Student Accommodation in Exeter: A City Guide for 2026/27

Student Accommodation in Exeter: A City Guide for 2026/27

Exeter is a historic cathedral city in Devon, home to around 25,000 students at the University of Exeter and a growing number at Exeter College and other institutions. It is consistently rated as one of the most liveable cities in the UK, combining a compact and walkable city centre with exceptional access to the natural landscapes of Devon and Cornwall. Exeter is smaller than most major student cities, which gives it a different character — closer-knit, with a stronger sense of community and easier navigation. This guide covers where students live in Exeter, what PBSA costs and includes, and how to get around the city.


Universities in Exeter

University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group, consistently ranked among the top 15 universities in the UK. It has two main campuses in Exeter: Streatham, its main campus in the north of the city, and St Luke's, a smaller campus around a mile south of Streatham specialising in education and health professions. The university also has a campus in Penryn, Cornwall, shared with Falmouth University. Streatham Campus is a large, attractive campus with most teaching buildings, the library, the students' union and university-managed accommodation all on site or immediately adjacent.

Exeter College is a large further education college with several sites in Exeter, including a main campus in the city centre. It offers A-levels, BTECs, apprenticeships and higher education courses, and has a significant student population in its own right.

University of Law Exeter is based in the city centre and is accessible from most parts of Exeter by bus or on foot.


Where do students live in Exeter?

Exeter is a compact city and most student areas are within a manageable distance of the University of Exeter campuses and the city centre. The city's hilly terrain is worth factoring in when choosing where to live — some routes that look short on a map involve significant climbs.

Streatham Campus area

The area immediately surrounding Streatham Campus — including Pennsylvania Road and the streets between the campus and the city centre — is popular with University of Exeter students in later years of study. It is convenient for the university but rents are higher than in more residential areas further from campus. University-managed accommodation is also concentrated here.

St James and Newtown

St James and Newtown are established student areas between the Streatham Campus and the city centre. They have a high density of student house shares, reasonable local amenities and good bus connections. Rents are moderate and the areas are walkable to both the university and the city centre.

City Centre and Quayside

The city centre suits students who want to be close to shops, cafés, transport links and the Exeter Quayside. PBSA in the city centre is well represented and is particularly convenient for Exeter College and University of Law students. The Quayside — along the River Exe — is one of Exeter's most popular areas for students outside of campus, with independent bars and restaurants.

Heavitree and Whipton

Heavitree and Whipton are residential areas east of the city centre, with lower private rents than areas closer to the university. Bus connections to the campus and city centre are available. These areas attract students on tighter budgets who are willing to travel slightly further to campus.

Topsham and St Thomas

Topsham is a village on the Exe estuary, around three miles from Exeter city centre. It is more expensive than other student areas but popular with students who want a quieter setting. St Thomas, on the west side of the city, is closer to the centre and has lower rents than areas north of the city, with good bus and cycle connections.


Types of student accommodation in Exeter

Students in Exeter choose between university-managed halls, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and privately rented houses.

University halls are typically offered to first-year students. The University of Exeter guarantees accommodation to eligible first-years who apply by the relevant deadline. University-managed accommodation is concentrated on and around Streatham Campus.

PBSA in Exeter is spread across several areas, including the city centre and the Quayside. Bills are typically included, which helps with budgeting. The range of room types available — from en-suite rooms in shared flats to self-contained studios — means PBSA in Exeter can suit different budgets and living preferences.

Private house shares are popular with continuing students, particularly in St James, Newtown and Heavitree. Exeter's private rented market is competitive — demand is high relative to supply, which can push rents up. Students are advised to start looking from October or November for the following academic year.

Featured student residences in Exeter

The following properties are listed in full on Hallbookers with room types, facilities and location details.


What does student accommodation cost in Exeter?

Exeter is one of the more expensive student cities in the South West, reflecting the high demand for housing in a relatively small city. PBSA rents typically range from around £150 to £290 per week, depending on room type and location. En-suite rooms in shared flats sit at the lower end; self-contained studios and premium rooms sit toward the top. Most contracts run for 44–51 weeks and bills are usually included.

Private house shares in St James and Heavitree typically cost between £500 and £700 per person per month, excluding bills — higher than comparable student cities in the North or Midlands. Exeter's relatively small size and high demand mean the private rented market is competitive, and students who leave searching too late often find limited options.

