Welcome to the historic city of Exeter in southwest England, recognised by the European City of the Year Awards as one of the UK’s best university towns and a great place to live, work, and enjoy life. It has been recognised as one of the 20 best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times and is known as the pride of Devon and the ‘Glittering Gateway to the West‘. It has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, and it is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and renowned universities. However, with this comes the cost of living in Exeter. As an international student, you may wonder what you must budget for in Exeter. Here, we aim to provide an honest and trustworthy guide to tuition fees, accommodation and daily life, allowing you to plan your future effectively and maximise your student experience.
Cost of Living in Exeter: Tuition
Exeter is not only beautiful but the historic harbour town, which meets the tidal harbour at Topsham via the canal, the River Exe, was famous in medieval times and has since prospered, becoming the centre of education, commerce and tourism in Devon and Cornwall. Exeter is home to several prestigious universities that offer a wealth of educational resources for international students.
The University of Exeter, located in Exeter, the capital of Devon in South West England, is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive public universities, with excellent teaching quality, high levels of student satisfaction and world-class research. The University of Exeter is ranked in the top 150 of the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). The tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting their course in autumn 2023 are £23,700-£45,700. The tuition fees for international postgraduate students are between £20,000 and £35,000 per annum.
Cost of Living in Exeter: Accommodation
In Exeter, students have a wealth of housing options. Most will choose university residence halls and off-campus student accommodation. Each option has different advantages and disadvantages, and as a result, the costs vary greatly.
On-campus Student Halls
The University of Exeter student halls provide 6,500 bed spaces for students. It gives a mixture of catered and self-catered accommodation options across three room types to suit budgets and preferences—£ 150.91-£281.05/week.
- Standard: sharing the kitchen and bathroom facilities with other students.
- En-suite: sharing the kitchen with other students but having your en-suite shower room in your room
- Studio: offers independent living and is self-catered only with your kitchenette and en-suite within your room.
Off-campus Student Halls
Off-campus student accommodation in Exeter is also a popular option. Off-campus flats are generally more expensive, but students can choose the type of room and location, and many offer additional community facilities and services. According to data from the uhomes.com rental platform, rents for off-campus student accommodation range between £159 and £630 per week.
Water, Electricity and Gas Costs
Electricity, water, and gas bills are essential to a student’s living expenses in Exeter. Of course, you don’t need to worry about these costs if you live in residence halls. In Exeter, the average cost of water varies between £20-£30 per month for a single person. A single person’s average monthly electricity cost is around £40-£50. The average cost for gas is around £35-£45 per month for a single person.
Cost of Living in Exeter: Daily Food
Food
Here are some approximate prices for everyday food items in Exeter:
- A Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) costs around £1.14.
- A large carton of milk (1 litre) is usually priced at about £1.1.
- Eggs are available for approximately £2.54 per dozen.
- Local Cheese (1kg) can be found for about £7.20.
- Beef Round (1kg)for approximately £10.03.
For those who prefer to cook for themselves, this will cost around £70-90 per week. But eating out is also an essential part of maintaining relationships. There are a variety of restaurants in the city, with meals ranging from £12 to £60.
Entertainment
Exeter, renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, offers various entertainment options for different tastes and budgets. Movie enthusiasts can expect to pay approximately £12 for a cinema ticket. For music lovers, tickets to see local bands play live can range from £10 to £40. Theatre tickets can vary significantly in price but expect to pay anywhere from £15 to £40 for most shows. A gym membership in Exeter can cost anywhere from £20 to £40 per month. If you prefer outdoor activities, Exeter’s beautiful parks and trails provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and picnicking at little to no cost. On average, you should budget approximately £100-£200 per month for entertainment in Exeter, depending on your lifestyle.
Transport
Navigating the historic city of Exeter can be both a delightful experience and a practical one. The city’s efficient transportation system makes it easy for residents and visitors to move around, whether commuting to work or exploring the city’s many attractions. Public transportation is an affordable option in Exeter.
A bus ticket costs £2.50, while a day pass costs £4.50. For frequent commuters, a monthly pass is available for £50. This makes public transportation a cost-effective choice for daily commuting, especially compared to the costs associated with owning and maintaining a vehicle. Taxis are also readily available in Exeter, with starting fares typically around £3.00. For those who prefer this mode of transportation, it’s important to factor this cost into their monthly budget.
Mobile Network
Mobile phone networks are priced consistently across UK cities. Most students can meet their basic needs by purchasing a SIM card for £10 per month. ‘Pay-as-you-go‘ SIM cards are the most popular as they can be cancelled anytime. However, it should be noted that most operators require students to provide a UK bank card when purchasing a SIM card.
FAQ
The main expenses for living in Exeter include rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. Rent is typically the biggest expense, followed by groceries and utilities. However, these costs can vary depending on your location within the city and your spending habits.
The average cost of living in Exeter varies depending on your lifestyle and needs. However, according to recent data from Numbeo, the overall cost of living index for Exeter is 69.37, which means it is lower than other major cities in the UK, such as London and Manchester.
The average cost of groceries in Exeter is comparable to other cities in the UK. An essential grocery list for one person can range from £70-£90 per week, depending on your food preferences and dietary requirements. However, shopping at local markets and budget supermarkets can help you save money on your grocery expenses.
Exeter offers a variety of affordable leisure activities for its residents. You can explore the city’s rich history and architecture by visiting museums, galleries, and landmarks. Many parks and green spaces in Exeter are also free to visit, making them perfect for a day out with friends or family.
