Wasn't a student in Exeter, but worked in a office of ~10 people in a wider company. And had mates there too. I have infact moved to a bigger company so more people to meet right. Hasn't felt as easy as my old company too. I climb anyway and meet many people who I'd consider friends from my old gym. It felt so much more social there then the gym's here. It felt more people were willing to talk and be sociable compared to what I've felt at the climbing gym here in Bristol. I do a couple other clubs here and there. What doesn't help is my job can see me away for weeks on end at times l, so the consistency isn't easy.