While the main reason you’re at university is to get a degree, but another important aspect of university life for many students is the nightlife to be found in their new city. It’s not for everyone, but many students do appreciate a good club night (even if they can’t remember most of it the next day). There aren’t many clubs in Exeter (rest in peace Unit 1), but what we do have is pretty cheap and pretty good! So, if you’re looking for a rundown of the best clubs in Exeter, this is the article for you.
6 top nightclubs in Exeter for students
Here’s my pick of the best Exeter nightclubs for when you want a good night out.
1. Fever
One of the most well-known – or maybe most notorious – clubs in Exeter is Fever, located on Mary Arches Street. With an entry price of just five pounds, it won’t break the bank, meaning you can afford a coffee from the Forum Pret to get you through your lectures the following day!
There are many different events and different kinds of music being played, from Venom Wednesdays (great if you missed out on a TP Wednesday ticket and you’re feeling FOMO, but more on that later) and Aura Fridays, where you can get 2-for-1 on drinks!
There are two rooms at Fever. You can expect a wider variety of music in the first room, but if you’re missing Cheesy Tuesdays and craving a sing-a-long, room two is the place to be.
Since it’s open until 3:30 am, Fever is the perfect place to dance the night away while still leaving time to grab a takeaway afterwards – Efes Grill, anyone?
Address: 54 Mary Arches St, Exeter EX4 3BA
2. Cavern
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A favourite among the more indie Exeter students is Cavern. Located in a basement on Queen Street (so watch out for that spiral staircase if you’ve had a bit too much), Cavern is known for its live music nights, having had famous faces like George Ezra, Muse and The 1975 gracing its stage. It also hosts a variety of club nights, so it’s perfect for you if you like live music and a classic clubbing experience.
Some of their most popular nights include Saturday indie nights, metal nights and their emo night, which is spectacularly named “Black Parade”. If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.
Just make sure to purchase a ticket a few days in advance of the event, as the Cavern queue is well-known and well-feared among Exeter students.
Address: 83-84 Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RP
3. Timepiece
Have you ever tried to get a Wednesday Timepiece ticket? If so, you’ll know this for a fact: Timepiece (fondly known as TP) is probably the most popular club in Exeter, especially for students.
The club is split into two: the bar downstairs and the actual club upstairs! The ticket precise are pretty cheap (especially if you were unlucky enough to land the 7 pm entry), but you do often have to pay extra to go upstairs to the club section of the building. Don’t let this discourage you though – Timepiece is the club for sports society socials, so you won’t ever be short of laughs on the dancefloor. Be prepared to see everything from someone in a bin bag to someone in a toga. Worth the extra cash, in my opinion.
Address: Little Castle St, Exeter, United Kingdom
4. Move
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If DnB and house music are more your thing, or you want to try something new (because yes, the cheesy tunes blasting from Fever and Timepiece can get a little old when you hear them every week), Move should be the next club on your list.
This underground music venue, like Cavern, features a mixture of live bands and DJs for a more classic night out. The music played is often a breath of fresh air compared to other Exeter clubs, with the lineup featuring DnB, house, techno and reggae. Recently, they’ve even hosted a Brat-themed night for those who fancied extending their brat summer.
Situated on the Quayside, this club is located a little further away from student accommodation than most clubs in the city, but once you’ve been, I think you’ll agree it’s worth the walk!
Address: 4 The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AP
5. Batty Bingo
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Is getting ready for pre-drinks at 4 in the afternoon your thing? I’m kidding, but if you’re the kind of person who likes to be in bed nice and early (don’t worry, me too), then Batty Bingo might be the night out for you as the last entry into the legendary hall is 7:30 pm.
Batty Bingo does what it says on the tin – it’s a bingo night, but not quite like the bingo nights you picture your nan having! Bingo meets clubbing in this notorious Exeter night out, featuring a wide variety of different themes like Oktoberfest and Barbie.
It comes in a little pricier than most nights out in Exeter, you’ll get another use out of the slightly dusty fancy dress you bought in first year and Batty Bingo is certainly a night to remember (unless you drink too much and forget!).
Address:12 North St, Exeter EX4 3QS
Pubs and bars in Exeter
If clubs aren’t really your thing, Exeter has no shortage of clubs and bars, perfect for anyone wanting a chill drink with their friends (although let’s be honest, that usually turns into a Fever trip…), a pub quiz or even a pub crawl.
Most importantly in this cost of living crisis, we have no shortage of Wetherspoons in Exeter, from the student favourite the Imperial (fondly known as “Impy”) to the town-based Chevalier Inn and George’s Meeting House. If you live in St. Thomas, there’s the slightly closer-to-home Sawyers Arms, too!
Other student favourites include the Victoria Inn, Henry’s Bar (great for those who live in the Mount Pleasant Area) and the Ram Bar on campus.
If you’re more of a cocktail kind of person, we have plenty of excellent bars such as Coolings, the Cocktail Club and Monkey Suit. Despite its reputation as being rather small, we certainly have plenty of choices for pubs here in Exeter.
Since you’ve reached the end of this article, I hope you’ve got plenty of ideas for your next Exeter night out! If clubs, pubs and drinking in general aren’t really your thing, you might want to check out our article about fun sober things to do!
Hi, my name is Lili and I am currently studying for a Psychology degree! When I’m not studying, I love swimming, reading and writing.
