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Exeter is a student-friendly city in Devon and home to the University of Exeter, a Russell Group university with a large international student community. Exeter student accommodation options generally fall into three categories: university-managed halls, private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and privately rented houses or flats shared with other students. First-year students are usually guaranteed a place in university halls, while returning students and postgraduates more often turn to PBSA or private rentals for greater independence and flexibility in tenancy length. Understanding these options can help students choose the right type of accommodation and find a suitable place to live in Exeter.
University-Owned and Managed Halls in Exeter
University-owned and managed halls in Exeter are a good choice for first-year undergraduates and students who want university-supported accommodation close to their campus. These halls are operated directly by the University of Exeter and provide a managed living environment with access to university accommodation services. First-year undergraduates typically receive priority under the university’s accommodation guarantee, making university halls one of the main options to consider when starting at Exeter.
Most university-owned halls are located on or close to Streatham Campus and St Luke’s Campus. On Streatham Campus, options include Holland Hall, Mardon Hall, Lafrowda and Birks Grange Village, while South Cloisters offers catered accommodation. Students studying at St Luke’s Campus can consider College House, Old and New Nancherrow and Rowancroft, which are located close to the campus.
Exeter University halls offer catered, part-catered and self-catered accommodation, ranging from £124 to £342 per week. This makes them suitable for students who either want meals provided or prefer to cook independently. Rooms are generally furnished, and rent commonly covers essential services such as electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi, maintenance and security. Prices vary by residence, room type and contract length, so students should check the latest rates through the University of Exeter’s Room Finder, which provides details on rent, room types, contract lengths and walking distances. Applying early is recommended because popular university halls can fill quickly.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation in Exeter
Purpose-built student accommodation in Exeter has become one of the most popular housing choices for students, offering a modern alternative to university halls with greater independence and flexibility in tenancy length. uhomes.com lists a range of purpose-built student accommodation across Exeter’s main student areas, with detailed information on distance to the University of Exeter, the city centre and local transport links, allowing students to compare locations before committing to a booking.
Private student accommodation in Exeter offers a range of room types, including en-suite and non-en-suite rooms, studios, and shared apartments with 1 to 4 bedrooms. Facilities vary by Exeter student houses but commonly include Wi-Fi, study spaces, gyms, social areas, laundry facilities, bike storage and secure access. Rent for PBSA in Exeter starts from around £185 per week, and many properties include bills such as electricity, water, heating and internet within the rent, which simplifies budgeting for students living away from home for the first time.
For international students in particular, arranging accommodation before arrival can be difficult without seeing a property in person. uhomes.com addresses this by providing recorded livestream walkthroughs, authentic property photos and on-site filmed videos on each listing page, giving students a clearer and more realistic picture of a property before booking. Students can also compare prices, room types and tenancy terms across multiple providers in one place, with access to Early Bird discounts, cashback of up to £874 and exclusive deals designed to help students secure the lowest available price. Accommodation advisors are also available to assist with property selection, applications and bookings from overseas, reducing the uncertainty and stress of securing student accommodation remotely.
Private Rented Houses in Exeter
Students looking for shared houses or privately managed flats often choose the private rented sector, which offers more flexibility in terms of property type, location, tenancy arrangements, and who they live with. Pennsylvania and St James are two of Exeter’s most established student areas. Pennsylvania is within walking distance of Streatham Campus and is particularly popular with second and third-year undergraduates, while St James, Heavitree, and the city centre are practical choices for students based at St Luke’s Campus.
Heavitree is slightly further from the city centre, with average rents of around £130 to £150 per week and approximately a ten-minute walk to St Luke’s Campus. Properties around Pennsylvania Road typically cost around £115 to £140 per week, with a walking time of approximately 20 minutes to Streatham Campus. Newtown and the city centre also offer a growing supply of private student flats, particularly suited to students who want easy access to shops, restaurants, nightlife, and public transport.
The average weekly rent for a single room in Exeter’s private rented sector is approximately £128, although the actual cost varies depending on location, room size, property type, tenancy length, and whether bills are included. Unlike purpose-built student accommodation, private rented properties are often advertised through local letting agents, so students may need to arrange an in-person viewing or video tour before signing a tenancy agreement.
Conclusion
Exeter offers a well-rounded student housing market, with university-owned halls, purpose-built student accommodation and private rented houses each catering to different priorities and stages of student life. First-year undergraduates are generally well served by the university’s accommodation guarantee and the convenience of campus-based halls, while returning students and postgraduates often prefer the independence, flexible tenancy lengths and inclusive billing that purpose-built accommodation provides. Private rented houses remain a strong option for those seeking greater choice over location, property type and housemates, particularly in established student areas such as Pennsylvania and St James. Whichever route a student chooses, comparing rent, location, contract terms and included services in advance is essential to finding accommodation that suits both budget and lifestyle. Platforms such as uhomes.com make this comparison easier by bringing together verified listings, transparent pricing and dedicated booking support, helping students secure suitable Exeter accommodation with confidence before they arrive.