Private accommodation in Exeter
If you decide not to live in University accommodation, whether in your first year or your final year, Exeter has a lot of student housing options available in the private sector.
From shared houses and flats to large purpose-built blocks, there is no student accommodation shortage in Exeter! You can take your time in deciding where you want to live, who you want to live with, and how much you want to spend.
Once you know what you're looking for, take a look at our private accommodation list at Studentpad and see what's available. You can contact landlords and agents directly to ask questions, arrange viewings and gather further information.
Please note: the University of Exeter gives notice for itself and for those on whose behalf it may act that:
- The related property details are believed to be correct but their accuracy is not guaranteed and they do not form part of any contract;
- Students must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise of the accuracy of these details.
When to look?
For second and third year students, house hunting traditionally starts in January when the University releases a list of private sector student accommodation available for the coming September via Studentpad. If you're looking for first year accommodation we recommend waiting until at least April to check your available options.
The Students' Guild also host a Housing Fair each January, with local landlords, lettings agencies and the Accommodation Office all available to answer questions and detail your options.
Some of Exeter's private lettings agencies release their student housing lists in December, but don't let this pressure you into signing up to a property before you're completely ready.
Where to look?
Studentpad
Information on Studentpad is free to access and includes:
- A list of shared houses and flats.
- A PGCE accommodation list (short term contracts - let to Postgraduate Certificate of Education students).
- Short term accommodation for non-PGCE students (one semester Erasmus and exchange students, for example).
We encourage landlords who advertise with us to sign up to the Unipol student housing code - a national landlord accreditation scheme aiming to help students make more informed choices about their accommodation and its quality.
Private accommodation held within Studentpad is NOT inspected by the Accommodation Office. We recommend that you conduct your own thorough viewing of any properties you are interested in.
Private student lettings agencies
There are lots of student lettings agencies in Exeter. All release their own student accommodation lists but not all are free to use; many agencies charge non-refundable registration, booking and administration fees plus deposits.
Other private student accommodation providers
Exeter has a large number of purpose-built private halls of residence. These tend to be similar to University accommodation with cluster flats or en-suite and studio rooms available for all-inclusive rents. Remember that many 'all-inclusive' rents have a reasonable usage policy - if you use more energy than expected your rent may rise significantly.
Advice
You should check that flats,houses or bedsits are adequately furnished for your needs. Make sure the property is clean and in good condition both inside and out and in particular:
- Check for dampness*.
- Check the electrical and gas appliances work.
- By law landlords have to have gas certificates for all gas appliances, ask to see one.
- Properties of three or more storeys with five or more student residents should have a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) License from the local Council. Check the landlord has registered.
- Find out who else has keys to the property.
- In private housing you are responsible for insuring your possessions. We strongly advise you do so.
- Do not visit a property alone. If you have to go on your own make sure someone knows where you are going and the time you should be back.
- Don’t rush to arrange your accommodation. There is plenty of student housing in Exeter. Take your time. Make sure you are happy with who you want to live with, where you want to live, and how much you can afford to pay.
*There are many causes of damp, including poor air circulation. Make sure you air your rooms regularly to avoid the appearance of mould.
Further guidance on what to look for in the private sector can be found on the Naked Tenant website.
Whether you are asked to sign a licence or tenancy agreement or whether you have an oral contract, make sure you understand the implications and take legal advice if necessary: the Students’ Guild Advice Unit can help. Keep copies of everything you sign.
If you are in doubt about anything to do with renting private accommodation, check with the Accommodation Office, the Guild's VP for Welfare and Community or the Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau.
Scams
Please be careful when responding to adverts for private accommodation as there have been a reports of people being scammed out of money.
Do not send money for accommodation prior to viewing the property, verifying the person is the landlord or a representative of the landlord (such as a letting agent) and seeing the tenancy agreement.
Scams usually involve you being asked to send money via a payment service such as Western Union, Bidpay or Money Gram and to then fax or send a scanned copy of the receipt of the money being paid via this service along with the reference number to secure the accommodation.
If you have been caught out by such a situation please keep any correspondence (emails/texts etc) and report it to the UK police as soon as you can.
Council tax
Do I need to pay this? The majority of students are exempt from paying council tax, but there are a few exceptions. Registry provide a comprehensive guide and are happy to offer advice and assistance
Cornwall private accommodation
There is a good deal of private housing available for rent in Falmouth and Penryn, with rents typically in the region of £70-90 per week excluding bills. The Cornwall Campus Accommodation Office runs accommodation fairs and other services to help students find private sector accommodation. You can find out more information on the Falmouth Exeter Plus private accommodation webpages.
If you are in doubt about anything to do with renting private accommodation, check with the Falmouth Exeter Plus accommodation team or the Falmouth Citizens Advice Bureau.
