Best Areas to Live in Exeter for Students: Your Complete 2025 Guide

The area where you live matters a lot. There are tons of reasons why people live where they do. Lively and good neighbourhoods, proximity to supermarkets and entertainment and good transport links. Exeter is also a city where students love to stay during their education. Living in Exeter’s best areas has lots of benefits for students. From excellent amenities and a higher quality of life to affordable student accommodation in Exeter, students benefit from the city. This blog sheds light on the best areas in Exeter, social life, money management, and safety. Stay tuned! 

TL;DR

• Pennsylvania offers the closest campus access 
• Newtown has the best nightlife, St Thomas provides budget-friendly options, and Heavitree suits St Luke's students. 
• Expect £80-200/week rent depending on area and accommodation type. 
• Transport is excellent throughout, with most areas 15-20 minutes from campus.

Quick Area Comparison Overview

Beyond individual area specifics, let's consider the broader pros and cons of living in Exeter as a student, starting with a quick overview of each part.

Pennsylvania: The Campus Heartland

Pennsylvania is situated near the main campus of the University of Exeter. One of the fun facts about Exeter is that this is the place where JK Rowling lived in the 1980s. The area is warm and welcoming. It is loved by students. 

What Makes Pennsylvania Special

The area screams "student territory" from every corner. Victorian and Edwardian houses line the streets, most converted into shared student accommodation. You'll find students everywhere – walking to lectures, heading to the libraries in Exeter, or stumbling home after nights out.

Rent Breakdown:

• Shared house bedroom: £140-170/week
• En-suite rooms: £160-185/week
• Studio apartments: £180-220/week

Transport Options:

• You can walk to campus. It can only take 5-10 minutes. 
• You can take buses—Routes 4 and 4A are regular. 
• You can take a 3-minute cycle ride from your student accommodation. There are separate lanes for the same. 

Pennsylvania Pros and Cons

The Good Stuff:

• Roll out of bed and into lectures
• Surrounded by other students
• Plenty of corner shops and takeaways
• Strong sense of student community
• Easy access to campus facilities

The Not-So-Great:

• Can get rowdy on weekends
• Higher rent due to prime location
• Limited parking
• Noise from student neighbours
• Houses can be tired and basic

Who Pennsylvania Works For

First-year students love Pennsylvania because everything's familiar and close. International students benefit from the instant community feel. Anyone who prioritizes convenience over everything else will be happy here.

Avoid Pennsylvania if you want quiet study environments or don't enjoy constant student energy around you.

Newtown: Creative Hub and Nightlife Central

Newton is in the north of the city centre. It is famous for its creativity and artistic vibes. Students can find numerous shops, artistic places and vintage stores. 

Newtown's Creative Energy

This area buzzes with personality. Record shops, vintage clothing stores, and quirky cafes line the streets. The Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre hosts everything from indie bands to experimental theatre. You'll feel like you're living in the cool part of town.

Cost Reality Check:

• Shared accommodation: £120-160/week
• Private rooms: £150-180/week
• Bills typically: £15-25/week extra

Getting Around:

• You can visit the city centre in only 10 10-minute walk. 
• You also walk to your university in 15-20 minutes. 
• The transport system in Exeter has a regular bus service. Students can benefit from numerous bus routes. 
• Cycling: Flat route to campus

Newtown Lifestyle

Newtown attracts students who want more than just lectures and library time. There are numerous pubs and clubs where students can enjoy their nightlife. The area hosts many live music and creative events.  

Best Venues:

• The Exeter Phoenix (arts and culture)
• Independent pubs with character
• Vintage shops for unique finds
• Creative cafes are perfect for studying

Newtown Reality Check

Why Students Love It:

• Vibrant cultural scene
• Great nightlife without being touristy—Great nightlife without being touristy (check out the clubs and nightlife in Exeter here!)
• Unique character and atmosphere
• Strong creative community
• Excellent independent food options (you'll find some of the best restaurants in Exeter nearby)

Potential Downsides:

• Further from campus than Pennsylvania
• Can be loud on weekends
• Limited late-night food options
• Some streets are better than others
• Gentrification pushing up prices

St Thomas: Budget-Friendly Living

St Thomas sits across the river from central Exeter and offers the best value for money. It's where savvy students go when they want decent accommodation without breaking the bank, making it a prime spot for affordable student accommodation in Exeter.

