Best Student Accommodation in Exeter, United Kingdom

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter stands as a prestigious Russell Group institution, globally recognised for its research excellence and exceptional teaching quality. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it ranks 155th worldwide and 23rd in the United Kingdom.

UoE accommodates a total student population of approximately 29,777 individuals across its campuses. It maintains a highly diverse global academic environment, with international students comprising roughly 18% of the student body and representing over 150 nations. Renowned for its academic performance, the institution excels particularly in fields such as sports science, environmental sciences, geology, and humanities.

Exeter College

Exeter College is highly celebrated across Devon for its exceptional educational standards. The college serves a substantial student body, including a dedicated cohort of higher education learners pursuing degrees validated by top UK universities. International students make up a distinct segment of this population, benefiting from specialised support and smaller class sizes.

The college is particularly well-regarded for its vocational training, business management courses, digital technologies, and creative arts programmes. Notably, it is recognised as an Ofsted 'Outstanding' institution, serving as a vital educational stepping stone providing progression routes into employment, apprenticeships and higher education at universities across the UK.

Ensuite

Ensuite rooms provide a private bedroom with an attached bathroom, while kitchen and living areas are shared with flatmates.

Studio

Studio apartments offer independent living with a private bed, a study zone, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom all in one space.

Shared Apartment

Shared apartments feature private bedrooms with shared communal spaces like kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms.

Non Ensuite

Non-ensuite options offer a private bedroom while sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities with other residents, providing a budget-friendly option.

Private Rooms

Private rooms give students their own secure personal bedroom within a larger house or shared housing facility.

Securing the right Exeter student accommodation requires balancing several practical factors to ensure a smooth university experience.

• Distance from University: Check travel times to campus. Living within walking or cycling distance of any of Exeter’s universities saves both time and daily transport fees.
• Budget: Set a realistic weekly budget for rent and living costs to avoid financial strain.
• Transport Links: Choose locations with direct bus stops to campus, local train stations, and supermarkets.
• Bills Included: Look for accommodations that package water, gas, electricity, and high-speed Wi-Fi into one fixed payment.
• Safety: Prioritise properties equipped with keycard entry, CCTV, secure bike storage, and on-site support staff.

The market for student housing in Exeter offers an extensive range of property types, from modern high-rise complexes to comfortable shared houses, catering to diverse lifestyle preferences. These properties offer flexible pricing options to suit a range of budgets, ensuring that every scholar finds a suitable home.

• The Leat Apartments: This student accommodation in Exeter offers studios for more privacy with amenities like free regular cleaning, inclusive bills, Wi-Fi and a secure access card.
• Vita Portland House: This Exeter student accommodation offers essentials such as a bed, wardrobe, study desk, Wi-Fi and CCTV, and social spaces.
• Dean Clarke Lofts: This property offers student flats in Exeter that come with laundry facilities, a management team, a CCTV system and inclusive bills
• Picturehouse Apartments: This student accommodation in Exeter offers single rooms, en-suite rooms and studios to suit all characters.
• Walnut Gardens: This student housing in Exeter offers studios and en-suite rooms, with Wi-Fi, inclusive bills, and a cleaning service.

Student residential developments across the city prioritise maximum security alongside cost-effective pricing plans. The following selection focuses on secure options featuring dedicated overnight safety teams, comprehensive electronic entry systems, and robust surveillance frameworks.

• The Depot: This student housing in Exeter offers security measures, such as a CCTV system, security teams and on-site managers.
• Atlas House: This Exeter student accommodation offers security teams and cameras to ensure you're safe at all times.  
• Collegiate Bonhay House: If you prefer privacy and high security, you can check this student housing in Exeter.
• Clifton Place: If you would like to book a property with security cameras, Wi-Fi, a cinema room and laundry facilities, this student housing in Exeter is the perfect choice.
• Exeter One: This property offers a maintenance team, CCTV system, on-site bike storage, and on-site laundry.

Selecting the right neighbourhood significantly enhances the university experience, balancing proximity to campus with local conveniences. Several distinct areas across the city cater specifically to the needs of the academic community.

St Davids

Situated close to the main university hub, St David's is highly popular for its exceptional connectivity and abundant modern student flats across Exeter. The area is well-known for its historic railway station and proximity to the city centre, offering easy access to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and the tranquil Bury Meadow Park. It sits directly adjacent to the Streatham Campus, making it a prime location for effortless daily commutes.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania occupies an elevated position directly north of the city centre, renowned for its peaceful residential streets and picturesque viewpoints. The neighbourhood is highly favoured for its green spaces and features top local attractions such as the sprawling Northernhay Gardens and the nearby University of Exeter Innovation Centre. It is exceptionally convenient for students, as it borders the main Streatham Campus, providing a quiet study environment just minutes away from lecture halls.

