UniHomes guide to

Exeter

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Uni Life in Exeter

Exeter student life​ offers a good mix of friendly faces and historic vibrance. As a picturesque city with the reputable University of Exeter at its heart, it’s no surprise that around 30,000 students come to Exeter each year. The welcoming atmosphere of the city attracts a variety of students from more than 150 countries, making everyone feel right at home.
It’s also perfect for those who love history, with the 900-year-old Exeter Cathedral and Roman city walls in the city centre. Students don’t have to look very far to find comfortable student accommodation here, usually clustered in popular areas like Newtown and Mount Pleasant.

Key reasons to study in Exeter

  • 1
    Lively nightlife

    Student life in Exeter really can be vibrant, with nightlife options to keep even the wildest party animals occupied. Fever is popular with affordable drinks, while The Vaults and Cavern are also a shout. If you’re just after a cheeky pint, The Ram Bar and The Old Firehouse will sort you out! For something unique, why not try a silent disco at Exeter Cathedral?

  • 2
    Getting out and about

    There are plenty of areas you can explore near Exeter to make student life more interesting. It takes around half an hour to get from Exeter to Exmouth, where you can discover stunning coastlines, a beach for sunbathing, and bustling markets. Dartmoor National Park isn’t too far by car, and nearby villages like Otterton and Topsham are always worth a visit, too.

  • 3
    Excellent transport links

    Getting around Exeter is relatively easy without a car, with an extensive bus network and a compact city centre. However, if you want to venture further afield, don’t sweat it - Bristol and Bath are just a few hours away by train, as is London, with multiple train stations at your fingertips.

  • 4
    History and culture

    This city is steeped in history, so if you’re looking to enrich your Exeter University student life, look no further than Exeter Cathedral, St Nicholas Priory, and the famous Guildhall. There is also a collection of galleries and museums, some of which you can get away with enjoying for free!

  • 5
    Top eateries

    While you’ll likely get a student discount at your familiar favourites, there are various other eateries to try out in Exeter. Sitting on Exeter Quayside, Crave is great for a casual lunch full of flavour. Give Red Panda a go if you’re after Asian flavours, or visit The Undergrad for affordable coffee, breakfast smoothies, and a much-needed hangover brunch. Alternatively, Pepe's Piri Piri is affordable, filling, and tasty!

  • 6
    Fun freebies

    You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fun student life in Exeter. There are many great free fun things to do, including the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, and guided walking tours. Exeter Quayside is a fantastic place to chill on a nice day, as is Northernhay Gardens. Alternatively, stroll the charming Gandy Street to do a bit of window shopping.

If you love a beach day or a cute coffee spot, or something in between then Exeter is the place to be! I love living in Exeter as there’s always something for you to do. They have great spots for an evening out with friends or even places and events to make friends. Exeter is, overall, really friendly and lively!

Tirion Williams Brand Ambassador

Universities in Exeter

University of Exeter

Picture of University of Exeter

As a member of the Russell Group, the University of Exeter is a leading research-intensive institution, known for its expertise in business, accounting, and life sciences. Its strong academic foundations and stunning campus attract around 30,000 students each year.

Student Life in Exeter

Being surrounded by gorgeous countryside and so near to the beach is one of my favourite things about going to university in Exeter! It’s the perfect way to get outside, enjoy nature and spend time with my friends!

Connie Barker Brand Ambassador

Frequently Asked Questions

Exeter student life is known for its excitement and stunning location, which makes it one of the best places to live and study in the UK. After all, the city and university offer a good mix of nightlife, events, nature, and academic facilities to keep learners occupied during each semester.
Despite being smaller than cities like Manchester, Newcastle, and Birmingham, Exeter offers a good variety of bars, clubs, and pubs, whatever vibe you’re after. Try The Bootlegger for a good cocktail or Timepiece to throw some shapes.
October is the best time to start looking for student accommodation in Exeter. Properties will be available until February, but we would recommend starting a search for a property during the autumn. The most popular student areas in Exeter include City Centre, Mount Pleasant and Newtown.
UniHomes has a property search tool which displays hundreds of student properties in Exeter, all with bills included. Sign up to our mailing list so that you can be notified of new properties going live.
Tenancy periods in Exeter usually last for 12 months. Most contracts will start on the 1st July and end on the 30th June the following year. Occasionally, letting agents may offer tenancy periods that last for 10 or 11 months, starting in August or September. You can always enquire with the letting agent to find out how long your contract length will be.
Deposits are usually either 4 or 5 week's rent. The maximum legal amount a landlord can charge your for a deposit is 5 week's rent. You’ll get your deposit back when you move out of the property. That said, if the landlord is still owed outstanding rent or needs to pay for repairs to damage within the property, they may take deductions from the deposit to cover the costs.
UniHomes accommodation in Exeter usually costs £189 – £220 per person, per week. This price includes the cost of all bills you'll need to pay, which you won't always see on other student accommodation websites. Check out the full range of student accommodations available in Exeter.

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