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Exeter’s food scene can be both a blessing and a curse. With everything from cosy pubs to cult favourites like The Old Firehouse, it’s tempting to eat out every night– but sadly, a student budget generally doesn’t quite stretch that far. The good news is you don’t have to choose between eating well and saving money. From smart meal prep to hidden campus gems and student discounts around town, there are plenty of ways to keep both your stomach and your bank account happy.
Meal planning/ prepping
When it comes to eating well on a budget, planning ahead really does make a world of difference. And it doesn’t need to be some elaborate colour-coded plan – just setting 10 minutes aside at the start of the week helps you buy only what you need and cut down on food waste. Batch cooking is a student’s best friend –think big portions of easy recipes (pasta, chilli, curry, etc.) that you can freeze and reheat with minimal effort later. Even prepping lunch for the next day while you’re already cooking saves time, money and the temptation to buy something between lectures.
Supermarket Delivery
Exeter’s hilly landscape precedes it, and so it’s no surprise that many students find the task of hauling their shopping home a taxing one. Getting your supermarket shop delivered not only saves the effort of bringing it home, but is often an effective way to stick to budget and avoid impulse buying! We have a lot of different supermarkets in Exeter, but many have a high minimum order price for delivery. Morrisons and ASDA tend to offer lower minimum delivery costs, and splitting orders with friends/flatmates is also cheaper and more eco-friendly. If you’re shopping in person, don’t skip the yellow-sticker aisle - it’ s the easiest way to bag premium food for less, especially items you can freeze or cook the same day.
Affordable Spots on Campus
Exeter’s campus has a wide variety of great-value food if you know where to look. The Terrace, just around the corner from the Guild in Devonshire House is a top pick, with meals ranging from as little as £2.35 and changing daily - have a look at the menu there! Just beneath The Terrace, you’ll find the Ram Bar. At the heart of campus life, the Ram is a true student favourite – from Katsu chicken rice bowls to their legendary curly fries; it’s proof that good food doesn’t need to cost a fortune, with nothing on their menu costing more than £7.95!
Make sure you download the Eat & Shop Club app to start earning loyalty points on purchases on campus, and if you buy 8 coffees you get your next one free!
Student Discounts in The City
Your student ID is your best friend in unlocking cheap food and discount offers all around the city. UNiDAYS and Student Beans allow you to access loads of student deals, just by verifying your university email address. Some of my personal favourites around Exeter include:
- Pizza Express 20% off Sunday -Friday
- 25% off the total bill at Yo! Sushi
- Franco Manca £10.45 Pizza & Soft Drink Bundle
And finally, I can’t not mention Too Good To Go - a free app that lets you buy surplus food from local cafés, restaurants and supermarkets at huge discounts -usually between £2 and £4 for a surprise “Magic Bag.” It’s a fun, affordable way to grab a meal while helping reduce food waste. In Exeter, you’ll often find great options from places like Pret, Yo! Sushi and other local favourites.
With a little planning and a few student-savvy tricks, eating well in Exeter can be both delicious and affordable!