8 Best Places to Live in Exeter for Students: A Complete Area-by-Area Guide
Explore Safe and Affordable Areas in Exeter
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Exeter is one of the UK’s most desirable cities for students and young professionals, offering a strong mix of historic charm, modern amenities, and a welcoming community atmosphere. A place with city centre streets, shops, cafes, and nightlife for students. The city also offers calm and quiet residential areas for student accommodation in Exeter. With the University of Exeter attracting students from across the world, choosing the right place where to stay in Exeter can be a task for students. This guide explores the best places to live in Exeter to help you find a location that suits your budget, commute, and way of life.
The City of Exeter
Exeter is a city and the county town of Devon in South West England, United Kingdom, located on the River Exe. The historical roots of the city are deep, dating back to Roman Britain, and later grew into an important medieval religious centre. Exeter Cathedral, founded in the 11th century, remains one of its most iconic landmarks and reflects its long-standing ecclesiastical heritage.
Over time, the city developed strongly through the wool trade and later evolved into a key centre for education, business, and tourism in the South West.
Today, Exeter is known for its student population, largely supported by the University of Exeter across its Streatham and St Luke’s campuses. It also serves as an administrative centre for Devon and continues to play an important role in regional governance, culture, and economic activity.
Best Places to Live in Exeter
1. St Leonard’s
Safety Index: 8.5/10
Walkability: 9/10
Crime rate: approximately 52 crimes per 1,000 residents
Nearby universities: University of Exeter (1.2–1.8 miles)
Population: ~6,500
Average Monthly Rent: £900/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,150/month
St Leonard’s has a friendly environment, leafy streets, and independent cafes, allowing students opportunities to find affordable places where to stay in Exeter peacefully while pursuing their degrees. The area offers a strong community feel, excellent local amenities, and easy access to riverside walks along the Exeter Quay. The area has a good ambiance, cafes like the Exploding Bakery and Sacred Grounds are famous among them.
2. Heavitree
Safety Index: 7.8/10
Walkability: 7/10
Crime rate: approximately 65 crimes per 1,000 residents
Nearby universities: University of Exeter (2–3 miles)
Population: ~11,000
Average Monthly Rent: £750/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,000/month
Heavitree is one of the best Exeter neighbourhoods offering good transport links to the city centre and university campuses, along with local shops, pubs, and parks. The area is known for its balance of convenience and value for money, making it a practical choice for student accommodation in Exeter. The famous Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital is near this area, providing the best healthcare facilities to students. The area is located with some comfortable accommodation options:
3. Pennsylvania
Safety Index: 8.7/10
Walkability: 8.5/10
Crime rate: approximately 45 crimes per 1,000 residents
Nearby universities: University of Exeter (0.3–0.8 miles)
Population: ~7,000
Average Monthly Rent: £925/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,150/month
Pennsylvania is a quiet residential area located close to the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, making it highly convenient for students. The area also offers good walking routes and easy access to the city centre. Beautiful accessible cafes like the Devon Coffee, Starbucks Streatham Campus, and Pret A Manger are available in this area, the perfect combination of affordable stay and enjoyable environment for students.
4. Exeter City Centre
Safety Index: 7.2/10
Walkability: 10/10
Crime rate: approximately 85 crimes per 1,000 residents
Nearby universities: University of Exeter (1–1.5 miles)
Population: ~18,000 (day population higher due to commuters)
Average Monthly Rent: £1,050/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,300/month
The City Centre is the most walkable and well-connected area in Exeter, offering everything from shopping and restaurants to nightlife and transport hubs. It is ideal for students who want to live close to amenities and enjoy an active social lifestyle. The area has good cuisine and popular restaurants, Turtle Bay, Pho Exeter, and Comptoir Libanais are some of them, giving students the exposure to different types of cuisine in a particular area.
5. St Thomas
Safety Index: 7.5/10
Walkability: 7.2/10
Crime rate: approximately 70 crimes per 1,000 residents
Nearby universities: University of Exeter (2–3.5 miles)
Population: ~10,500
Average Monthly Rent: £700/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £950/month
St Thomas is located across the River Exe, providing more affordable housing options compared to central Exeter. It has a strong residential feel with local shops, schools, and parks, along with good bus connections to the city centre and university. The Riverside Valley Park and Exeter Canal are some of the famous nearby tourist attractions in this area.