Contents insurance is not always included in PBSA — worth checking before you book. Laundry facilities are usually on-site but coin or card-operated rather than free.


Getting around Exeter

Exeter is a relatively small city and most student areas are within cycling or walking distance of the main campuses and the city centre, though the hilly terrain makes some routes more demanding than others. Areas like Pennsylvania and Mount Pleasant are within a 15–20 minute walk of Streatham Campus.

Stagecoach operates the main bus network and is the most practical option for students travelling between campuses, the city centre and residential areas. Two passes are worth knowing about: the UniRider Student Pass, which covers unlimited travel within Exeter for a set term or academic year, and the Termrider Ticket, a more flexible option for students who don't commute every day. Routes UNI and H specifically serve Streatham and St Luke's campuses. Passes can be bought through the Stagecoach website or app.

Exeter has three train stations useful to students. Exeter St Davids is the main station, with direct services to London Paddington (approximately 2 hours), Bristol (approximately 1 hour) and beyond. Exeter Central is in the city centre, convenient for shopping and the St Luke's area. St James Park station is close to Streatham Campus — useful for students living in that part of the city. A 16–25 Railcard gives a third off most rail fares and is worth buying for any student travelling by train regularly.

Cycling is a practical option for flatter routes, particularly along the River Exe and the Quayside cycle path. The university provides cycle storage and showers on campus. Exeter's hills make e-bikes a popular choice for students who want to cycle more widely across the city.

For taxis, Apple Taxis is the university's approved provider. A typical fare from the city centre to campus costs approximately £5–£8. Exeter Airport is just outside the city and handles domestic and some European flights. Bristol Airport, around 1 hour away, is used by many international students for a wider range of international connections.


Student life in Exeter

Exeter Students' Guild is the University of Exeter's students' union, based at the Forum on Streatham Campus. It runs over 300 clubs and societies, social venues and independent advice services covering housing, welfare and academic matters. The Forum building is the social hub of the campus and hosts regular events throughout the academic year.

Exeter city centre is compact and walkable, with a range of independent cafés, restaurants and bars. The Quayside is the most popular student destination outside of campus — independent bars and restaurants line the banks of the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal, making it a distinctive and enjoyable area for socialising. The city centre offers Princesshay and the High Street for shopping, alongside Exeter Cathedral — one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England — and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, which is free to enter.

One of Exeter's most significant advantages for students is its location. Dartmoor National Park, the Devon coast and the Jurassic Coast are all within easy reach by bus or train, making outdoor activities a genuine part of student life here in a way that is not possible in most UK university cities. London Paddington is approximately 2 hours by direct train, and Bristol is around 1 hour — making Exeter well connected despite its southwest location.


Frequently asked questions about student accommodation in Exeter

Where do most students live in Exeter?

Most University of Exeter students live in the areas between Streatham Campus and the city centre — particularly St James and Newtown — or in university-managed accommodation on or near campus. Heavitree and Whipton are popular with students looking for lower rents. The city centre suits students at Exeter College or the University of Law.

How much does student accommodation cost in Exeter?

PBSA in Exeter typically ranges from around £150 to £290 per week, with bills usually included. Private house shares cost approximately £500–£700 per person per month, excluding bills. Exeter is one of the more expensive student cities in the South West, reflecting high demand in a relatively small city.

Is Exeter hilly?

Yes. Exeter is notably hilly, which is worth factoring in when choosing where to live. Some routes between student areas and the university involve significant climbs. The city centre and Quayside areas are lower-lying and more manageable on foot or by bike.

How far is Streatham Campus from Exeter city centre?

Streatham Campus is approximately one mile north of Exeter city centre — around 20 minutes on foot, though the route involves a hill. Buses connect the campus to the city centre frequently and the journey takes around 10 minutes.

How do students get to St Luke's Campus from the city centre?

St Luke's Campus is around a mile south of Streatham Campus and is accessible by bus from the city centre. The journey takes around 10–15 minutes by bus depending on the route.

Is Exeter good for international students?

Yes. The University of Exeter has a significant international student community and well-developed support services. All-inclusive PBSA is a practical option for international students who want predictable costs. Exeter's relatively small size also means the student community feels more accessible than in larger cities.


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