Why Live in An Exeter Student Accommodation: The Complete 2025 Guide

Nestled in the heart of Devon, Exeter stands out as one of the UK’s top student cities, where academic excellence meets vibrant student life. Home to prestigious institutions like the University of Exeter, this city blends rich history with modern energy, offering students the perfect environment to thrive both academically and socially.

What makes Exeter even more appealing is its unique charm: from stunning coastlines and lush green spaces to centuries-old architecture and a welcoming community. It's not just a place to study, it's a place to explore, grow, and make lasting memories.

With a wide range of high-quality student accommodation in Exeter, available across the city, students can enjoy both comfort and convenience, all while living in a safe, student-friendly setting. Whether you're new to Exeter or getting ready for your next year, the city truly has everything to make your university life unforgettable.

Exeter student halls cost between £160 and £281 per week. You're close to brilliant universities, the city's buzzing with life, and you'll actually make friends. Pick from uni halls, swanky private places, or shared houses, depending on what you want and can afford. Picking where to live in Exeter may seem challenging since the city has cracking options in decent places to live. Let me break down why loads of students pick Exeter every year.

Types of Places You Can Live

University Halls

Exeter Uni's got nearly 6,500 beds across different places. That's loads of choice.

Why Halls Are Decent:

• First-year students get guaranteed spots
• Bills are sorted (no nasty surprises)
• Help available 24/7
• You'll meet people immediately

Some student accommodation, including Catered Halls, near the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, offers 16 meals per week. Which means you won't have to cook or wash up as often, which allows you free time to relax, study, or unwind 

Private Student Blocks (PBSA)

These are the flashy places built specifically for students. Top student halls in Exeter offer classy amenities and room features, all within a budget. 

What's Good About The Properties:

• Everything's brand new and shiny
• Proper study spaces that aren't your bed
• Gyms 
• Maintenance that works
• Events so you don't become a hermit

Standard Stuff:

• WiFi that doesn't cut out during deadlines
• Security that cares
• Common rooms for socialising
• En-suites in every room
• One bill covers everything

Shared Houses

House Types:

• Terraced houses (3-6 bedrooms usually)
• Purpose-built flats
• Converted Victorian places
• Modern developments

Shared Houses:

• Rent: £120-£180 per person weekly
• Bills: £15-£25 per person weekly
• Council tax: Zero (students are exempt)
• Internet: £5-£10 per person weekly

Money Talk - What Costs What

Weekly Costs Breakdown

The cost of living in Exeter is manageable since the city offers reasonably priced living aspects, including affordable student housing, low transportation costs, and a variety of budget-friendly amenities. 

Yearly Costs 

University Places (38 weeks):

• Standard: £5,700-£6,840
• En-suite: £6,840-£8,360
• Studio: £9,500-£10,640

Private Places (42-51 weeks):

• Standard: £8,400-£14,700
• Premium: £12,600-£17,850

Shared Houses (42-52 weeks):

• Total: £6,800-£11,960
• That's with bills and deposits

The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions

Uni Halls Gotchas:

• The contract's pretty rigid
• Catered means you're stuck with their food
• Parking costs extra (if you've got a car)

Private Places Gotchas:

• Premium locations cost more
• All those fancy amenities? They charge for them.

Shared Houses Gotchas:

• Winter bills are brutal
• Agency fees are sneaky
• Need furniture? That's on you

Where to Live in Exeter

Seeking the best areas to live in Exeter? Here's the honest breakdown. Choose an area that suits your lifestyle and budget. 

The Popular Spots

Students can choose an area based on their personal preferences, with a range of options to suit different needs. Affordable properties in Exeter are available for those on a tight budget, including shared accommodation and en-suite rooms. For those looking for something more upscale, Exeter’s luxury properties offer studio rooms equipped with phenomenal features and premium amenities. 