6. Mount Pleasant
Safety Index: 8.0/10
Walkability: 8.8/10
Crime rate: approximately 60 crimes per 1,000 residents
Nearby universities: University of Exeter (0.8–1.2 miles)
Population: ~8,000
Average Monthly Rent: £850/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,100/month
Mount Pleasant is a popular student area known for its proximity to both the city centre and the University of Exeter. It offers a mix of shared student housing Exeter and traditional homes, along with easy access to shops and public transport. The area is lively but still maintains a residential feel. Exeter city is famous for its cafes and restaurants; some of the famous ones in this area include The Old Firehouse, Efes Grill, and Nando’s Exeter. As this area covers many amenities like shops and restaurants, it provides affordable housing searches:
7. Exwick
Safety Index: 8.2/10
Walkability: 6.5/10
Crime rate: approximately 48 crimes per 1,000 residents
Nearby universities: University of Exeter (2.5–4 miles)
Population: ~9,500
Average Monthly Rent: £675/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £900/month
Exwick is a quieter suburb located northwest of the city centre, offering affordable housing and a more relaxed lifestyle. It is well connected by bus routes and has access to green spaces and riverside walks. The Exwick Woods, River Exe Trails, and Exeter Quayside are some of the best places to go while staying in this area. The Picturehouse Apartments in Exwick give students the best facilities to live in a comfortable environment.
8. Newtown
Safety Index: 7.9/10
Walkability: 8.7/10
Crime rate: approximately 62 crimes per 1,000 residents
Nearby universities: University of Exeter (1–1.5 miles)
Population: ~7,800
Average Monthly Rent: £825/month
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,050/month
Newtown is a lively and well-connected residential area located close to Exeter city centre. Popular among students. It offers a mix of traditional terraced housing, cafés, local shops, and convenient transport links. Restaurants like the Red Panda, Dinosaur Café, and Eat the Bird are famous for their cuisine in this area.
Why Students Prefer Living in Exeter UK?
Students are attracted to Exeter for its perfect balance of academic excellence and high quality of life. The University of Exeter, the city, offers a strong educational environment supported by modern facilities, libraries, and a globally recognised academic reputation. Alongside studies, students benefit from a safe, welcoming atmosphere, compact city layout, and excellent transport links that make daily life convenient and stress-free.
When it comes to lifestyle, Exeter offers many cultural and non-academic activities beyond the classroom. Popular cafés such as Boston Tea Party, Coffee #1, and The Exploding Bakery create ideal study and social spots across the city. For leisure, students can explore Exeter Quayside, Northernhay Gardens, and the historic Cathedral Green, along with shopping and nightlife in the city centre. This mix of education, culture, and everyday convenience makes Exeter a highly attractive student destination.
How Amber Helps Students Find Places to Stay in Exeter?
Finding the right student accommodation in Exeter with budget-friendly rents and a good environment, in a new city, can often feel overwhelming. This is where amber makes the process simpler, faster, and more reliable for students searching for housing in Exeter. With access to a wide range of verified student accommodation in Exeter options across popular areas such as St Leonard’s, Pennsylvania, Heavitree, and Exeter City Centre, amber helps students compare properties based on location, price, amenities, and lifestyle preferences.
Amber is designed to make student housing convenient and stress-free. Students can browse studio apartments, shared flats, and purpose-built student accommodation in Exeter. Another major advantage of using amber is the personalised booking support offered throughout the process. Amber helps students settle into Exeter comfortably and focus more on their academic and social experience rather than housing concerns. This is especially helpful for international students who may be unfamiliar with Exeter’s housing market or rental procedures. Amber also assists with finding student accommodation in Exeter close to university campuses, public transport, cafés, supermarkets, and other essential amenities.
Overall, Exeter stands out as a well-rounded city that offers students a strong academic environment, safe Exeter neighbourhoods, and a balanced lifestyle. From colourful city-centre living to quieter residential areas, each part of the city brings its own advantages in terms of convenience, affordability, and community feel. With excellent access to the University of Exeter, the city provides affordable living in Exeter UK, with all the required amenities and accessibility to other cities. For those seeking comfortable and modern student accommodation in Exeter, amber provides a wide range of verified housing options across the best places to live in Exeter, making it easier to find a home that fits your budget and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good hospitals and healthcare facilities in Exeter?
Exeter is well served by healthcare facilities across the city. Medical facilities like the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital provide good medical assurance for students and other residents.
What libraries are available for students in Exeter?
Students can access the University of Exeter libraries, including the main Forum Library on Streatham Campus, as well as public libraries like Exeter Central Library in the city centre.
Is Exeter a safe city for students to live in?
Exeter is generally considered a safe city with a friendly community atmosphere. Most student areas have low to moderate crime levels, and university accommodation also provides added security.
How is public transport in Exeter for students?
Exeter has a reliable bus network operated mainly by Stagecoach, with frequent services connecting student areas, campuses, and the city centre.
What is the average cost of living in Exeter UK for students?
The average living in Exeter UK for students is around £900–£1,300 per month, depending on accommodation type, lifestyle, and personal expenses.