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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 9:26 GMT by Her Campus
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T‑9: The Quiet Force Driving Positive Change at Exeter

When most students hear the name T‑9, they don’t immediately picture a vibrant campus initiative. The label, which has quietly become a buzzword around the University of Exeter’s quadrangles, is actually the moniker of a student‑run organisation that has been redefining what it means to be “student‑led” in 2024. In a recent feature on Her Campus, the team’s story is laid out in vivid detail: its origins, its mission, the projects that have earned it campus‑wide acclaim, and the bright future that lies ahead.

The Genesis of T‑9

It all began in a cramped common room on the old student accommodation block, where a group of nine students—hence the name—convened to discuss the growing need for mental‑health resources on campus. “We noticed that even though the university had a counseling centre, many students were unaware of it or felt hesitant to reach out,” explains Emma Liu, T‑9’s founding president. “So we set out to create a peer‑support network that could bridge that gap.” The group quickly pivoted, broadening its focus to include wider social issues—sustainability, inclusivity, and civic engagement—while keeping the core philosophy of peer‑led support at its heart.

Building a Platform for Conversation

One of T‑9’s early successes was the launch of the Campus Conversation series, a weekly podcast featuring students, faculty, and local community leaders. The series tackles everything from the intricacies of mental‑health stigma to the environmental impact of the university’s food services. The first episode, which featured a dialogue between a psychology professor and a senior student with lived experience of anxiety, quickly went viral on social media, amassing over 10,000 listens in its first month. “It was the moment we realized the power of giving a voice to those often left unheard,” says Liu.

The podcast is complemented by a robust social‑media presence, where T‑9 posts daily tips, mental‑health reminders, and calls to action for upcoming campus events. Its Instagram feed—brimming with student art, infographics, and behind‑the‑scenes glimpses—has attracted a following of over 3,000 followers, all eager to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Concrete Projects with Tangible Impact

Beyond conversation, T‑9 has spearheaded several on‑ground projects that have reshaped campus life:

1. The “Green Corridor” Initiative
   Recognising the high carbon footprint of the university’s transportation network, T‑9 collaborated with the campus sustainability office to create a bike‑friendly corridor that connects the main campus with the nearby residential areas. The corridor, complete with bike‑parking stations and real‑time usage data, has reduced campus car traffic by 18% in its first year.

2. Peer‑Support Hubs
   In partnership with the student health office, T‑9 established quiet, peer‑led support spaces in each of the five student halls. These hubs provide a safe environment for students to share their experiences and receive confidential guidance from trained peers. Within the first six months, over 1,200 students have visited the hubs, with a reported 30% increase in utilisation of professional mental‑health services.

3. The “Open‑Air Art Fair”
   T‑9 organised an annual art fair that showcased student artwork celebrating mental‑health themes. The event attracted over 2,500 visitors and raised £4,000 for local charities that support mental‑health research. The fair’s success has prompted the university to incorporate similar art‑based initiatives into its cultural calendar.

The Human Stories Behind the Numbers

What truly sets T‑9 apart is the human element. Each initiative is underpinned by the stories of individuals who have felt unseen, and the leadership of a group that refuses to let their voices go unheard.

• Sophie Patel, a sophomore who struggled with depression, shares, “Before T‑9, I was terrified to talk about my mental health. The peer‑support hub became a lifeline. It’s not just about professional help; it’s about knowing you’re not alone.”
• Professor James O’Neill, who mentors the group, remarks, “T‑9 is a breath of fresh air. They challenge us to rethink what support looks like on campus. Their projects are data‑driven but grounded in real human needs.”

Looking Ahead

The team’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. Upcoming initiatives include a partnership with the local university hospital to provide mental‑health workshops for first‑year students and a city‑wide “Bike‑The‑Future” campaign that aims to further reduce campus traffic. Liu emphasizes the importance of continued student involvement: “Our work is only as strong as the community that fuels it. We’re looking for new members who share our passion for change.”

A Final Word

T‑9’s story is a testament to what can happen when students step beyond the boundaries of their classrooms and into the broader community. It highlights the power of peer support, the importance of authentic dialogue, and the impact that well‑executed projects can have on a campus ecosystem. For those on the University of Exeter’s campus—or anywhere else—T‑9 serves as a compelling reminder: change begins with conversation, and those conversations can spark real, lasting transformation.

If you’re a student at Exeter and want to join T‑9 or learn more about their initiatives, check out their website (link provided in the original Her Campus article) or follow them on Instagram @t9.exeter.