A Student Guide: Cost of Living in Exeter

Exeter as an English city is often overlooked as a potential educational destination for both local and international students. The city generally has plenty to offer in terms of world-renowned learning institutions and top-ranked universities as well as student-friendly attractions and a vibrant lifestyle. This historic English city is an ideal study destination for other reasons, including its small size compared to cities like London and Birmingham, which in turn makes it even more affordable and student-friendly. So, if you’re contemplating heading off there to study, here is our breakdown of the cost of living in Exeter! 

Cost of Living in Exeter for Students

The cost of living in Exeter is relatively cheap compared to other cities in the United Kingdom, for example, Leeds and Liverpool. As a student in the city, you need an average of £1,200 to cover your basic living expenses, including rent, transportation, food, and even leisure and entertainment. Other expenses like tuition fees, however, are not calculated among your estimated monthly budget; they usually have a budget of their own that factors in the university itself, the major, and the program. Let us help you make a solid budget for your time in Exeter, here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Exeter and how to save your money while there! 

Tuition Fees

Exeter boasts a number of different universities, colleges, and higher education institutions that vary in their tuition fees, offered majors, and available programs. These learning institutions include the city’s most famous University of Exeter, INTO University of Exeter, and Exeter College. The average tuition fees in Exeter range between £20,000 and £25,000 for majors and programs outside the medical fields. Medical degrees, however, can go up to around £45,000 per year. These are mainly the costs for undergraduate programs, postgraduate and research programs may cost more depending on the field and the university.

Saving Tip: Look out for student exchange programs, international students scholarships, and financial aid opportunities! These are usually offered to international students aiming to study abroad in Exeter and help you save plenty of money on tuition and dedicate a bigger budget for other things you might need.

Additional University Fees

University fees sometimes extend to include other things like materials and textbooks and other educational necessities. These supplies usually don’t have a custom or set price, and may vary greatly depending on what you’re buying and where you’re buying it from. Textbooks and other school materials could start from as low as £20 - £30 and could go up to £70 and beyond. 

Saving Tip: Second-hand textbooks are your new best friends! Check online listings, libraries, and on-campus noticeboards for students selling their old school supplies at much lower prices that would not hurt your budget!

Rent

As is Casita’s duty to provide you with the best options for student accommodation in Exeter, we’re also here to prepare you for the money you’ll pay in exchange for a comfortable, convenient, and luxurious student home in the city. Exeter has several options for student accommodation for you to choose from, including PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation), co-living spaces, and private lets. Room prices differ based on their type, whether or not they’re furnished, the available amenities in each room, and the proximity of the room to your university of choice. The average weekly cost for student accommodation in Exeter is around £128 for a single room in most of the accommodation types. Other room types like en-suite rooms or studios may cost more depending on the provider or the landlord.

Saving Tip: Look for student accommodation options that lie within or even below your price range. You can do this using Casita’s search filters and compare feature. You should also keep an eye out for discounts or rent a student home with a friend, so you can both pay less and save a few bucks!

Shopping

Exeter has a great variety of shopping destinations, including higher-end outlets and vintage stores, as well as your usual high street shops. You can buy clothes in Exeter for as low as £10 - £15 per shopping trip. 

Saving Tip: Search for thrift stores and second-hand shops. There are plenty of charity shops in Exeter where you can pick up some bargains for a few pounds and get yourself great items at even greater prices!

Groceries

There are several grocery stores and supermarkets that would fit into your student budget while in Exeter. As a student, you need to keep your cupboards and fridge stocked with the essentials you’ll need after a long day at university. Weekly trips to the grocery stores to buy basic necessities like milk, eggs, bread, cheese, and coffee cost around £30 in Exeter. 

Saving Tip: Shop in bulk, scout for deals and discounts, choose grocery stores that sell products at reasonable prices like Sainsbury’s, and avoid stores that sell gourmet products at much higher prices like Waitrose. You can also shop at supermarkets that are known to offer student discounts like Tesco and Co-op! 

Food and Eating Out

Eating out in Exeter varies drastically from one place to another; the prices differ depending on the place and type of food you order, with options ranging from fancy gourmet restaurants to on-campus restaurants and cafes that serve extremely affordable meals. You’ll need an average of £10 - £12 if you’re planning to eat outside a minimum of three days a week.

Saving Tip: Cooking and meal planning are the way to go! To save both time and money, you should definitely start cooking your meals at home, even better if you meal prep and cook for the entire week or months in advance. This saves the money you usually spend on eating out and the time you spend cooking every day. Try it!

Transportation

The main mode of transportation around the city of Exeter is the bus. And if you don’t live near the university you’re enrolled in, you’ll be using the bus a lot more than you think. A 7-day pass will cost you around £14.50, while a term pass costs £137, and for a whole academic year, it should cost around £230. 

Saving Tip: Invest in a student home that is close to your university of choice so you can cycle or walk to campus every day. This will not only save you money, but it will also keep you in great health! 

Entertainment and Leisure

As life can be too busy while studying abroad, you need to allow yourself some time to go out and let off some steam. The city life and nightlife in Exeter are vibrant and lively and have plenty for you to explore. The average night out in Exeter costs around £15 for a decent meal and a drink, or clubbing with friends, or even paid attractions and group activities. 

Saving Tip: Free attractions are not less fun just because they cost no money! Exeter has plenty of free museums and parks where you can hang out and have a fun day with friends, don’t miss out on them!

This basically covers most of the things that make a notable dent in the cost of living in Exeter. Use this cost breakdown as a guide for setting your budget when you make the trip to Exeter to start your study abroad journey. Don’t forget to use Casita to find the ideal student accommodation in Exeter for you, and remember to employ our saving tips to ensure a great quality of life at an even greater deal!