Exeter Student City Guide
With a student population of approximately 30,000, Exeter is a vibrant place to study and live in. This ancient city in Devonshire, one of the most picturesque parts of the UK, boasts lively nightlife, fascinating attractions and a diverse cultural scene, making it an exciting destination to begin a new adventure. Find out more about student life in Exeter with this city guide.
Where To Stay in Exeter
Find the perfect home for your student life at our Exeter university accommodation. There are three locations to choose from, each providing everything you need to feel at home, including amazing social spaces for making friends and study areas where you can focus on assignments. Plus, all bills are included to make budgeting easy. Pick from private studios and ensuite rooms in shared apartments at Cricket Field Court, next to the University of Exeter, or at The Barn, our city centre location. Alternatively, Queen Street Studios consists of private studio apartments, making it the ideal student housing if you want your own place near the city centre.
Cafes and Coffee Shops in Exeter
Wherever you go in Exeter, you'll find delicious coffee and cake. The city has a thriving cafe culture thanks to several small, independent businesses sharing their passion with the locals. South West Coffee Co. has three coffee shops in the city, with The Undergrad being particularly popular with students, as it's on the doorstep of The Barn. For a brew with a view, head to The Quay. This riverside destination is home to several charming cafes, providing a picturesque place to catch up with friends or family. Open from early until late, Artigiano Espresso & Wine Bar is a favourite for morning coffee, evening drinks and everything in between. And when you want a sweet treat, Glorious Art House will satisfy your cravings with indulgent waffles and bakes, as will The Exploding Bakery, a café specialising in homemade cakes and brownies.
Restaurants in Exeter
Exeter has a buzzing restaurant scene that foodies will love exploring. In the heart of the city centre, you'll find loads of places to eat at Queen Street. Several offers deal and discounts for students, such as high-street restaurants like Zizzi's, Pho and Bill's, so you can go out for food with friends without breaking the bank. For lunch on a budget, go to Red Panda and choose from freshly made banh mi sandwiches, bao buns and salad bowls – it's the perfect pitstop for refuelling during busy study periods. When you're craving pub food, the Mill on the Exe has got you covered with comforting classics. And if you're after a planet-conscious menu, check out The Flat. This pizzeria uses organic ingredients to create hand-stretched pizzas, which can all be made vegan or gluten-free.
Nightlife in Exeter
With its various bars and clubs, Exeter provides an abundance of thrills and spills for students. At The Terrace, the cocktails are two for-one all day, every day, so you can stretch your night-out budget a little bit further. The Old Firehouse is your go-to for pints and, possibly, the biggest pizzas you've ever seen. And with weekly quiz nights and live music, it's no wonder it's a favourite with Exeter students. For a night out that's a little bit different, try one of Exeter's eclectic bars, such as The Book Cover, an elusive speakeasy with a '60s theme. When it's time to dance, head to one the lively nightclubs. Timepiece is popular with students for its late nights, cheap drinks and fun vibes. Plus, it hosts regular events like silent discos and costume parties. Elsewhere, The Vaults is an iconic LGBTQ+ venue offering free entry and drinks deals, providing a safe space to party until the early morning.
Shopping in Exeter
From department stores to independent boutiques, Exeter has them all. The city centre is the main retail district, with a bustling high street and two shopping centres Princesshay and Guildhall. Here, you'll find well-known brands spanning fashion, home and technology, with many stores offering student discounts, so you can buy what you need for less. For quirky shops and small businesses, check out Fore Street and the surrounding arcades and lanes, perfect for discovering unique items.
Fitness and Wellbeing
The University of Exeter is renowned for its sporting reputation. It has one of the biggest competitive sports programmes in the UK, with over 110 registered teams that students can join. Elsewhere, the uni has incredible facilities, including a gym, fitness studios and swimming pool, that you can access via a discounted student membership, amongst many more programmes to support your health and wellbeing, such as community activities and women-only initiatives. And if you make a home for yourself at The Barn student accommodation, you'll have access to an on-site gym.
Nature and Outdoor Spaces
When it's time to take a break from assignments, Exeter's parks and gardens provide peaceful places to unwind. The city boasts one of the oldest public open spaces in England at the Northernhay Gardens, which were laid out in 1612 on the northern side of Exeter Castle. During days at uni, you can step away from your studies and stretch your legs on the Sculpture Walk. This route showcases 42 works from notable artists across the Streatham campus. Alternatively, you can get away from the city with a day trip to Devonshire's coastline, as beauty spots like Exmouth Beach are a short journey away.
Exeter’s Cultural Attractions
There's plenty for culture vultures to delve into in Exeter. If history piques your interest, take the time to explore Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery – two sites showcasing the city's rich heritage. For something more contemporary, check out the Exeter Phoenix. This creative hub has multiple galleries, a theatre and cinema, presenting exhibitions, performances and films spanning all artistic disciplines. Elsewhere, Exeter Corn Exchange, Cavern and Lemon Grove are some of the key entertainment venues in the city where you can catch live music or comedy shows.
You can have all these places and more on your doorstep at our Exeter student accommodation. Find the perfect home for your new adventure with Fresh.
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