Exeter Student Accommodation: The Honest 2026 Guide
Exeter is posh. Let's just get that out of the way.
It's a Russell Group uni in a beautiful cathedral city in Devon. It consistently ranks as one of the happiest universities in the UK. And yes, there's a stereotype about private school kids and Range Rovers.
But here's the thing: the accommodation is more affordable than you'd expect, and the student experience is genuinely excellent.
The Data
Let me break down what 25 Exeter properties actually look like:
- 25 properties in our database
- Cheapest room: £152/week
- Average rent: £175/week
- Most expensive: £230/week
| South West Comparison | Avg Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| Plymouth | £130 |
| Exeter | £175 |
| Bristol | £189 |
| Bath | £195 |
Exeter is cheaper than Bristol and Bath, both nearby cities. For a Russell Group uni in one of the UK's most beautiful areas, that's reasonable.
Best Value Properties
1. The Renslade House - £152/week
The most affordable option in Exeter. Walking distance to campus.
2. Northfield - £159/week
Under £160/week with good facilities. Solid mid-range choice.
3. St James Point - £163/week
Close to Streatham Campus. Popular with first-years going into second year.
4. King Edward Studios - £185/week
Self-contained studios. Best for postgrads or those who want privacy.
Campus Geography (This Matters!)
University of Exeter has TWO main campuses:
Streatham Campus:
- The main campus - absolutely stunning
- Gardens, parkland, feels like a country estate
- Most subjects taught here
- Nearby areas: Pennsylvania, St David's, city centre
St Luke's Campus:
- Medical school and sport sciences
- Closer to city centre
- Nearby areas: Heavitree, city centre
The Exeter Experience
What makes Exeter different from other unis:
The Campus: Streatham is one of the most beautiful university campuses in the UK. Genuinely stunning gardens and architecture. It affects your daily mood.
Sport: Exeter takes sport seriously. The sports facilities are excellent, and there's a proper sports culture.
Societies: Over 200 societies. Very active student union.
The City: Small but charming. Cathedral, independent shops, good food scene for a city this size.
Devon: Dartmoor is close. Beaches are close. If you like outdoors, Exeter is ideal.
The Honest Truth About Exeter's Reputation
Yes, there are a lot of privately educated students. No, this doesn't mean you won't fit in.
The uni is actively working on diversity. There are students from all backgrounds. The "posh" stereotype is outdated - it's much more mixed than people think.
What IS true:
- It's a beautiful place to study
- The students are generally happy
- The campus experience is excellent
- It's not a massive city, so nightlife is limited
Nightlife & Social Scene
Exeter nightlife is... adequate.
You have:
- Timepiece - The main student club. You will spend many nights here.
- Arena - Alternative option
- Cavern - Rock/alternative
- Unit 1 - Electronic music
Is it Manchester? No. Is it enough? For most students, yes.
The upside: Smaller city = everyone knows each other. You'll bump into friends constantly.
Getting Around
Exeter is walkable, but:
- The hills are real
- Buses are regular and cheap
- Cycling is popular (invest in good brakes for the hills)
- The D bus route connects both campuses
Cost of Living
Beyond rent, Exeter is moderately priced:
- Student pints: £3-4
- Coffee: £3-3.50
- Takeaway: £8-12
- Weekly shop: £30-50
Not as cheap as northern cities, but not London expensive either.
Who Should Choose Exeter?
Perfect for you if:
- You want a beautiful campus experience
- You value quality of life over cheap nights out
- You like the outdoors (moors, beaches nearby)
- You want a tight-knit student community
- You're into sport
Maybe not ideal if:
- You want big city nightlife
- You hate hills
- You want maximum diversity of city life
- Budget is your #1 priority (Plymouth is cheaper)
The Bottom Line
Exeter offers something increasingly rare: a proper campus experience in a beautiful setting. You pay a bit more than the cheapest cities, but you're getting Russell Group education in one of England's most picturesque areas.
Explore all Exeter properties →
Prices verified January 2026.
Disclaimer: Personal opinions based on research. Always verify prices before booking.