💰 University of Exeter Cost of Living for Students in 2025

Explore the 2025 cost of living for University of Exeter students. Get details on rent, bills, food, transport & lifestyle with budgeting tips.

🎓 Introduction

The University of Exeter is one of the UK's top universities, known for its strong academic reputation, vibrant student community, and stunning campuses. Located in Exeter, Devon, the university offers students a mix of city life, beautiful countryside, and affordability compared to London or other major cities.

While Exeter is not the cheapest student city, its living costs are moderate and manageable with good planning. For 2025, students should budget carefully to balance rent, food, and lifestyle expenses while making the most of Exeter's student-friendly environment.

This blog provides a detailed breakdown of living costs for Exeter students in 2025, including accommodation, utilities, groceries, transport, and social activities.

🏠 Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is the biggest expense, but Exeter offers a wide range of university halls and private rentals.

🔹 University of Exeter Halls (2025 Rates Approx.)

Accommodation Type Weekly Rent (£) Annual Cost (40 weeks)
Shared Bathroom £155 – £180 £6,200 – £7,200
En Suite £185 – £220 £7,400 – £8,800
Studio / Premium £230 – £280 £9,200 – £11,200

🔹 Private Rentals in Exeter

👉 Average student rent: £500 – £850/month

💡 Utility Bills

Most university halls include bills, but private renters should budget separately.

👉 Utilities (private housing): £90 – £130/month

🛒 Food & Groceries

Food costs in Exeter are moderate, with a mix of budget supermarkets and local shops.

👉 Total: £160 – £220/month

💡 Tip: Cooking at home and shopping at Aldi/Lidl can reduce grocery costs by £30–£40/month.

🚌 Transport Costs

Exeter is a compact city, so transport costs are low compared to larger cities.

👉 Transport budget: £30 – £60/month

🎉 Lifestyle & Social Costs

Exeter has a vibrant student nightlife, sports clubs, and cultural activities, all relatively affordable.

👉 Lifestyle costs: £120 – £200/month

📚 Academic & Study Costs

📊 Total Monthly Budget Estimate (2025)

Category Monthly Cost (£)
Accommodation 500 – 850
Utilities (if private) 90 – 130
Food & Groceries 160 – 220
Transport 30 – 60
Lifestyle & Social 120 – 200
Study Materials 20 – 40
Total £950 – £1,500

👉 Annual cost (excluding tuition): £11,500 – £17,500

💡 Budgeting Tips for Exeter Students

  1. Live close to campus – Saves money on transport.
  2. Cook at home – Cheaper than frequent takeaways.
  3. Choose shared housing – More affordable than studios.
  4. Use student discounts – Railcards, TOTUM, and UNiDAYS reduce shopping and travel costs.
  5. Take advantage of free activities – Dartmoor National Park and Exeter Quayside offer low-cost leisure.

❓ FAQs

Q1. How much does it cost to live in Exeter in 2025?
➡ Around £950 – £1,500/month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation.
Q2. Is Exeter cheaper than London?
➡ Yes — Exeter is around 30–40% cheaper in rent and daily costs compared to London.
Q3. Can I live on £1,000/month in Exeter?
➡ Yes, especially in shared housing with careful budgeting.
Q4. Are utilities included in Exeter halls?
➡ Yes, bills and Wi-Fi are included in university-managed halls.
Q5. What is the annual cost of living at Exeter?
➡ Around £11,500 – £17,500/year, excluding tuition.

🌍 Conclusion

The University of Exeter offers students a well-balanced lifestyle, combining quality education, vibrant social opportunities, and moderate living costs. With monthly expenses between £950 and £1,500, Exeter is significantly cheaper than London while still offering strong career and cultural opportunities.

By living close to campus, cooking at home, and budgeting carefully, students can keep costs under control and enjoy all that Exeter has to offer in 2025.