Pennsylvania

• Walking distance to campus
• Gorgeous old Victorian houses
• Everyone's a student
• Decent bus connections
• £130-£170 weekly

St. Leonards

• Feels like a village
• A mix of students and families
• Cool independent shops
• Regular buses
• £140-£180 weekly

City Centre

• Everything's walkable
• Nightlife right there
• Local amenities nearby
• Luxury student accommodation around the corner
• £180-£250 weekly

Mount Pleasant

• Traditional student territory
• Won't break the bank
• Proper community feel
• £120-£160 weekly

Getting Around

Exeter offers an excellent transportation system, so students don't have to worry about the lectures and getting around the city. 

Transport System to Campus:

• Bus Route 4: Every 12 minutes
• Night buses: Wednesday-Saturday
• Cycling: 15-20 minutes
• Walking: 20-25 minutes to town

Everything Else:

• Train stations: 5-15 minute walk
• Airport: Bus every 20 minutes
• Shopping: Walking distance
• Nights out: Right there

The Social Side 

Making Mates

Uni Halls Benefits:

• Events are organised for you
• Common areas where stuff happens
• Everyone's roughly the same age
• You're all figuring it out together

Private Places Community:

• Regular events and activities
• Study groups are arranged 
• International students mix well
• Networking that's not weird
• Skills workshops 

Shared Houses Perks:

• Your tight-knit group
• Everyone shares responsibilities
• Plan your own social stuff
• Get to know locals
• Friendships that last forever

International Students

Exeter welcomes over 8,000 international students every year. The city is known for its prestigious universities and offers a valuable learning experience.

Students benefit from high-quality education along with a wide range of clubs and societies in Exeter. These activities help them balance their studies with personal interests, making student life in Exeter both enjoyable and rewarding.

Where you live affects how well you settle in. 

Support For Students: 

• International student societies
• Cultural events throughout the year
• Language exchange programs
• Useful mentorship
• Academic help when you need it

What You'll Gain:

• Friends from everywhere
• Perspective on everything
• Language skills improve naturally
• Network spans continents
• Cultural understanding that's rare

Academic and Career Stuff

Your choice of accommodation can have a bigger impact on your academic success than you might expect, so it’s important to choose wisely and ensure a comfortable living experience in Exeter. Beyond housing, students also benefit from dedicated support and guidance on internships and career planning. Additionally, students can also opt for part-time jobs in Exeter to gain work experience and earn extra income. 

Study Environment

Proper Study Setups:

• Private rooms with actual desks
• Library access around the clock
• Quiet areas when you need them
• The internet that works for research
• Printing when deadlines hit

Academic Support:

• Study groups form naturally
• Peer learning happens
• Academic events get hosted
• Research collaboration spaces
• Professional development opportunities

Networking 

Professional Connections:

University of Exeter helps 

• Alumni networks through accommodation
• Industry events happen
• Career fairs get organised
• Graduate schemes get discussed

Peer Networks:

• Friends across different subjects
• Study groups that work
• Society participation
• Leadership opportunities
• Project collaborations

Safety and Security (Your Parents' Concerns)

You can refer to our safety guide for Exeter that provides students with essential information on staying safe in the city, including tips on personal safety, emergency contacts, and local support services.

University Security

24/7 Help:

• Residential advisors live on-site
• Emergency systems that work
• Secure building access
• CCTV where it matters
• Regular patrols

Student Support:

• Mental health help
• Academic guidance
• Conflict resolution
• Emergency assistance
• Health service connections

Private Accommodation Security

Professional Security:

• Trained security staff
• Keycard access everywhere
• Common areas monitored
• Emergency communication systems
• Regular maintenance checks

Shared Housing Reality:

• Insurance requirements
• Safety equipment checks
• Proper locks
• Neighborhood watch
• Emergency contacts

Making the Choice: 

Choosing accommodation requires you to think about what you want.

Know Yourself

Lifestyle Questions:

• How independent do you want to be?
• Do you like meeting new people?
• What's your actual budget?
• How do you study best?

Practical Stuff:

• What's your course like?
• How close to campus matters?
• Transport preferences?
• Can you cook?
• Want to handle maintenance?

