What You Need to Consider When Renting Student Accommodation in Exeter

Exeter is not a large city, but due to the distribution of its two main campuses (Streatham and St Luke’s), it is not always easy to find a place to rent. To help you avoid unnecessary detours, I’ve compiled this list of key factors to consider when looking for accommodation in Exeter, covering everything from choosing the right location to managing your budget.

1. Commute Time & Geographical Location Features

When looking for a flat in Exeter, the first thing you need to overcome is the "slope". The Streatham campus is hailed as one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK, but it is also famous for its undulating hills. The St Luke's campus is located on the other side of the city centre. What are the best areas for University of Exeter students to live in?

• Around Streatham Campus: If you mainly attend classes at the main campus, Pennsylvania and St Davids areas are the top choices. Living in these areas means you can save a lot on bus fares, but the downside is that you might have to deal with several significant slopes every day. However, it takes only 15 minutes to reach the campus.
• Surrounding area of St Luke's campus: If you are a student of the medical school or the education college, the Heavitree area would be more convenient with short walking distance. The atmosphere here is slightly quieter compared to the city centre, and it has a stronger sense of community.
• Exeter City Centre: If you want to be able to reach High Street for shopping within a few minutes after class, or take a walk in Victoria Park in the evening, living in city centre is the perfect choice.

2. Accommodation Types

The choice of accommodation directly determines your subsequent experience of studying abroad in Exeter. There are mainly three types of accommodation for students in Exeter:

• University-managed halls are suitable for new students. The advantages are safety, convenient social interaction, and sometimes meals are included. The contracts usually follow a semester-based system, lasting approximately 32 to 44 weeks. However, the disadvantages are that the space is small, privacy is limited, and the prices are not cheap.
• Private student accommodation, like purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), are more popular. Popular Exeter student accommodation options include Vita Student Portland House, The Depot, Exeter One, etc., which are located in areas ranging from the city centre to Cowley Bridge Road. They offer studio rooms, en-suites, and even entire apartments, all furnished and with all bills included.
• House sharing is a more cost-effective option. Usually, 4 to 6 people share one house. The kitchen and living room are shared. The rent is relatively low, but one needs to clean up and coordinate the relationship with roommates.

In fact, for most international students who value a high quality of life and want to avoid the cumbersome maintenance procedures, choosing private student accommodation in Exeter is usually the safest choice. Such accommodation is typically managed by professional companies as apartment complexes, with strict management, 24-hour security, and prompt maintenance response, making it particularly suitable for international students during the adaptation period. Moreover, these private student accommodations are strategically located in prime areas connecting the campus and the city centre, allowing you to switch between studies and life with ease.

3. Rental Budget & Hidden Costs

The consumption level in Exeter is in the upper-middle range in the southwestern part of the UK. The average weekly rent in Exeter ranges from approximately £150 to £280, depending on the area. The weekly rent for private student apartments is roughly between £136 and £280, averaging around £500 to £900 per month, depending on the room type and whether the bills are all-inclusive. University dormitories are similar, while shared housing may be as low as around £100 per week, but water, electricity, gas and laundry fees have to be paid by the tenants themselves.

At the same time, when setting the budget, never just focus on that base rent figure. You need to make sure that the rent includes:

• All-inclusive Bills: Water, electricity, gas, internet. If the rent does not cover these expenses, in the context of significant fluctuations in energy prices in the UK, the winter costs could exceed your expectations.
• Facility usage fees: Many high-end apartments come with their own gyms, audio-visual rooms, and 24-hour front desks. Usage fees of these amenities are usually included in the rent.
• Council Tax: As a full-time student, you are exempt from paying this tax. However, if you live in a private residence, you must obtain a certificate from the university and promptly inform the Council. Otherwise, you will receive a reminder notice.

4. Communal Amenities & Security

Student apartments in Exeter usually come with gyms, study areas, audio-visual rooms, laundry rooms, even 24-hour front desks and cleaning services. This is very practical for international students who are busy with their studies and clubs. The communal kitchens are usually shared but modern, equipped with ovens and dishwashers, making it convenient for you to cook by yourselves. In contrast, old residential buildings may only have basic furniture, weak WiFi signals, and high heating costs in winter. When viewing the apartments, be sure to check these details: is the internet speed fast enough (at least 100Mbps), is the washing machine free or pay-per-use, how is the garbage collection operated, and is the storage space sufficient? Additionally, whether the apartment has an security system is also a matter worth considering. It is recommended to choose properties with access control and surveillance to make living more secure.

5. Surrounding & Community Atmosphere

Each area of Exeter has its own unique characteristics. Therefore, when choosing an apartment, you must clearly determine whether you prefer a quiet environment or a lively atmosphere. For example, Mount Pleasant is a well-known student area, with most of the streets lined with Victorian-style row houses, and the atmosphere is very lively. If you prefer a vibrant atmosphere, you can consider Mount Pleasant. While Pennsylvania has a higher altitude and excellent views, many housing have a window that allows you to see the continuous hills of Devon County, making it more suitable for students who prefer tranquility and focus on studies.

In addition, the community atmosphere is also very important: some apartments organize welcome activities, game nights, and study groups, which are particularly suitable for students who want to make friends; some are quieter and are more suitable for graduate students.

6. Contract Terms & Legal Considerations

The lease contracts in Exeter are usually in the form of Guaranteed Short-Term Lease (AST), with the lease term typically ranging from 40 to 51 weeks. To terminate the contract early, a written notice needs to be submitted 1 to 2 months in advance. Violating the contract terms may result in the deduction of the deposit. For international students who are new to AST contracts, you can utilize platforms like uhomes.com, which offer 1-on-1 multilingual advisors, to have professionals help you understand the complex terms. Additionally, many private Exeter student apartments on uhomes.com support flexible renewal or semester-based rental, allowing the lease period to better match your planned rental schedule. Moreover, regarding the requirement for international students to provide a guarantor, the platform's handling method is also very flexible, and most of its student apartments also support overseas guarantors.

Before signing the contract, it is necessary to conduct an inventory check of the accommodation. Take photos of all the furniture and the condition of the walls with your mobile phone to prevent being charged unexpectedly when checking out. When reading the contract, pay special attention to the following points: lease termination conditions, maintenance responsibilities, visitor policies, and noise regulations.

Conclusion

In summary, renting a student housing in Exeter is not just about finding a bed; it's about creating a home where you can study peacefully and relax and rest. As long as you think clearly about factors such as location, accommodation type, budget, facilities, the surrounding atmosphere, contracts and procedures, and combine them with your study plan and living habits to make a decision, you will be able to find the appropriate student accommodation during your study abroad and fully enjoy the charm of this city.