Student Accommodation in Exeter

Student Accommodation in Exeter

Exeter is located in the historic county of Devon in South West England. With over 2,000 years of history, the city is known for its medieval cathedral, Roman heritage, and welcoming atmosphere. Frequently ranked among the UK's safest cities, Exeter offers students a high quality of life. The city is home to the University of Exeter. It is one of the UK's leading Russell Group universities and is ranked 136th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and consistently recognised among the UK's top universities targeted by graduate employers. According to HESA 2024/25 data, Exeter has a large and diverse student population of about 25,740 domestic and 7,365 international students, with a total of 33,105 students studying across its higher education institutions.

The University of Exeter has a strong global reputation, and strong graduate outcomes continue to attract students from across the UK and around the world, making student accommodation in Exeter highly competitive. With limited PBSA beds available, the most popular rooms in these student areas like Pennsylvania, Exeter City Centre, St Leonard's, St Thomas, and Northernhay Place are often booked well before the September intake. To stay ahead of the curve, students must look for their accommodation at least 3-4 months in advance to access the best locations and prices. At UniAcco, students can compare verified student accommodation in Exeter, explore different room types and prices, and receive 24/7 support to find the right student home.

 

 Exeter in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Exeter?

Exeter is one of the UK's safest and most student-friendly cities, with 33,105 students contributing to its lively atmosphere. Despite being a compact city, it offers everything students need from independent cafes and shops to green spaces and riverside walks. Most student accommodation Exeter options are within walking or cycling distance of campus, making daily life convenient and affordable. Popular student neighbourhoods like Pennsylvania, Exeter City Centre, St Leonard's, St Thomas, and Northernhay Place offer quick access to the University of Exeter and local amenities. One of Exeter's biggest advantages is its balance of city life and outdoor spaces. Students can spend time in Northernhay Gardens, walk along the Exeter Quay, or take day trips to Dartmoor National Park and the Devon coastline. This mix of academic life, social activities and easy access to nature makes Exeter an attractive place to study and live. Look at the booking insights from UniAcco below to understand more closely how many students opt for different room types and what their average weekly rent looks like.

 

UniAcco Booking Insights

• Average weekly rent: £208 
• 52% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £193/week 
• 39% choose studios, averaging £232/week 
• 7% choose non-ensuite rooms, averaging £173/week 

 

Accommodation Types Available in Exeter

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Exeter 

Exeter is a moderately affordable student city; however, due to limited availability, the demand for PBSAs and student housing is high. This makes it challenging. But the good news is that student accommodation Exeter at UniAcco is £208 per week. These rooms have ample affordable options that are well-furnished and come with study spaces, laundry, gyms, and nearby transport that honestly make student life way easier. Take a look at the 10 affordable options for student accommodation Exeter:

1. The Printworks
2. Northernhay House, Exeter
3. Atlas House
4. Boutique Student Living - Exeter
5. Point Exe
6. Library Lofts
7. Central Living
8. Picturehouse Apartments
9. The City Arcade
10. Trust House

 

Best Student Housing in Exeter

What makes student accommodation in Exeter best is having well-furnished rooms with WiFi or study desks, a gym and other facilities, which can make your student life easier. The list doesn’t end there. Having good supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies and pubs nearby for students to reach out without paying much for travel is also what makes the student accommodation ideal. Here are some of the top-rated student houses on UniAcco. Rest assured, these are not some random ratings; they come from real students who’ve actually lived there and shared their experiences. 

1. The Kingfisher
2. Picturehouse Apartments
3. Walnut Gardens, Exeter
4. Bonhay House
5. King Edwards Studios
6. Clifton Place
7. The Depot
8. Exeter One, Exeter
9. Iron Bridge Studios
10. Canvas Quitana Gate

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Exeter

• Northernhay Place

Located beside England’s oldest public park, Northernhay Gardens (1612), Northernhay Place is a good neighbourhood for students looking for accommodation. The University of Exeter is around an 18-minute walk away from here, and the Streatham Campus takes about 23 minutes on foot. Students are just 5 minutes away from the shops, cafes and restaurants at the City Centre. Since it's minutes away from the City Centre, there is potential street noise during weekend nights or busy events. 