Decision Helper

When to Apply

First-Year Students:

• January-March: Look at options
• April-May: Submit applications
• June-July: Get offers
• August: Sort everything
• September: Move in

Returning Students:

• October-December: Start searching 
• January-March: View places
• April-May: Sign contracts
• Summer: Get ready
• September: New place

Student Life in Exeter

Exeter, a vibrant city, offers students a unique blend of dazzling nightlife and traditional charm. Student clubs in Exeter help students build connections, develop new skills, and feel part of a welcoming community.

Going Out

Night Spots:

• Timepiece: Everyone goes here
• The Cavern: For indie music lovers
• Unit 1: Proper student nights
• The Terrace: When you want cocktails
• Quayside: Waterfront vibes

Culture Stuff:

• Exeter Cathedral (actually beautiful)
• Underground Passages (weird but cool)
• Royal Albert Memorial Museum
• Phoenix Arts Centre
• Cygnet Theatre

Annual Things:

• Heritage Open Days
• Food Festival
• Christmas Market
• Music festivals
• Student society events

Food Situation

Students can enjoy their weekend with friends, whether it’s arranging a casual meetup or spending some relaxing time at one of the top restaurants in Exeter.

Campus Options:

• Multiple cafes and restaurants
• Meal plans, if you want them
• International food
• Student prices
• Late-night munchies covered

City Eating:

• Guildhall Food Market (weekends)
• Farmers Market (Thursdays)
• Quayside restaurants
• Independent cafes everywhere
• Usual chain stuff

Shopping for Food:

• Tesco: £25-30 weekly
• Sainsbury's: £30-35 weekly
• Lidl/Aldi: £20-25 weekly
• Campus shops for emergencies
• Online delivery works

International Students: Practical Stuff

Coming from abroad requires extra planning, whether it is for housing options, universities, or other important aspects. To avoid major mistakes when booking accommodation, students need to research thoroughly, compare different options, and check reviews. 

Before You Arrive

It is important to make a student checklist before moving to Exeter to avoid last-minute stress, missed documents, or essential items. 

Documents Needed:

• Visa sorted
• Financial proof ready
• University acceptance
• Accommodation contracts
• Insurance documents

Cultural Prep:

• UK housing law basics
• Local customs research
• Banking setup info
• Healthcare system understanding
• Emergency contacts

First Week Reality

Essential Tasks:

• Register at the university
• Open a bank account
• Register with a GP
• Police registration (some countries)
• Join social events

Integration Help:

• International orientation
• Society fairs
• Cultural exchange events
• Buddy systems
• Academic support workshops

Environmental and Tech Stuff

Modern accommodation cares about the environment and technology. This fosters comfortable and efficient living for students. 

Green Features

Energy Efficiency:

• LED lights everywhere
• Efficient heating
• Better insulation
• Smart meters
• Renewable energy

Waste Management:

• Recycling programs
• Food waste reduction
• Sustainable purchasing
• Environmental education
• Green transport promotion

Technology

Connectivity:

• High-speed fibre internet
• WiFi throughout buildings
• Study space connectivity
• Printing facilities
• Technical support

Smart Features:

• Keycard access
• Digital notice boards
• Mobile app integration
• Maintenance requests
• Social platforms

Making Your Final Decision

You need to balance loads of factors with what you actually want. Planning helps students to make informed choices, stay organised, and feel more confident about their final pick. For a clearer perspective, students can go through our blog on pros and cons of living in Exeter to understand the overall student experience. 

Budget Reality Check

Calculate Everything:

• Total annual costs
• Hidden expenses
• Unexpected costs
• Payment schedules
• Financial support options

Lifestyle Match:

• Independence comfort level
• Social preferences
• Study habits
• Career goals
• Personal growth plans

Support Network:

• Available help
• Emergency support
• Academic assistance
• Mental health resources
• Community connections

Final Words

Exeter student accommodation gives you real value for money. There are options for every student's needs and budget. You get top universities, a lively city, and great support. This makes Exeter perfect for growing personally and professionally. University halls help you build a community quickly. Private PBSA offers modern facilities and professional management. Shared housing gives you independence and flexibility. Each option has unique benefits.