Best Places to Study, Live & Eat in Exeter

Exeter, the Ever-Faithful City of the United Kingdom, has this city’s motto, which was given by Queen Elizabeth I in 1588. True to its name, it’s a place that keeps its promises, offering a welcoming and rewarding experience to all who come. With the same spirit, approximately 30,000 students choose Exeter every year. In that, around 25% to 26% are from all over the globe with high hopes.

And the city delivers all of it, not just academic brilliance. Thus, every student living in Exeter can get personal growth, adventure, and community. This blog will cover all the aspects of what your student life will look in the city of Faith. Whether it’s the student study spots in Exeter or the best places to eat in Exeter, and whatnot. Let’s start!

What are the Best Places to Study in Exeter (Beyond Campus)? 

So, you already know that Exeter is home to many prestigious universities and institutes such as the University of Exeter, Exeter College, & The University of Law. Thus, in this section, we will go beyond these to find you the right spot where you can study, fuel your productivity, and spark inspiration in a fresh environment. So, let’s discuss these perfect hideaways for student accommodation in Exeter:

University of Exeter Library 

This library in Exeter is unlike any other one in your city. It’s a Forum Library. It operates 24/7/365, so whether you are a night owl or an early bird, this place will always be open to you. In addition to that, this place is very technically rich and divided into separate zones to cater to all the needs of students.

These Study Zones are: 

• Silent Study: Absolute focus, zero distractions.

• Quiet Study: Individual work with minimal background noise.

• Collaborative Spaces: Famous, bookable media pods with screens for group work.

More than just a quiet space, it’s an architecturally award-winning space filled with natural light and designed to inspire. Crucially, it’s perfectly integrated within The Forum, putting coffee, snacks, and student support seconds away.

Apart from that, here are many other student study spots in Exeter. Let’s dig in together: 

The Barnfield Theatre Cafe 

This popular place is managed by Exeter Northcott Theatre, and works as a bridge between university life and Exeter’s city centre. This place is famous among students because of its frequent meeting point of student community leaders, activists, and creatives. Plus, this has designated quite a few spaces on the second floor and the bottom-floor break areas. Plus, it is on Barnfield Road, which makes this place relatively very close to many student rooms in Exeter.

Exeter Central Library 

This library in Devon is one of the most popular spots for students living in Exeter because it serves as an escape from the academic intensity of campus. It is officially known as Exeter Library and offers a less frantic environment, making it ideal for long study sessions. Plus, the library features dedicated silent study rooms, a second-floor lounge, and ground-floor desk spaces. Additionally, it has a 3D printing lab named FabLab. It also has a centre (Business & Intellectual Property Centre) for student entrepreneurs.

In addition, this place hosts many student events such as Library Lates (live arts and music) and the Battle of the Bands. Unlike the other libraries in the city, it is free to enter for everyone. That means it provides study spaces and free Wi-Fi. Plus, Students can book 30-minute Tech Buddy sessions for one-on-one help with device setup or specific technology issues. 

What are the Best Places to Live in Exeter for Students?

 The top places to live in Exeter must be in proximity to the campus and with amenities. And these places will determine how your student life will sound. Thus, let us map out the top places that match your vibe, energy, and become a place more than a sleeping zone. These top places for student living in Exeter are:

• Mount Pleasant

• St. Leonard’s

• Heavitree

Let’s discuss why students make these suburbs a home in Exeter. 

Mount Pleasant 

This suburb is popular because it is within a 15–20-minute walk of both the Streatham Campus and the St Luke’s Campus. Additionally, the student accommodation in Mount Pleasant are often larger and better maintained. Plus, there are chances that students can get gardens in their student homes in Exeter.

Above all, it is close to several parks, such as Belmont Park, Abbott’s Park, and Priory Park. That makes it a great outdoor student study spot in Exeter. And students living here have easy access to Morrisons supermarket (about a 15-minute walk) and various local convenience stores, such as Co-op and Garudaa. The Point Exe is one of the most famous student homes in Exeter. Moreover, transit is very convenient in this area because of the multiple bus routes and is within a 10-minute walk of the Polsloe Bridge train station. 

