Whenever students first dream about studying in the UK, the first thing that comes to their mind is cities like Manchester and London. But as we enter 2026, Exeter is becoming another popular choice for students. The reason is that it provides top-quality education, a peaceful environment, and a super-friendly lifestyle. In addition to this, the city offers a close-knit community and great career opportunities in fields like tech and data science. So, in this guide, we are going to cover everything that you need to know about studying in Exeter, from top universities and various student accommodation options available through platforms like University Living to the cost of living and student lifestyle. Let’s get into it!
Why is Exeter Gaining Popularity Among International Students?
With the growing number of international students coming to the UK, cities like London and Manchester are becoming more crowded and expensive. That is why Exter is becoming a haven for anyone who wants a safe and calm environment where students can easily focus on their studies. Below are some of the other main reasons why Exeter is gaining popularity:
- The city is home to over 7,850 international students from 150+ countries, making it a diverse and welcoming place to be.
- It is ranked #1st among Russell Group Universities for student satisfaction. This ensures that students have great experiences while living here.
- When you compare the cost of living in Exeter with other cities, it is lower. Here, expenses can reach £1,450-£1,850 per month.
- In addition, it is estimated that around 95% of graduates find jobs or pursue further studies within 15 months.
- Another reason Exeter is an ideal destination is that it is one of the UK’s top 10 safest student cities.
What are the Top Universities in Exeter?
Every year, Exeter is known for attracting nearly 30,000 students who are looking for a calm environment so that they can study peacefully. The courses here combine traditional learning with modern research, especially in areas like climate science, medicine, and business. Plus, several international students choose Exeter because the universities here offer small class sizes. This means that you will get more personal attention from professors. Below are the top universities in Exeter:
- University of Exeter: It is ranked #11th in the UK and among the top 150 globally. Some of the well-known courses here include Climate Science, Mining Engineering, and Business.
- UG Fees: £23,700- £29,500/year
- PG Fees: £22,000- £33,000/year
- Exeter College: This college is known for providing technical and vocational courses that help students prepare for their jobs. UG and PG course fee here is:
- UG Fees: £9,250 -£12,500/year
- PG Fees: £8,000 – £11,000 (professional diplomas)
What makes Exeter even more attractive is that the universities here have strong industry connections with companies like Dyson and IBM. With more than £450 million invested in campus development, Exeter provides its students with a modern yet future-ready environment.
What types of Student Accommodation are Available in Exeter?
Exeter is known for blending old and new architecture. Here you will see buildings such as Roman walls and the famous Cathedral church. Additionally, you will also come across modern glass buildings and research centers. For students who are moving to the city for the very first time, student accommodation in Exeter is divided into two main types: Student Housing and Private Apartments.
- Student Housing: These are designed with students’ minds in mind. They usually come with great facilities such as study rooms, gyms, and common lounges. And when it comes to renting, it’s all-inclusive, which makes budgeting super easy. It is further divided into:
- Ensuite rooms: Here you have a private bedroom and bathroom, with a shared kitchen and living area.
- Studios: These are fully private spaces with your own bed, kitchen, and bathroom.
- Non-Ensuite Rooms: They are budget-friendly options with a private bedroom but a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living area.
- Shared Apartments: It is an ideal space for friends who want to live together and don’t mind sharing a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area.
- Private Apartment: These are regular rooms that offer full privacy with your own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. It is a great option for students and couples who want to live together.
What are the Tips for International Students Who are Moving to Exeter?
In order to enjoy your student life in Exeter, it is important for you to plan things like housing, budgeting, and daily travel. And since so many students are already visiting the city, the demand for student accommodation in Exeter is increasing day by day. That’s why we suggest you start looking for a home according to your preferences as soon as possible. That way, you would be able to enjoy city life more easily. Following are some of the simple tips to make your move both smooth and stress-free:
- Book your accommodation early. You can try to book them by February or March so that you can get better prices and locations.
- Other than this, it is important for you to plan your monthly budget. Keep around £400-£600/month for food, travel, and daily expenses.
- Always carry your student discount cards, such as Totum or UNiDAYS. By that, you can easily save up to 10-20%.
- Use public transportation smartly by getting a 16-25 Railcard for cheaper travel all across the UK.
- Join various types of student groups and societies. They will help make your settling experience easy.
Conclusion
For those who choose Exeter as a study destination, it is an amazing choice. The city not only provides high-quality education, but also a peaceful lifestyle. It is known as the hub of Russell Group universities. Apart from that, the city offers a relaxed, coastal environment that most of the big cities lack. With an excellent employability rate and lower cost of living when compared to cities like London, Exeter truly stands out as a smart as well as valuable option.
