How expensive is it to study at the University of Exeter?
I've got an offer to study at Exeter, and I'm thinking of putting it as my second choice. The one thing that I am worried about, however, is the cost of living there. I understand that accommodation and other costs can be quite expensive there, compared to other cities (especially in the north).
So to anyone that has study there/is currently studying there, are the costs reasonable there. I won't be able to get much financial support so any input would be much appreciated!
So to anyone that has study there/is currently studying there, are the costs reasonable there. I won't be able to get much financial support so any input would be much appreciated!
Reply 1
Hi Sammy.ch,
Congratulations on your offer! I completely understand the financial concern. I was quite worried too, coming from Liverpool, but I have found that it is actually more manageable than I expected.
In terms of accommodation, there are a range of prices for a range of different accommodation options. I would definitely say to have a look at the accommodation we offer, but just because one is cheaper than the other doesn't necessarily mean it's 'worse'. From my experience, I have stayed on campus for two years in different accommodation due to medical reasons and I overall do prefer the less expensive option. In terms of going off-campus for second year and beyond, prices do vary. I have seen some really nice houses for around £150 a week with some bills included, so it just depends how you play the game.
In terms of other costs, it is a step up but not ridiculously so. Aldi and Lidl are a bus journey away, but if it's too far then M&S and Tesco in the city centre aren't as bad as I thought they'd be. A lot of people do order their food shopping to campus, and if you can order with your flatmates and split the fees then it's definitely a good option to consider. I spend no more than £35 on a pretty decent shop, which lasts me around a week and a half (or more, since I will get some freezer bits as well).
You can even save some money by bulk-buying, or getting stuff from home, if it's a cheaper price. Personally, when I go home, I'll stock up on some more of the durable goods (e.g., instant noodles or pasta) to bring back to Exeter so I have a backup option in the long run. I don't live off instant noodles or pasta, but they're pretty convenient to have in.
If you're on a night out, drinks are a bit more expensive than what you would find in the North, but we also have 3 Wetherspoons which are pretty popular student spots thanks to their cheaper prices, and our student bar, the Ram, is also very reasonable.
Don't forget though, that with the higher prices, you are paid more for working! The university and the Guild are constantly hiring students in permanent roles (until graduation), and pay more than my job at home. The jobs they offer are just one of many ways to make some money. A lot of my friends also take part in market research, where they can earn from £60 - £200 just for a few hours of their time.
If you feel you will struggle in terms of finance, even with a job, you may be eligible for the Success for All (SFA) Bursary. You can apply for this each year, and if successful, the university will pay you a certain amount each term to help with your needs. They do want to see you succeed, so are very helpful. You can access any information regarding financial support here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/financialhelp/ . It may also be worth contacting our Students' Guild if you need any advice: https://www.exeterguild.com/find-support .
If you have any other questions, please do let me know!
Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Congratulations on your offer! I completely understand the financial concern. I was quite worried too, coming from Liverpool, but I have found that it is actually more manageable than I expected.
In terms of accommodation, there are a range of prices for a range of different accommodation options. I would definitely say to have a look at the accommodation we offer, but just because one is cheaper than the other doesn't necessarily mean it's 'worse'. From my experience, I have stayed on campus for two years in different accommodation due to medical reasons and I overall do prefer the less expensive option. In terms of going off-campus for second year and beyond, prices do vary. I have seen some really nice houses for around £150 a week with some bills included, so it just depends how you play the game.
In terms of other costs, it is a step up but not ridiculously so. Aldi and Lidl are a bus journey away, but if it's too far then M&S and Tesco in the city centre aren't as bad as I thought they'd be. A lot of people do order their food shopping to campus, and if you can order with your flatmates and split the fees then it's definitely a good option to consider. I spend no more than £35 on a pretty decent shop, which lasts me around a week and a half (or more, since I will get some freezer bits as well).
You can even save some money by bulk-buying, or getting stuff from home, if it's a cheaper price. Personally, when I go home, I'll stock up on some more of the durable goods (e.g., instant noodles or pasta) to bring back to Exeter so I have a backup option in the long run. I don't live off instant noodles or pasta, but they're pretty convenient to have in.
If you're on a night out, drinks are a bit more expensive than what you would find in the North, but we also have 3 Wetherspoons which are pretty popular student spots thanks to their cheaper prices, and our student bar, the Ram, is also very reasonable.
Don't forget though, that with the higher prices, you are paid more for working! The university and the Guild are constantly hiring students in permanent roles (until graduation), and pay more than my job at home. The jobs they offer are just one of many ways to make some money. A lot of my friends also take part in market research, where they can earn from £60 - £200 just for a few hours of their time.
If you feel you will struggle in terms of finance, even with a job, you may be eligible for the Success for All (SFA) Bursary. You can apply for this each year, and if successful, the university will pay you a certain amount each term to help with your needs. They do want to see you succeed, so are very helpful. You can access any information regarding financial support here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/financialhelp/ . It may also be worth contacting our Students' Guild if you need any advice: https://www.exeterguild.com/find-support .
If you have any other questions, please do let me know!
Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Cardiff vs Exeter for Medicine: Which Offers the Best Experience?
- cardiff or exeter uni for modern languages (please help!!)
- Accommodation beyond first year, exeter
- university of nottingham vs university of exeter
- Economics and Politics/International Relations
- Will I like Edinburgh University
- Rg uni for law
- Bristol or Exeter
- I'm trying decide between Nottingham and Exeter for film
- Exeter scholars
- Is uni of Exeter as posh as everyone says?
- Would I be able to do Economics and Finance at Uni with my A levels?
- Exeter vs Sussex for Ecology & Conservation Msci
- What is the working class student experience in Exeter?
- Big decision-
- Exeter vs Wolverhampton on marking fairness
- Transferring Unis?
- University of Exeter Official Applicants Thread 2025
- Uni selection..very stressed
- Exeter Accommodation Costs
Latest
Trending
Last reply 7 months ago
Official Uni of Exeter Offer Holders Thread 2025 entryLast reply 7 months ago
University of Exeter Official Applicants Thread 2025University of Exeter
114
168
Last reply 8 months ago
Is it worth applying to Exeter as a Muslim from an immigrant familyLast reply 9 months ago
Can I still enter Exeter if I don’t meet my conditional offerArticles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
