What are the best areas to live in Exeter for students? It mainly depends on your budget, preferred accommodation, and whether you would rather live close to lectures or closer to the city centre. This guide compares 9 of the best places to live in Exeter, covering campus access, lifestyle, relative rent levels and the trade-offs you should know before choosing where to live in Exeter.
Best Areas to Live in Exeter at a Glance
| Area | Best For | Nearest Campus | Approx. Commute | Lifestyle | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Living near campus | Streatham | Walking | Student/residential | £170–£250/week |
| St James | Campus + city balance | Streatham | Walking | Lively | £190–£240/week |
| City Centre | Nightlife & convenience | Both | Walk/bus | Very lively | £180–£250+/week |
| Mount Pleasant | Value for money | Streatham | Walk/bus | Student-friendly | £150–£200/week |
| Newtown | St Luke’s students | St Luke’s | Walking | Residential | £160–£200+/week |
| Heavitree | St Luke’s + quieter life | St Luke’s | Walking | Local/community | £150–£190/week |
| St Leonard’s | Cafés & quieter lifestyle | St Luke’s | Walking | Leafy/residential | £170–£210+/week |
| St David’s | Transport & Streatham | Streatham | Walking | Convenient | £145–£205/week |
| St Thomas | Budget & local living | Both | Bus/cycle | Residential | £145–£240/week |
9 Best Areas to Live in Exeter
The best areas to live in Exeter include Pennsylvania, St David’s, Mount Pleasant, Heavitree, Newtown, St Leonard’s, Central Exeter, and St James. Each neighbourhood has different features to suit stylish lifestyles and needs. Below are the details of each of the best places to live in Exeter, UK.
1. Pennsylvania
Best for: Streatham students who prioritise a short commute
Campus commute: Walk to Streatham Campus
City centre: Walk or bus
Rent level: ££
Area vibe: Student-friendly and residential
Pennsylvania is one of the best areas to live in Exeter if getting to Streatham Campus quickly is your main priority. It sits directly beside the university area, making it particularly attractive to students who would rather walk to lectures than rely on buses every morning.
Pennsylvania has a strong student presence, especially around Pennsylvania Road and the streets leading towards campus. That can make it easier to feel part of the university community even after moving out of halls. Everyday essentials are accessible, while the city centre is still reachable on foot when you want more shops, restaurants or nightlife.
The main advantage of Pennsylvania is convenience. Living in student accommodation in Pennsylvania means you are close to Streatham Campus. This can save time between lectures and makes it easier to use university facilities in the evening. However, the trade-off is that you are further from the heart of Exeter than students living around the High Street or Central Station.
2. St James
Best for: Students wanting access to both Streatham and central Exeter
Campus commute: Walking
City centre: Short walk
Rent level: ££
Area vibe: Lively, convenient and student-friendly
St James is one of the best areas in Exeter for students to balance university life with city-centre convenience. Located between Streatham Campus and central Exeter, St James gives students relatively easy access to lectures without leaving shops, restaurants and nightlife too far away.
St James includes popular student streets around Danes Road, Hoopern Street and nearby residential roads. It also benefits from being close to Exeter St James Park railway station, which is within a 15-minute walk of both Exeter campuses, convenient for your travel.
Another advantage is access towards Sidwell Street and the city centre, where supermarkets, cafés, takeaways and everyday services are concentrated. However, the streets closer to the centre can be busier, and properties differ significantly even within the same neighbourhood.
3. Exeter City Centre
Best for: Shopping, nightlife and central living
Campus commute: Walk or bus to either campus
City centre: You are already there
Rent level: £££
Area vibe: Busy, social and convenient
Exeter City Centre is one of the best places to live in Exeter for students who want everything close at hand. Instead of planning separate trips for groceries, shopping, cafés and nights out, you can live within walking distance of many of the places you are likely to use regularly.
Living centrally can be especially convenient for St Luke’s students, while Streatham Campus is also accessible on foot or by bus. Exeter High Street, Queen Street and the surrounding streets provide plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, cafés and social venues. Purpose-built student accommodation in Exeter City Centre can also offer a different experience from renting a traditional shared house.
However, Exeter City Centre is not always the best area for every student. You may pay more for location, particularly for newer studios in Exeter or centrally positioned PBSA. Traffic and late-night noise from bars, buses and people out in the city is another trade-off.
4. Mount Pleasant
Best for: Shared houses and access to both campuses
Campus commute: Walk or bus
City centre: Walkable
Rent level: ££
Area vibe: Residential with a strong student presence
Mount Pleasant is a popular area to live in Exeter, Devon, suitable for both single persons and families. It has many shared houses close to both Streatham and St Luke’s campuses. Around King’s Road and nearby streets, residents can reach local convenience stores, while larger supermarkets are accessible on foot.
