So, you’ve survived the first few weeks at Exeter - congrats! Now comes the big question: Where should you live next?
Finding the perfect student house is part of the uni experience. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet street, living close to campus, or being in the heart of the action, Exeter’s got something for everyone. I'm Hannah, a second year student, and here's my breakdown of the top student areas in Exeter – plus what to expect in each one...
Pennsylvania Road (Penny Road)
Distance to campus: Streatham: 5-10 mins | St Luke’s: 15-20 mins (you can roll out of bed and still make your 9am)
Vibe: Loud, energetic, lots going on and popular with second and third years
Pros: Co-op on the road, super close to campus and town (save money on transport), student area
Cons: Can get loud, not may parking options, slightly higher rent.
Advice: If you like to be in the centre of student life this is a great option, otherwise there are plenty of quieter locations to choose from.
Stoke Hill
Distance to campus: Streatham: 15–20 mins | St Luke's: 20–25 mins
Vibe: Residential suburb, more peace and quiet
Pros: Affordable rent + slightly more space, close to big Morrisons!
Cons: Further away from campus and town – more expenditure on transport
Advice: Not quite as central, so plan ahead if you're a frequent campus-goer.
Mount Pleasant
Distance to campus: 15 mins from both Streatham and St Luke’s
Vibe: Popular, nice housing, not too loud or too quiet
Pros: Student area, bigger houses, close to both campuses, local pubs: Henrys Bar and The Stoke Arms. Also near big Morrisons! Popular with societies and sports teams.
Cons: Further away from central town
Advice: If you’re looking for somewhere with a balanced, all-round vibe then Mount Pleasant is perfect.
City Centre
Distance to campus: Streatham: 25 mins | St Luke's: 10 mins
Vibe: Lively and convenient
Pros: In the middle of everything, convenient location for shops, bar and restaurants, etc.
Cons: Can get loud. May need to take bus to Streatham Campus
Advice: Great for social butterflies, expect noise – it's a city centre after all!
St Luke’s / Heavitree
Distance to campus: Streatham: 20-25 mins | St Luke's: 5 mins
Vibe: Quieter, chill community feel
Pros: Cheaper rent, great transport links. Best for medical students, sports scientists, and those based at St Luke’s. Magdalen Road has some great shops and bakeries!
Cons: Distance from Streatham campus and popular student areas
Advice: A bit of a distance from Streatham, so think about where your course is based most of the time.
St David’s
Distance to campus: 25 min walk to St Luke's and Streatham
Vibe: Quieter feel
Pros: Significantly cheaper rent, great transport links. Close to St David’s Station and scenic views of the river Exe. Significantly bigger houses and better value for money.
Cons: Distance from Streatham campus and other popular student areas
Advice: A great option if you have a lower budget, but a bit of a trek from both campuses.
So... Where’s Right for You?
Every student is different – what’s right for one might be a nightmare for another. When choosing, think about:
- How close you want to be to your campus
- Your budget
- What kind of vibe you want at home (party central or chill sanctuary?)
- Who you’re living with (spoiler alert: the people matter just as much as the postcode)
Next Steps:
- Start having chats with your friends early
- Look at the Move Smart webpage
- Come along to our Housing Info Sessions during Term 1
- Use the Exeter Guild’s Flatmate Finder if you’re still looking for your people
- If you’re prefer Purpose Build Student Accommodation (PBSA – more like living in halls) you can read our student guide.
Still unsure or have questions? Come and see the Guild's Advice Team, and we’ll help you navigate it all - no pressure, just honest guidance.
Wherever you land, you’re still in Exeter - and that’s a win!