There are lots of support teams ready to help you find private accommodation.
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Private Accommodation Options
Whether you are looking as an individual, a group or a family, Exeter has a lot of private student accommodation options in the city centre and surrounding areas. The tabs below give an outline of the range of property around.
Things to Consider
Before you begin your search for accommodation in Exeter, we recommend that you consider the different areas available in and around the city, as the size and price of properties can vary considerably depending on their proximity to campus. You should also think carefully and check essential information before signing any paperwork, particularly a contract. If you are looking to move in with others, ensuring that you're all looking for the same kind of living experience is key.
You'll find more helpful information about these criteria (known as the "4 P’s": Place, Price, People and Paperwork) on our Move Smart page.
Support
Check our Move Smart Contacts page for further resources and advice.
Purpose Built Student Accommodation
There is a lot of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the city which can be a great option for those who enjoyed the communal living experience of university, or for those who prefer most facilities to be under one roof. They tend to be made up of shared flats or independent studios, with some buildings including communal and study spaces or additional facilities like a cinema or gym. They also offer mostly 'all-inclusive' rents, although it's worth checking exactly what is included to avoid unexpected charges.
Find out more, including the pros and cons of renting from a PBSA on the Students' Guild website.
Location and Prices
Take a look at our Accommodation in Exeter Radius Map for examples of PBSAs in the city and an idea of the locations and rent prices.
When and How to find Purpose-Built Student Accommodation
Many of the local PBSAs advertise on our online search portal, StudentPad, which is updated continually throughout the year as we receive details of new properties. You can also search for availability or contact providers directly through their website.
Residential and Shared Houses and Flats
There are plenty of private residential properties, shared houses and flats available for students, including families needing a whole property, those looking to rent as a group (a joint tenancy) or those looking for an individual room in a shared house (a sole occupancy). Find out more, including the pros and cons of renting private residential properties on the Students' Guild website.
Location and Prices
Private residential properties, shared houses and flats can be found all over the city and rent prices will vary depending on their size, condition and proximity to the city centre or campus.
When and How to find Shared Houses or Flats
Many private properties are advertised on our online search portal, StudentPad, which is updated continually throughout the year as we receive details of new properties. StudentPad also has a messageboard where you can find a group of people to live with or list yourself as looking for a group to share a property with.
These properties can also be found through a student letting agency, which then manages the property on behalf of a landlord.
There are lots of student lettings agencies in Exeter. All release their own student accommodation lists, and may charge a holding deposit and/or tenancy deposit - both of which should be refundable. We would advise you to take the time to understand what their terms and conditions are and what is included in the rent before signing a contract. Find out more under the 'Paperwork' tab on our Move Smart page.
Residential Landlords and Host Families
There are many lodger arrangement properties in Exeter, where you live in a house or flat with the landlord or host family. Typically you would have your own bedroom but share the other living spaces with the landlord. These rooms are often short-term lets and are suitable for students who will not be in Exeter for the full academic year, or who want to secure accommodation for a short period whilst looking for longer term accommodation.
Find out more, including the pros and cons of lodging with a landlord or residential family on the Students' Guild website.
Location and Prices
Residential Landlords and Host Families can be found all over the city and rent prices will vary depending on the facilities they offer and the proximity to the city centre or campus.
When and How to Find a Residential Landlord or Host Family
This type of accommodation is often only advertised around 6-8 weeks before the start of the academic year. Many advertise on our online search portal, StudentPad as 'Resident Landlord/Host Family. StudentPad is updated continually throughout the year as we receive details of new properties.
To narrow your search on StudentPad, you can:
- Use the Any Contract Type box to select Short Lets (up to 23 weeks) or Short/Long lets (so that only properties available for short term letting are displayed).
- Homestay search: Use the Living arrangement? box to select Resident Landlord/Host Family.
University Accommodation
For the year 2023-24, there is some University accommodation available for students returning after their first year. This can be an attractive option because of the locations on or close to campus facilities, and for the all-inclusive rents and support from teams such as the Residence Life Mentors.
Location and Prices
There are a range of locations, prices and contracts lengths available - see the Returning students webpage for full information.
When and How to Apply for University Accommodation
Applications open from 9am on Tuesday 14 February and will be allocated on first-come; first-served basis. The application link will be updated on the website from this time.
Please note:
- If you are a returning student who, due to a disability, a long-term medical condition or sensory or physical impairment, require adapted accommodation or a particular location, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to support you in line with the Equality Act 2010.
- If you have lived in University accommodation before and have committed a breach of any of the Terms and Conditions of Residence, or had disciplinary action taken against you, or been removed from your accommodation, this will be taken into account when considering any future application you may make for University accommodation and your application may be refused.