Why St Thomas Works for Budgets

This area developed as a working-class district and still maintains more affordable housing than closer-to-campus options. You get proper value for money without sacrificing too much convenience.

Budget Breakdown:

• House shares: £100-130/week
• Better quality rooms: £130-150/week
• Bills and utilities: £20-30/week
• Food shopping: Cheaper local options

Transport Connections:

• St Thomas train station: Local rail connections
• Regular bus services to the campus and the city
• Walking: 20-25 minutes to campus
• Cycling: 10-15 minutes via cycle paths

St Thomas Student Life

This area is a purely residential area. It is not as busy as student-heavy districts. You can live in peace. 

Local Amenities:

• Riverside walks along the Exe
• Local pubs with character
• Supermarkets and convenience stores
• Sports facilities and parks

Who Should Consider St Thomas

Budget-conscious students will love the lower costs. Mature students often prefer the quieter residential atmosphere. Anyone who doesn't need to be in the thick of student life constantly will find it perfect.

International students on tight budgets can make their money stretch further here while still having good access to the university and the city centre.

Heavitree: Perfect for St Luke's Students

Heavitree sits east of the city centre and is ideal for anyone studying at St Luke's campus. It's also a solid choice for main-campus students who want something different from the typical student areas.

Heavitree’s Practical Benefits

This area offers the best of both worlds – residential calm with good access to student amenities. It's particularly attractive to education students who need to reach St Luke's campus regularly.

Financial Considerations:

• Shared houses: £110-140/week
• Private rooms: £140-170/week
• Good value compared to central areas
• Local shopping keeps costs down

Location Advantages:

• St Luke's campus: 10-15 minute walk
• Main campus: 25-30 minutes
• City center: 15-20 minutes
• Excellent bus connections

Heavitree Community Feel

The area maintains a village-like atmosphere within the city. Students mix with local residents in a relaxed environment. It's less intensely student-focused than Pennsylvania but still has plenty of student accommodation.

Key Features:

• Waitrose and local shops
• Vue Cinema nearby
• Traditional pubs and restaurants
• Quieter streets for studying

Mount Pleasant: Peaceful Study Environment

As its name suggests, Mount Pleasant has a very calm and tranquil environment. On the other hand, you can also stay connected to your university life. Students visit this place when they want to study in peace and do not want distractions.

Why Mount Pleasant Appeals

The area provides mature student living with tree-lined streets and quality housing. You get space to think and study while remaining part of the university community.

Housing Quality:

• Better condition properties
• More space in shared houses
• Gardens and outdoor areas
• Quieter residential streets

Practical Details:

• Rent: £130-170/week for good quality
• Campus: 15-20 minute walk
• Transport: Regular bus services
• Bills: Similar to other areas

Mount Pleasant Student Types

Third-year students often choose Mount Pleasant when they want to focus on dissertations and final projects. Postgraduate students appreciate the calmer environment. International students who prefer quieter living find it ideal.

Anyone easily distracted by party atmospheres will study better here.

City Center: Everything on Your Doorstep

Living in Exeter's city centre puts you at the heart of everything. It's convenient but comes with higher costs and urban noise levels.

City Center Advantages

Everything, including supermarkets, shops, cafes, and nightlife, is close to your student accommodation. Everything Exeter offers is immediately accessible.

Cost Reality:

• Rent: £150-220/week
• Higher costs offset by no transport needs
• Expensive but maximum convenience
• Premium locations command premium prices, especially if you're looking for luxury student accommodation in Exeter.

