Exeter vs Reading for student experience

How would you guys rank the pros and cons of Reading vs Exeter? Which one has better nightlife and an interesting city? I am not too bothered about London being close to Reading, its not my thing. Are there any interesting places/things to do close to Exeter?

Reply 1

McGinger

20

Reading is definitely more exciting in terms of nightlife - especially since its now on the Elizabeth tube line to London. Exeter is good for .... surfing.

Reply 2

Liman1897

OP

2

Original post by McGinger

Reading is definitely more exciting in terms of nightlife - especially since its now on the Elizabeth tube line to London. Exeter is good for .... surfing.

What is the nightlife like in Reading if London is not included?

Reply 3

ExeterStudentRep

Official Rep

12

Original post by Liman1897

How would you guys rank the pros and cons of Reading vs Exeter? Which one has better nightlife and an interesting city? I am not too bothered about London being close to Reading, its not my thing. Are there any interesting places/things to do close to Exeter?

Hi Liman1897,

Great to hear that you're interested in studying at the University of Exeter. Exeter has a lot to do as a smaller sized city located close to beautiful coastlines and countryside like Dartmoor and Exmoor. You might find it useful to read through our Student Life sections of our website, or to chat with current students via our Unibuddy platform.

Exeter has lots of great cafes and restaurants, including on the Quayside which is especially great in the summer with great views overlooking the river. There is lots of entertainment on offer including the Northcott theatre on our Streatham campus, multiple chain and independent cinemas, a range of bars whatever your taste (a personal favourite for me is Old Firehouse - they do great pizza too!), clubs such as TP and music venues like the Cavern (another personal favourite, especially if you're into punk bands). On campus itself we also have the Ram which is a great and affordable student bar (curly fries here are another top recommendation), and there is always lots going on with the large range of sports and societies on offer.

Further afield from the city of Exeter itself you have great beaches a short train ride away in Exmouth, loads of incredible hiking and scenery in both Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, and you're within day trip distance either further South into Cornwall, to other seaside towns in Devon like Dartmouth and Salcombe, or up to Bristol if you're looking for a bigger city.

Really it depends what you're interested in and what your idea of a good night out or exciting weekend is, but I think Exeter really has a great balance and something for everyone. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Kingsley
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Reply 4

Muttley79

20

Original post by Liman1897

How would you guys rank the pros and cons of Reading vs Exeter? Which one has better nightlife and an interesting city? I am not too bothered about London being close to Reading, its not my thing. Are there any interesting places/things to do close to Exeter?

Exeter is a much more interesting city - you have the Quay area, the town and lots of historic bits.

You are also near the beach.

I find Reading [and I've stayed at the uni] very dull and the town over-rated.

Reply 5

Muttley79

20

Original post by McGinger

Reading is definitely more exciting in terms of nightlife - especially since its now on the Elizabeth tube line to London. Exeter is good for .... surfing.

A bit unkind - plenty to do. I really didn't enjoy living in Reading when I've stayed there.

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

Original post by Liman1897

How would you guys rank the pros and cons of Reading vs Exeter? Which one has better nightlife and an interesting city? I am not too bothered about London being close to Reading, its not my thing. Are there any interesting places/things to do close to Exeter?

i’ve lived in reading for 7 years it’s a bit dead but chill but u end up running out of stuff to do pretty quick

Reply 7

UniofReading

Official Rep

14

Original post by Liman1897

How would you guys rank the pros and cons of Reading vs Exeter? Which one has better nightlife and an interesting city? I am not too bothered about London being close to Reading, its not my thing. Are there any interesting places/things to do close to Exeter?

Hi @Liman1897

I hope you're doing well!

I can't offer much insight into Exeter sadly as I have never been there, but I can discuss a bit about my experiences studying at Reading for the past few years. I am in my 4th year of living there now, and I have chosen to stay living in Reading once I have graduated as I am enjoying my time there so much!

I don't personally go 'out out' too much, but there are a number of clubs in the town centre which are very popular with students, as well as a club on the University campus. There are also plenty of bars both on and off campus, as well as a number of pubs in the town centre. I can't comment too much on how good these are as I don't tend to go there personally, but I have only heard good things!

In terms of the town itself, there are good travel links to other areas besides London which are good for day trips. I have taken a few trips to places like Bournemouth, Oxford, Leamington Spa etc.

There are an endless number of shops and restaurants in the town centre. You can very easily kill an afternoon wandering around all of the shops. I would not say there is tons to do in the town centre in terms of activities, but if you're willing to travel a short way from the centre of Reading then you can find lots of activities like pottery painting, rock climbing, bowling etc.

I personally like the mix of busy town but still nice natural area as there are some lovely walks and green spaces. There is also some interesting cultural aspects of Reading such as the Abbey ruins, and the Banksy piece on the old prison.

I'm sure that either would make a lovely place to attend, but I hope that this has been helpful!

If you have any more questions, just let me know.

Hattie😊
4MSci Speech and Language Therapy

Exeter vs Reading for student experience

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