• Pennsylvania Exeter

The Victorian houses and strong student community are what make Pennsylvania a student favourite in Exeter. Students who prefer a calm, residential atmosphere—especially postgraduate or final-year students choose this neighbourhood. Most students walk to lectures as it is only 4 minutes to the University of Exeter main campus and 10 minutes to the Streatham Campus. This neighbourhood also has pharmacies, independent shops and cafes nearby. 

• City Centre, North St Exeter

What makes the City Centre one of the most popular student accommodation Exeter is how close students are to everything. The University of Exeter is 24 minutes on foot; supermarkets, nightlife, daily essentials and pharmacies, transport, and the railway station are all literally around the corner. However, because of this, the rents for student flats Exeter are higher than in other non-central areas. It's an ideal area for student accommodation for students who are not on tighter budgets. 

• St Leonard’s

Students who prefer having quiet and peaceful student homes Exeter must go to St Leonard’s. Since the final or postgraduate year requires a lot out of students living in this area, it helps students focus on achieving academic excellence. Students can also roll out of bed and head to the University of Exeter St Luke’s Campus, which is only about a 6-9 minute walk away. For groceries and daily essentials, students go to Waitrose, which is close by. This place is also known for Magdalen Road, which has small cafes, bakeries, local shops, and food spots. 

• St Thomas

Located just across the river, this student area is known to be more affordable than the rest while still being close to everything. The University of Exeter St Luke’s Campus is about 29 minutes from this student accommodation area. The  Exeter St Thomas station also makes travelling around super easy. Buses also run here on a regular basis during term time. This area has a more residential feel and comes with budget-friendly and affordable student accommodation Exeter options. There are local cafes, takeaway spots and small shops around this area. For fresh and discounted groceries, students can head to the nearby Aldi.

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

 

Getting Around Exeter — Student Travel Guide

Exeter is a compact city in Devon, covering around 19 square miles. Its small size makes getting around easy. This is a pedestrian-friendly city. Most walk or cycle to campus, though buses are useful if you're staying further away. Exeter's public transport mainly relies on Stagecoach buses, while local trains connect Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central to nearby areas. Below, explore the best transport options near popular student accommodation areas, along with travel costs and useful tips for your daily commute. 

 

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in Exeter

• Devonshire Cream Tea & Cafes

One tradition that students in Exeter follow is trying a proper Devonshire cream tea, especially if you’re new to Exeter. There are plenty of cosy cafes around the city that serve warm scones with clotted cream, jam, and tea. On weekends, students can do this with their friends or with their family when they are visiting. This simple activity gives students a good break from lectures and assignments.

• Beach in Exeter

When university life starts to feel overwhelming, and students need somewhere to calm themselves, that is exactly when they head to Exmouth Beach. This place is around 40 minutes from Exeter and is perfect for a good day out with friends, whether it's a walk along the coast, playing beach games, or just enjoying the sea views. When it gets warm in Exeter, the beach becomes a regular hangout spot among students

• Comedy Clubs

Not all weekend nights are made for pubbing. Another thing students can try is  Exeter’s comedy clubs, which are definitely worth it. Students usually head to places like The Bikeshed Theatre or Exeter Corn Exchange to attend stand-up comedy and live performances. This is a fun way to slow down with friends and enjoy a cheaper evening out.

• Green Spaces & Fitness 

Staying physically fit is also important to help your brain function better, and thats exactly when the Exeter Green Circle is worth checking out. Students come here ever so often for its scenic walking route. This route passes through parks and woodlands. Without spending a single penny, students can stay active, clear their minds, or spend time outdoors with friends, surrounded by nature.

• Exeter Quayside

A student favourite in Exeter is Exeter Quayside. With riverside cafes, restaurants, small shops and walking paths, there’s always something to do. Students usually come here for coffee, food, or just to sit by the water after long hours at the university. The Quayside has a lively vibe and doesn’t get crowded, so it's a perfect place to simply hang out with friends.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Exeter

The best student accommodation Exeter comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like Northernhay Place, Pennsylvania, and St Thomas tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

How to Book Your Student Accommodation in Exeter with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 55 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details 

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get the confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.