What You Get:

• Walking distance to everything
• No transport costs
• Cultural venues nearby (explore the top museums in Exeter here!)
• Maximum social opportunities

City Center Considerations

Perfect For:

• Students who want urban living
• Those who don't mind higher costs
• Social butterflies who love convenience
• Short-term stays or exchanges

Potential Issues:

• Noise from nightlife and traffic
• Limited parking
• Higher cost of living
• Can feel disconnected from campus life

Transport and Connectivity Guide

Exeter's compact size means excellent transport connections throughout the city. Understanding your options helps choose the right area for your lifestyle. This transport guide for students in Exeter will help you navigate.

Bus Services

Stagecoach operates comprehensive bus services connecting all student areas:

Key Routes for Students:

• Route 4: Direct to campus from the city centre
• Route 4A: Airport connections
• Local routes serve all residential areas
• Student discount cards are available

Bus Costs:

• Single journey: £2-3
• Day tickets: £4-5
• Weekly passes: £15-20
• Annual student passes: Major savings

Walking and Cycling

Most areas are within comfortable walking distance of campus:

Walking Times:

• Pennsylvania to campus: 5-10 minutes
• Newtown to campus: 15-20 minutes
• St Thomas to campus: 20-25 minutes
• Heavitree to main campus: 25-30 minutes

Cycling Benefits:

• Faster than walking
• Cheaper than buses
• Good for fitness
• Bike storage in most accommodation

Train Connections

Exeter's excellent rail links help with:

• Weekend trips home
• London connections (2.5 hours)
• Regional travel
• International student travel

Safety and Security Considerations

Student safety varies by area and specific streets. Understanding the security landscape helps make informed decisions. Here's a safety guide for students in Exeter.

Safest Student Areas

Top Safety Ratings:

1. Mount Pleasant (quiet residential)
2. Pennsylvania (high student density = safety in numbers)
3. Heavitree (family area with good lighting)
4. City centre (busy with CCTV coverage)

Security Features to Look For

Accommodation Security:

• Secure door locks
• Window locks on the ground floor
• Well-lit entrances
• CCTV in communal areas

Area Security:

• Street lighting quality
• Regular police patrols
• Emergency phones
• Busy streets vs isolated areas

Personal Safety Tips

General Advice:

• Walk in groups at night
• Keep valuables secure
• Know your route home
• Save emergency numbers
• Trust your instincts

Accommodation Types Breakdown

Understanding different accommodation options helps match your budget and lifestyle preferences. This student housing guide for Exeter students will provide an overview.

University Halls

Pros:

• All-inclusive pricing
• Instant social connections (you'll find many student societies and clubs in Exeter here)
• Support services included
• No bills to manage

Cons:

• Less independence
• Rigid rules
• Limited space
• May not suit all personalities

Private Student Halls (PBSA)

Modern Options:

• High-quality facilities
• Study spaces and gyms
• 24/7 support
• Social programming

Cost Considerations:

• Higher weekly rent
• All-inclusive benefits
• Premium locations
• Professional management

Shared Houses

Traditional Student Living:

• More independence
• Choose your housemates
• A variety of areas are available
• Often better value

Responsibilities:

• Bills management
• House maintenance
• Cleaning coordination
• Deposit protection

Studio Apartments

Independent Living:

• Complete privacy
• Your own kitchen
• No shared spaces
• Perfect for focused study

Trade-offs:

• Higher costs
• Less social interaction
• All responsibilities yours
• Can feel isolating

Budget Planning Guide

Understanding the true cost of living in Exeter for different areas helps make realistic financial decisions.

Weekly Cost Breakdown by Area

Money-Saving Strategies

Reduce Accommodation Costs:

• Share with more people
• Choose slightly further areas
• Consider all-inclusive options
• Look for summer deals
• There are part-time jobs in Exeter for students to help with expenses.

Lower Living Expenses:

• Cook meals together
• Shop at budget supermarkets
• Use student discounts
• Walk or cycle when possible

For a broader range of tips on saving money in Exeter for students while studying, explore our dedicated article.

