working waste team and will also cut our waste carbon footprint, as well as deliver significant cost savings.” 

If you have any questions or would like more information about Waste and Recycling on campus, please contact the Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.