Although accommodation in Mount Pleasant is more affordable, the rental prices differ substantially between houses, rooms and streets. When choosing housing in the area, consider the comprehensive cost, such as bills, rent, and transport costs to the university and central Exeter.
5. Newtown
Best for: Students based at St Luke’s Campus
Campus commute: Walking
City centre: Short walk
Rent level: ££
Area vibe: Quieter and residential
Newtown is one of the best areas to live in Exeter for St Luke’s students who want to walk to campus without living directly in the city centre. Located in the east of central Exeter, Newtown generally feels more residential than the busiest student streets around Streatham. The area also has more families living nearby.
That creates a useful middle ground. You can reach St Luke’s quickly while still being within walking distance of central Exeter. Belmont Park adds green space, while nearby shops cover day-to-day essentials. The independent businesses around Magdalen Road are another attraction for students who prefer neighbourhood cafés and local shops over spending all their time on the High Street.
6. Heavitree
Best for: St Luke’s access and local neighbourhood living
Campus commute: Short walk to St Luke’s
City centre: Walk or bus
Rent level: £
Area vibe: Residential and community-focused
Heavitree is one of the best places to live in Exeter for students who want to be close to St Luke’s while experiencing a more local side of the city. University of Exeter accommodation at Rowancroft is located near Heavitree and is around a five-minute walk from St Luke’s Campus.
Heavitree has its own shops, supermarkets, cafés, takeaways and independent businesses, so students do not need to travel into the city centre for every everyday purchase. Heavitree Road provides useful local services, while green spaces such as Heavitree Pleasure Ground give the neighbourhood a more relaxed feel.
Heavitree have a lower student population and more local families, which can appeal to students who prefer a calmer environment. Houses in Heavitree may be affordable, but students should compare actual properties rather than assuming every address will be cheaper.
7. St Leonard’s
Best for: St Luke’s students wanting a quieter, neighbourhood feel
Campus commute: Walking
City centre: Walking
Rent level: £££
Area vibe: Leafy, relaxed and café-friendly
St Leonard’s is one of the best areas in Exeter for students who want easy access to St Luke’s without giving up a calmer residential environment.
Streets on the northern side of St Leonard’s can put students within a short walk of St Luke’s as well as central Exeter. The surrounding area is also attractive for students who like independent cafés, pubs and local shops. Magdalen Road, close to St Leonard’s and Newtown, is known for its cluster of independent businesses, while the Quayside and city centre remain within reach.
Compared with Exeter’s busiest student areas, St Leonard’s is more settled and residential, with a quieter atmosphere. However, the rent in the neighbourhood is more expensive if you want a convenient location.
8. St David’s
Best for: Rail connections and Streatham access
Campus commute: Walking
City centre: Walking
Rent level: ££
Area vibe: Convenient and well connected
St David’s is one of the best student areas in Exeter if transport matters as much as campus distance. Exeter St David’s is the city’s main railway station, making the area especially convenient for students who travel home regularly or want easy rail connections around the UK. Streatham Campus is around a 15-minute walk from Exeter St David’s station to Streatham.
St David’s may appear almost beside the campus, but routes such as those towards higher parts of Streatham can involve a noticeable climb. The famously steep “Cardiac Hill” is on one of the quickest routes from King Edward Street towards campus.
Different parts of St David’s also feel quite different. Some streets sit conveniently between campus, the station and the centre, while others feel more residential and may involve a longer walk into town. Students therefore need to check the exact property rather than judging the whole area from the station location. For international students, frequent travellers and anyone planning regular trips outside Exeter, living nearby can remove a lot of hassle.
9. St Thomas
Best for: Residential living outside the main student bubble
Campus commute: Bus, cycle or longer walk
City centre: Walkable
Rent level: £
Area vibe: Local and residential
St Thomas is located across the River Exe from the city centre. It has a more residential feel than Pennsylvania, St James or central Exeter. The neighbourhood offers many shops and everyday amenities, so you are not completely dependent on the city centre.
The prices of accommodation in St Thomas are lower than other areas in Exeter, but it may take longer to commute to campus. Cycling or public transport can make more sense than walking, particularly if you have early lectures.
Where Should University of Exeter Students Live?