Area-Specific Tips and Warnings

Pennsylvania Insider Knowledge

Best Streets:

• Victoria Street and surrounding roads
• Close to campus but quieter
• Good house conditions
• Strong student community

Streets to Avoid:

• Main roads can be noisy
• Some landlords are less responsive
• Check house conditions carefully

Newtown Navigation

Prime Locations:

• Near Exeter Phoenix
• Close to independent shops
• Good public transport links
• Creative community hubs

Consider Carefully:

• Some streets are noisier than others
• Distance from campus
• Late-night transport options

St Thomas Secrets

Best Value Areas:

• Near the river for peaceful living
• Good bus connections
• Local community feel
• Excellent value properties

Practical Considerations:

• Check flood risk near the river
• Transport costs to campus
• Social life distance from students

International Student Considerations

Different areas suit different international student needs and preferences. While considering the top universities in Exeter, think about the surrounding areas too.

Cultural Diversity by Area

Most International-Friendly:

• Pennsylvania: High international student population
• City centre: Multicultural environment
• Newtown: Open, creative community
• University halls: Built-in diversity

Language and Integration

Best for English Practice:

• Areas with mixed UK/international students
• Local community integration opportunities
• Language exchange possibilities
• Cultural event access

Practical Support

Consider Access To:

• International student services
• Cultural food shops
• Religious centers
• Airport connections

Seasonal Considerations

When you search for accommodation affects availability and pricing.

Best Times to House Hunt

Optimal Periods:

• January-March: Best selection
• April-May: Good options remain
• June-August: Limited but possible
• September+: Emergency options only

Seasonal Pricing

Rent Variations:

• Peak demand: Higher prices
• Early booking: Better deals
• Last-minute: Premium costs
• Summer lets: Potential bargains

Future Area Development

Understanding upcoming changes helps make long-term accommodation decisions.

Planned Developments

Infrastructure Improvements:

• Transport upgrades
• Student facility expansion
• New accommodation projects
• Regeneration areas

Impact on Students:

• Improved connectivity
• More housing options
• Changing area characters
• Potential cost implications

Decision-Making Framework

Use this systematic approach to choose your ideal area. When thinking about things to do in Exeter, consider how your chosen area facilitates access to them.

Priority Assessment

Rank These Factors:

1. Budget constraints
2. Campus proximity
3. Social environment
4. Study environment
5. Transport needs
6. Safety requirements

Elimination Process

1. If it does not fit in your budget, remove that area. 
2. You must also consider the transport availability and links that connect your accommodation and city centre. 
3. Consider your lifestyle. According to your life choices and preferences, choose your living area. 
4. Explore the properties. Evaluate and compare. 
5. Consider the distance from your university. It should be commutable. 

Quick Decision Guide

• Choose Pennsylvania if: Campus proximity is essential and the budget allows 
• Choose Newtown if: You want vibrant nightlife and a creative atmosphere 
• Choose St Thomas if: Budget is tight, but you want decent accommodation 
• Choose Heavitree if: You're studying at St Luke's or want quieter living 
• Choose Mount Pleasant if: Study focus is a priority over social life 
• Choose the City Centre if: You want urban convenience and can afford it

Red Flags to Avoid

While pursuing your studies, securing a perfect living space has the utmost importance. Beyond your room, your surroundings shape your studies and career. A simple mistake can lead to frustration. Hence, here is the list of mistakes to avoid while choosing accommodation in UK.  

Warning Signs:

• Properties significantly under-market rate
• Landlords asking for large upfront payments
• No deposit protection scheme
• Unclear contract terms
• Poor property maintenance
• Unresponsive landlords

Conclusion

Where you live always matters when you are a student. A bad choice of accommodation can affect your day-to-day life and academic performance. Be wise, research deeply and then decide where to stay—your perfect area. For all other aspects of student life in this vibrant city, don't forget to check out a complete city guide for students in Exeter.