City Centre

The City Centre provides an energetic urban living experience, placing residents right at the heart of the local retail, dining, and cultural districts. This central zone is famous for its striking architecture and boasts premium Exeter student accommodation choices situated near key historic landmarks. Top attractions include the iconic Exeter Cathedral and the historic Exeter Central Library. Both the Streatham and St Luke’s campuses are easily reachable via a short walk or a brief bus ride from this highly connected area.

According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly living expenses for a single person in the city average the following, excluding rent. This makes the locality a highly affordable option for higher education compared to larger metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom.

Student Accommodation

Groceries

Utilities

Transportation

Everyday Lifestyle

Exeter features a highly integrated, accessible public transport network that makes navigating between campuses and neighbourhoods exceptionally simple. The network relies primarily on comprehensive bus services and regional trains, ensuring affordable options for the academic community.

Metro

Exeter does not have a rapid-transit underground metro network due to its compact size. Instead, local students rely heavily on the city's robust overland rail and bus networks, which serve as highly efficient alternatives for quick cross-city transit.

Bus

Local bus services are primarily operated by Stagecoach South West, which provides frequent routes that directly connect student hubs to university campuses. Single journeys are highly affordable, and students can access significant discounts by purchasing specialised Termrider or Unirider passes, which offer unlimited regional travel.

Trains

The city is served by major rail stations, including Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central, operated by National Rail. This network provides excellent links to regional coastal towns and major UK hubs like London, with fares significantly reduced by using a standard 16-25 Railcard for a one-third discount.

Walking

The city's highly compact layout makes walking one of the most popular, cost-free, and healthy modes of transit for daily commutes. Most primary academic campuses, residential neighbourhoods, and central retail districts are located within a convenient 15- to 25-minute walking radius of one another.

Exeter offers a quieter, close-knit student experience, and Casita helps families find housing that matches that feel, close to the University of Exeter.

• Secure Living: 24/7 CCTV and secure access across all recommended homes.
• Carefully Vetted Properties: We only work with providers who meet our standards.
• Near Campus & Local Amenities: Quick access to the university, city centre, and green spaces Exeter is known for.
• Quiet Study Spaces: Dedicated areas for focused work.
• Shared Social Spaces: Common areas designed to help students build friendships.
• On-Site Assistance: Support staff available whenever needed.
• 24/7 Multilingual Support: Our team is always available to help parents and students alike.

Finding enjoyable activities and study spaces across town is simple for students seeking culture, nature, and relaxation. Exploring options near Exeter student housing reveals a welcoming community.

Libraries

• University of Exeter Library: Located at the heart of the Streatham campus, this multi-floor facility offers extensive digital and print academic archives, quiet study zones, and 24/7 access during term time.
• Exeter Library: Situated on Castle Street, this vibrant public library features massive book collections, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and bright reading areas ideal for off-campus study sessions.

Cafés

• The Exploding Bakery: Positioned right next to Exeter Central Station, this independent spot is famous for its speciality filter coffee and fresh, ethically sourced traybakes.
• Boston Tea Party: Housed in a spacious historic building on Queen Street, this ethical café offers all-day brunch, ample seating, and a sustainable eco-friendly cup policy.

Study Spaces

• The Forum: Located at the centre of the main campus, this architectural hub integrates modern study booths, food venues, and essential student support services.
• Exeter Phoenix: A vibrant multi-arts centre in the city centre offering relaxed café seating, art gallery spaces, and creative communal areas perfect for group projects.

Nightlife

• Board Exeter: A cosy gaming venue stocking hundreds of tabletop and strategy games alongside milkshakes and artisan coffee, making it a wholesome and popular evening social spot for students.
• Exeter Picturehouse: A boutique cinema hosting evening screenings of independent films, blockbusters, and live theatrical broadcasts in a relaxed atmosphere.
• St Sidwell's Point Leisure Centre: A modern, eco-friendly leisure complex open late into the evening for swim sessions, fitness classes, and spa relaxation.

Student Discounts

• Exeter Cathedral: University of Exeter students can claim a free Welcome Card to explore this breathtaking Gothic monument and its medieval vaulting without paying standard admission fees.
• Princesshay Shopping Centre: This modern outdoor retail precinct offers extensive year-round student discounts across major high-street brands, fashion outlets, and dining spots.

Parks

• Northernhay Gardens: Set on the slopes of Exeter Castle, these historic gardens provide lush lawns, ancient Roman wall ruins, and shaded pathways ideal for outdoor study breaks.
• Exeter Quayside: Situated along the River Exe, this scenic waterfront area features open green spaces, historic architecture, and kayak rentals for sunny afternoon downtime.

Events

• Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM): Home to world-class fine art, local archaeology, and natural history exhibits, this free-entry museum is one of the city's premier cultural attractions.
• Exeter Northcott Theatre: Positioned on the university campus, this flagship theatre produces student plays, touring drama, comedy routines, and West End stage shows.
• Exeter Underground Passages: Guided tours take visitors beneath the city streets to explore medieval vaulted passageways originally built to transport fresh drinking water into the city.