Where to live near the University of Exeter depends heavily on which campus your course is based at. The University has two campuses, including Streatham Campus and St Luke’s Campus. Choosing with your main campus in mind can reduce both travel time and transport costs throughout the academic year.
| Campus | Areas to Consider |
|---|---|
| Streatham Campus | Pennsylvania, St James, Mount Pleasant, St David’s |
| St Luke’s Campus | Newtown, Heavitree, City Centre, St Leonard’s |
For Streatham Campus, Pennsylvania gives you particularly convenient campus access, while St James offers a good compromise between lectures and central Exeter. Mount Pleasant is worth considering for shared houses, and St David’s works particularly well if rail travel matters to you.
For St Luke’s Campus, Newtown and Heavitree offer a more residential environment near university buildings. St Leonard’s combines campus access with cafés and local amenities, while City Centre makes sense for students who prioritise convenience and social life.
Students whose timetables take them between campuses should also consider St James, Mount Pleasant or Exeter City Centre. The University operates bus connections linking Streatham, the city centre and St Luke’s, providing an alternative when you do not want to walk.
How to Choose Where to Live in Exeter?
When choosing the best area to live in Exeter, it’s important to consider several factors, including location, rent, type of accommodation, and available amenities. Start by prioritising the campus location, then consider your budget, your tolerance for walking, your social life, and the type of property you prefer.
1. Check Which Exeter Campus You Study At
Your University of Exeter campus should be the first thing you check before choosing an area. A neighbourhood that is extremely convenient for one campus can save you much commute time to lectures.
Streatham is the University’s main Exeter campus. Students based there often consider Pennsylvania, St David’s, St James and Mount Pleasant because they provide relatively convenient access.
St Luke’s Campus is closer to the eastern side of the city centre. Newtown, Heavitree and St Leonard’s can therefore make much more sense for students studying there. Areas like Exeter City Centre, St James and Mount Pleasant can work for both campuses.
2. Don’t Underestimate Exeter’s Hills
Exeter’s hills can make two properties with similar map distances feel very different in real life. This matters most around Streatham Campus, which sits on higher ground.
The University describes Exeter as hilly in places and specifically notes the terrain around Streatham. It also warns visitors that the walk from Exeter St David’s station to Streatham Campus is uphill.
Think about whether you would be comfortable making the trip every morning, whether there is a useful bus alternative, and whether the return journey involves carrying groceries uphill. For Exeter students, walking time plus terrain is often a better way to judge location than distance alone.
3. Balance Rent, Commute and Lifestyle
The best area to live in Exeter should fit your budget and make your daily life easy. Exeter offers private shared houses, flats and purpose-built student accommodation, with prices varying according to location, facilities and proximity to campus or the city centre.
Paying slightly more for a shorter commute can make sense for one student, while another may prefer a larger room further away. Start with your campus, then compare the total cost of the property rather than rent alone. Check whether bills are included, what transport you are likely to use and whether the property type matches your lifestyle.
Students who enjoy socialising may prefer City Centre or St James. Those who want a quieter environment could look at Newtown, Heavitree or St Leonard’s. If saving commute time is the priority, Pennsylvania can be particularly attractive for Streatham students.
Conclusion
The best areas to live in Exeter are not necessarily the same for everyone. For students studying at Streatham Campus, Pennsylvania, St James, Mount Pleasant and St David’s are among the areas worth considering. If most of your classes are at St Luke’s Campus, Newtown, Heavitree and St Leonard’s can make the daily commute much easier. Exeter City Centre, meanwhile, works well for students who prioritise shopping, nightlife and convenient transport.
FAQ
What is the best area to live in Exeter for students?
The best area to live in Exeter depends on your campus and lifestyle. Pennsylvania is convenient for Streatham Campus, while Newtown, Heavitree and St Leonard’s work well for St Luke’s. St James is a useful middle ground for students wanting both campus and city-centre access.
Where do most University of Exeter students live?
Most University of Exeter students live across several neighbourhoods, including Pennsylvania, St David’s, St Thomas, Mount Pleasant, Heavitree, Newtown, St Leonard’s, Exeter City Centre and St James.
What is the best area near Streatham Campus?
Pennsylvania is one of the best areas near Streatham Campus, particularly if walking to lectures is your priority. St James, St David’s and Mount Pleasant are also worth considering depending on whether you prioritise the city centre, transport or shared housing.
Where should St Luke’s Campus students live?
Newtown, Heavitree and St Leonard’s are among the most convenient areas for St Luke’s Campus. The city centre can also work well because St Luke’s is relatively close to central Exeter. Heavitree is especially useful for students who prefer a more residential setting.
Is Exeter City Centre a good place for students to live?
Yes, Exeter City Centre is a good place for students who prioritise convenience, nightlife, shopping and access to both campuses. However, central accommodation can be busier and noisier, and the walk to Streatham includes uphill sections. Students who want a quieter environment may prefer one of Exeter’s residential neighbourhoods.
