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Exeter might just be one of the most well-rounded student cities we’ve seen. Tucked away in the heart of the beautiful Devon countryside, everything in Exeter seems to be set up for students. The university is world-class, the scenery is superb, there’s an abundance of history and culture, great local bars and clubs and a selection of top-flight sports teams. That’s why it costs so much, right? Well actually no. Exeter also has some of the best student cost of living rates anywhere in the south west. Our guide has all the information you need, so keep reading.
- Student activities in Exeter
- Nightlife in Exeter
- Student accommodation in Exeter
- Transport in Exeter
- Student costs in Exeter
- What Exeter is famous for
- Universities in Exeter
Student activities in Exeter
Exeter is well known for the prowess of its many top-flight sports teams. Whether it be rugby, football, cricket, athletics or otherwise, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to watch professional matches and events or participate in one of the many local recreational teams. The uni has a huge range of sports clubs, so why not get involved and try something new?
Read our list of the top 10 student things to do in Exeter.
Nightlife in Exeter
Exeter’s nightlife has a laid-back vibe with a lively party atmosphere which caters heavily towards students. There are loads of pubs, bars, and eateries which offer student deals and mid-week events, at budget-friendly prices. The average cost of a pint is around £4.50, and there are loads of places from which to order one. Here are a few favourites:
The Old Firehouse - A popular ale and cider pub, well-loved by students and locals alike. It’s the perfect place to start the night, and if that weren’t enough, they make the largest pizzas in town. Seriously, their pizzas are massive, and who doesn’t love pizza? Come with an appetite.
The Quay - Whether you like alfresco dining, water sports, or evening drinks, The Quay has it all. A collection of shops, bars, and eateries clustered around Exeter’s scenic waterfront. Lovely.
Timepiece - Arguably the best student nightclub in Exeter - certainly one of the most popular. Late night parties, inexpensive drinks, and half of your classmates all jammed into one venue each weekend. Timepiece is a classic student party venue which doubles as a wine bar and hosts a variety of events such as silent discos, salsa nights, live DJ’s and costume parties. Same time next week?
Student accommodation in Exeter
This will most likely be your single biggest expense, however it might not be as much as you expect. Living in the University of Exeter’s halls of residence is a convenient and very cost-effective way to start. The university has more than 20 self-catered options and four catered residences, ranging in price from £113 - £246 per week. You’ll have a wide range of room options including single, double and studio rooms, and all utilities bills are included in the rent amount.
When you leave halls, you’ll probably rent a house somewhere in Exeter with a few friends. A three-bedroom apartment in the centre costs £1,900 per month on average, which is much less than in places like London. You’ll find that rent prices drop if you live outside the city centre, and since Exeter is easy to get around by foot or by bike, then this is a great way to save some pennies.
Transport in Exeter
It’s pretty easy to get around Exeter, with regular bus services across the city and regional rail networks throughout the region. A one-way ticket costs less than £2.50, but if you think that you’ll take the bus to uni regularly then it’s probably worth picking up a monthly student travel pass. You might even be able to get a student discount and save a few extra quid.
Overall, Exeter can be readily explored by foot, and has a lot of green spaces which makes walking around town a pleasant and varied experience. You could consider cycling too, which is fast, convenient, and has the added benefit of free exercise.
Student costs in Exeter
So how much are we talking? The best way to figure out what your university expenses will be is to break it down into several key categories.
Firstly, fees. If you’re studying an undergraduate degree, then you’ll probably be paying £9,250 per year for tuition. While this sounds like a lot, you can get a student loan to cover the cost, and you won’t need to start paying it back until you’re graduated and employed. Simple.
Secondly, accommodation. We’ve already covered this one above, so hopefully you have a good idea of the price you can expect to be paying.
Thirdly, groceries. You can expect to spend around £160 per month on groceries, and if you buy in bulk or visit low-cost outlets then you can eat very well within this budget. We recommend picking up a loyalty card to your most often used store, to gain points and access to discounts.
Make sure to budget for transport and entertainment and keep a little spare for additional university supplies in case you need some extra materials or printing credits.
Read more about the cost of living in Exeter.
What Exeter is famous for
As the capital city of Devon, Exeter is steeped in history and heritage and is home to a beautiful Norman Cathedral which dates back to 1400 and is built in the Gothic style. It’s a stunning building, which despite its ancient origins, is very much alive today and hosts a lively schedule of contemporary events such as art exhibitions and musical performances. It’s a great place to visit when you need a break from studying, and you can take a guided tour to get all the cultural context.
Universities in Exeter
The University of Exeter is the only university in the city and is one of the top-rated institutions in the country, offering a comprehensive selection of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, and providing a superb student lifestyle. The university supports a community of around 22,000 students, and has an excellent reputation for research, holding membership of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities. The university has excellent graduate employment statistics, and a high student satisfaction rating.
