Nestled in the picturesque hills of Devon, the University of Exeter is a top-tier, Russell Group institution renowned for its academic excellence, stunning green campuses, and vibrant international culture. For incoming University of Exeter indian students, moving from the bustling, warm cities of India to the historic, coastal-adjacent city of Exeter is an incredibly exciting adventure. However, adjusting to a new academic system and a different lifestyle can naturally come with a few questions.
From finding the warmest winter coat to locating the best spice shops for home-cooked meals, this ultimate guide is designed to help you settle in smoothly. Here is everything you need to know about the local Indian student community, student life, culture, and navigating your new home in Devon.
The Heart of the Community: Exeter Indian Society
For most international students, finding a sense of belonging starts on campus. The University of Exeter boasts a highly active Indian society (and associated cultural groups like the Hindu Society and Asian Society) managed by the Students' Guild. This society serves as your home away from home, helping you build a network of friends from day one.
The society organizes outstanding cultural events throughout the year, ensuring that major festivals are celebrated with the same warmth and enthusiasm as they are back home. Some of the annual highlights include:
- The Diwali Ball: A glamorous, formal evening featuring traditional Indian cuisine, classical and Bollywood dance performances, and a lively DJ set.
- Holi Celebrations: Held on the campus grounds, this festival of colors brings together students from all backgrounds for a day of music, food, and color throwing.
- Bollywood Club Nights: Popular themed club nights in Exeter’s top venues, playing the latest chartbusters and classic tracks.
- Chai & Chat Sessions: Informal meetups perfect for relaxed conversations, making new friends, and sharing tips about campus life.
"When I first arrived in Devon from Delhi, the quietness of Exeter was a bit of a shock. Joining the Indian Society changed everything. Celebrating Diwali with over two hundred students on campus made me realize that home is never too far away." - Meera Nair, MSc Data ScienceFinding Desi Food Near Campus and in Exeter
No matter how much you enjoy traditional British pub food or classic jacket potatoes, nothing beats the comfort of a warm, home-cooked Indian meal. Sourcing authentic ingredients and finding excellent desi food near campus is incredibly straightforward if you know where to look.
Essential Grocery Stores & Restaurants for Indian Students
- Heera International Supermarket (Well Street): This is the holy grail for South Asian groceries in Exeter. Located just a short walk from the Streatham campus, Heera stocks everything from pressure cookers and premium basmati rice to frozen parathas, local Indian vegetables, and a massive array of spices.
- Namaste Exeter: Situated on Southernhay East, this highly rated restaurant serves authentic street food, dosa, and classic North and South Indian curries.
- Ganges Restaurant: Located on Fore Street, Ganges offers a warm atmosphere and excellent traditional dishes that are highly popular among the local student population.
- Exeter Farmer's Market: Held every Thursday on Fore Street, it’s a great place to pick up fresh, organic vegetables to pair with your spices.
👉 Pro Tip: Bulk-buying staple ingredients like dal, rice, and atta from Heera International with housemates is much more cost-effective than buying small portions from mainstream supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s.
Managing Your Budget: Cost of Living in Exeter
Exeter is generally more affordable than London, but as an international student, managing your finances carefully is key to a stress-free university experience. Most students spend between £900 and £1,300 per month, depending heavily on their accommodation choices and lifestyle.
Here is an approximate breakdown of typical weekly and monthly expenses for an Indian student at Exeter:
| Expense Category | Estimated Weekly Cost | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes / Saving Tips |
|---|
| Accommodation (Private/Uni) | £140 - £230 | £600 - £1,000 | Includes bills in halls; check contract details. |
| Groceries (Indian & Standard) | £35 - £50 | £150 - £200 | Cook at home; shop at Aldi/Lidl and Heera. |
| Transport | £5 - £15 | £20 - £60 | Exeter is highly walkable; use a 16-25 Railcard for trains. |
| Socializing & Leisure | £25 - £50 | £100 - £200 | Look out for student discount nights and Guild events. |
| Mobile & Internet | £3 - £7 | £12 - £30 | Sim-only deals (e.g., VOXI, giffgaff, Lycamobile) are best. |
Beating Homesickness: Support Networks at Exeter
Moving across continents is a massive life transition. Feeling homesick, especially during the first term or when winter arrives with shorter daylight hours, is completely normal. The university has built a robust infrastructure of homesickness support to help you navigate these feelings.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider utilizing the following resources:
- Exeter Student Wellbeing Services: Located at the Forum on the Streatham Campus, they offer free, confidential counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and group support sessions.
- The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy: A welcoming space for students of all faiths and none. It includes a dedicated Muslim prayer room, a quiet contemplation room, and regular events hosted by various faith chaplains (including Hindu and Buddhist representatives).
- Residence Life Teams: If you live in university accommodation, your ResLife mentors are older students who visit regularly to check on your wellbeing and help resolve flatmate disputes or loneliness.
- The International Student Support Team: They assist with visas, cultural adaptation, and host dedicated integration events during Freshers' Week.
"The grey winter afternoons in the UK took some getting used to. I reached out to the Wellbeing team, and they introduced me to outdoor walking groups. Combined with weekend dinners with friends from the Indian Society, it made a massive difference to my mental health." - Rohan Sharma, BEng Mechanical EngineeringNavigating Academic Life at Exeter
The academic style in the UK can differ significantly from what you might be used to in India. The University of Exeter places a strong emphasis on independent study, critical thinking, and active participation in seminars rather than rote memorization.
To excel in your studies, make sure to take advantage of the Exeter Academic Skills (ASK) service, which offers workshops on academic writing, avoiding plagiarism, and structuring research papers. Furthermore, do not hesitate to book time during your professors' designated 'Office Hours' to ask questions about lecture materials or essay feedback.
Final Checklist for Your Arrival in Devon
Pre-Arrival Quick Checklist
- Get a 16-25 Railcard: This saves you 1/3 on all train travel across the UK, making trips to London or nearby coastal towns much cheaper.
- Pack for Layers: Devon weather is famously unpredictable. Bring a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket rather than just heavy woolens.
- Open a UK Bank Account: Set up a digital bank account (like Monzo, Revolut, or Starling) as soon as you arrive for easy daily transactions, and set up a traditional high-street account later if needed.
- Register with a GP: Sign up with the Student Health Centre on campus immediately after arriving so you can access healthcare smoothly when needed.
Embarking on your degree at the University of Exeter is a prestigious and life-changing opportunity. By diving headfirst into campus life, joining the Indian society, exploring the local food scene, and utilizing the robust university support networks, you will quickly find that Exeter becomes a true home away from home.
FAQs – University of Exeter Indian Students: Devon Life & Desi Guide
Q1: How large is the Indian student community at the University of Exeter?
The Indian student community at the University of Exeter is substantial and growing rapidly every year. Hundreds of Indian students are enrolled across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly within the Business School, Engineering, and Data Science departments.
Q2: Can I easily find Indian spices and groceries in Exeter?
Yes! Heera International Supermarket on Well Street is the primary spot for South Asian groceries, stocking a wide variety of spices, lentils, flours, frozen foods, and fresh vegetables.
Q3: How does the Indian Society help new students settle in?
The Exeter Indian Society hosts welcome events during Freshers' Week, peer mentoring, and major cultural celebrations like Diwali and Holi, helping new arrivals build friendships and combat homesickness.
Q4: Are there vegetarian and vegan options widely available in Exeter?
Absolutely. Exeter is highly vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Almost all campus outlets, local cafes, and traditional restaurants offer extensive plant-based menus alongside standard options.