St. Leonard’s 

This Exeter suburb gives a village-within-a-city vibe. Which makes it a more refined and peaceful alternative to the high-density student areas. The scholars of St. Luke’s Campus are only a 5-minute walk away from their campus. Additionally, this place is very close to many other amenities because it is centred around Magdalen Road. It is one of the best independent shopping streets in the UK, filled with many artisan bakeries, delis, and boutique cafes. Plus, students can easily spot many specialty retailers such as Grocer on the Green, Ben’s Farm Shop, Bon Gout Deli, and Magdalen Cheese and Provisions.

Plus, this locality is only 0.5 to 1 mile from the Exeter City Centre. Exeter Quay is approximately a 5-minute walk from the southern part of St. Leonard’s, offering many scenic views, such as Friars Walk. One of the top student homes in this suburb is Exeter One.

Heavitree 

This well-connected area is a 10–15-minute walk from Exeter City Centre. This locality offers the perfect blend of independent living and convenience. It provides easy access to shops and nightlife while maintaining a distinct, quieter residential vibe. Plus, this suburb is known for its local pubs, cafes, and the popular Heavitree Pleasure Ground park. This area has a strong community feel. Additionally, this suburb is generally more affordable than areas closer to campus, for example, The Depot. Above all, there are excellent bus links to the universities. That’s why it has become a top choice for student living in Exeter.

Where Do Exeter Students Go for a Great Meal? 

The answer is everywhere. The reason being the Exeter food scene is huge. Here students get everything that they need from quick, wallet-friendly fuel between lectures to the perfect spot for a celebratory dinner with flatmates. This guide serves up the top student-approved eateries in town. Let’s walk through these options together. 

The Plant Cafe 

This Cafe is heaven for vegans or people who enjoy plant-based food. This place is very welcoming, and its menu is a colourful celebration of fresh ingredients. Above all, the atmosphere is effortlessly cool yet unpretentious with rustic wooden tables, plenty of plugs for laptops, and a relaxed vibe. That makes it one of the great student study spots in Exeter. 

Additionally, this spot hits the trifecta. It’s affordable, with generously sized meals that offer serious value. It’s nutritious, providing the clean, energizing fuel needed to power through a day of lectures or essay writing. And it’s trendy, making you feel like you’re treating yourself while doing something good.

The Royal Oak 

This is a go to place for unwinding, especially for a student living in Exeter. The Royal Oak offers everything, such as affordable, satisfying food, a great selection of well-priced drinks, and a reliably lively atmosphere. However, The Royal Oak is a quintessential British pub and a firm favourite in the Exeter student social calendar. It has wooden beams, cozy fireplaces, and a friendly buzz.

Additionally, the menu is packed with classic, hearty comfort food. You can ask for generous burgers, Sunday roasts, and loaded nachos or anything else within this student budget. That’s make it an ideal spot to relax, catch up with friends, and immerse yourself in that authentic communal pub vibe. 

The Courtyard Cafe 

qThis cafe is a productivity sanctuary. It offers the quiet and comfort essential for effective study sessions or essay writing, away from the busier city-centre bustle. Moreover, the Courtyard Cafe is located in Exeter’s historic quayside area. Its location is a hotspot for history scholars living in student accommodation in the UK.

Plus, its serene, plant-filled courtyard and light-filled interior provide a calming atmosphere that’s perfect for deep focus. The menu focuses on excellent coffee, specialty teas, and a selection of fresh, homemade cakes and light lunches. 

Final Notes 

So, there you have it, your blueprint for Exeter student life. In this you have got great study hideaways, perfect neighbourhoods, and delicious, affordable eats. Now, all that’s left is for you to arrive and get the right student accommodation in Exeter. Afterwards, you can have the great student experience here in the Ever-Faithful City, Exeter.  

Frequently Asked Questions