Before moving to Exeter, the main question I had was “is Exeter good for students?”. It’s a complex question, so this article will help break it down. It’s essential to think beyond the actual university and consider the city you will be living in as this will shape much of your university experience. After living here for a few years, I feel like I’m fairly qualified to answer this question. There’s so much to consider when moving to a new city for university, and this guide will answer all those questions to help you picture yourself in Exeter.
The nightlife in Exeter
Some universities have a big reputation for being party unis; Exeter doesn’t really. But fear not. If partying and going out is high up on your list of priorities for a university, don’t rule out Exeter. I asked my housemates what they thought about going out here and they only had good things to say! They emphasised that clubs aren’t stupidly expensive, everything is within walking distance and there are different club nights for different music preferences. Though, if you are like me and are not a massive clubber, there are plenty of bars and pubs for you. There’s an Artigiano if you want something fancy, but equally you can go to a local pub like Henry’s if you want something more cosy and relaxed. The only downside is that drinks from bars and pubs here can be a little pricey, though it’s nowhere nearly as bad as London prices.
Cost of living for Exeter students
Unfortunately, going to a university down south does mean you have to pay the Southern tax (aka, extortionately high rent). I was slightly caught off-guard when I started looking for a second-year house and saw the rent prices. It can be easy to forget when you’re applying for a university to check how much housing is beyond your halls. Check sites such as Accommodation for Students to get a rough sense of how much you’ll be paying in your second and third years.
Exeter is quite expensive when it comes to housing. My sister attended the University of Leeds and her rent was truly a fraction of the price of mine. Do the calculations and see whether Exeter’s cost can be factored into your student budget. The cost can be a minus if you’re considering whether Exeter is good for students. But if you’re looking for fun and free things to do in Exeter, check out this Unifresher article!
Location
As the graffiti littered around town proudly proclaims: “Devon is Hevon”. I largely agree. Exeter is located very close to the coast, meaning you’re only a short train ride away from beaches such as Exmouth, Dawlish and Teignmouth. These beaches are the perfect hangxiety cure and they also provide a pretty escape from university life. You can explore more of what Devon has to offer with the Expedition Society.
Though if that isn’t your cup of tea, you can just hop on a quick bus ride to one of the surrounding villages for an afternoon. Exeter as a city is fairly small. If you’re looking for a big cosmopolitan feel, you’re not likely to find it here. But don’t disregard it yet. When I asked my friends what their favourite part of the city was, they unanimously said the quay. Along the quay, there are so many cute cafés and boutique shops. It makes for the perfect escape from all your uni work!
What is the University of Exeter like?
Is the University of Exeter good for students? This could be an entire article in and of itself, but to summarise, I would say so. Speaking from the perspective of someone who studies languages and politics, I do enjoy my time here. The languages department is small, meaning my professors all know my name and are approachable. The politics department is a lot bigger and in first and second year, there were well over 100 students in my lectures. This makes it slightly less personable, but it does mean that you meet so many new people in every lecture and seminar.
There’s plenty of support from the Wellbeing team here as well. Exeter is also a campus university, meaning that everything is located in one places and you don’t have to traipse around the city to find your classes. Campus is also really pretty and there are plenty of hidden spots where you can sit and eat your lunch. There’s so much greenery, as well as lots of cafés on campus.
Poll
I polled some of my Exeter friends to see if they agree that Exeter is good students. Here’s what they had to say!
What is your favourite thing about Exeter as a city?
How small it is
The cafés
The size - not too big
Safe and walkable. Close to Dartmoor and the beaches.
What is your least favourite thing about Exeter?
Sidwell Street
Some antisocial behaviour
Hills
Fairly small high street
What is your favourite thing about Exeter University?
How open my English course is (creative writing, song lyrics etc)
The greenery
Wide variety of modules and the friends I made
The toffee apple blondies from Queens café
What is something you wish you knew before you moved to Exeter for uni?
The house prices
It is quite posh
Not very well connected to the North
Quite far from most universities.
In my final year here, I do believe that Exeter is good for students. Naturally, different students want different things out of their university experience. But, if you want a campus university, located in a quaint city, close to beaches and the countryside, Exeter might just be the perfect choice for you. If you can, I’d recommend attending university open days to get a better feel for where you’ll be living. And hopefully you’ll come to the same conclusion as me, that Exeter is good for students!
Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a French and International Relations student at the University of Exeter. When I’m not studying, I’m usually reading a good fiction book or listening to pop culture podcasts! Or, you’ll find me reading the guests’ essays from the New York Times.
