One of the oldest cities in the UK, with a rich history dating back to AD 50, Exeter is one of UKs top cities for international students. The city is also an economic and cultural powerhouse with several top companies in the country being headquartered in Exeter.
The city is home to more than 50,000 students, and several thousand flow in every year. One of the major expenses for these students is student accommodation Exeter, along with food, travel, and several miscellaneous expenses. Most of the students are unable to budget their expenses properly, and therefore, this guide shall help them budget their expenses properly.
Why Cost of Living Matters for Students
Exeter is a major city in the United Kingdom and is moderately expensive. There is something available for everyone, regardless of the budget. You can have a steak in the city for as low as £20, and for as high as £2000. Although the cost of living is a personal concept that is determined by the type of expenses you make, it is important to note that if students plan their budget properly and make informed spending decisions, they can expect to spend a month in the city in well under £1000.
The table below highlights some of the major expenses that students can expect to incur during a month in Exeter.
| Expense | Amount (In £ per month) |
| Rent | 700 – 1200 |
| Food | 100 – 200 |
| Transport | 100 – 150 |
| Leisure | 100 – 200 |
| Total | 1000 – 1750 |
PS: Students must note that these figures are tentative and are subject to change based on their actual consumption and expenses that they incur.
Accommodation Costs
One of the main expenses for students in the city is accommodation costs. The cost for student apartments in Exeter depends upon two major factors: the location of the property and the property type. The closer the property is to the city centre, the more expensive it will be, and vice versa. Depending upon the accommodation type, student properties in Exeter are divided into 2 basic types:
- Student Housing
- Private Apartments.
Student housing, also known as PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations) are properties specifically built for students. The rent for PBSAs in Exeter is more than Private apartments. However, there’s a catch. The rent for PBSAs includes electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills. While in the case of a Private Apartment, the rent might be less than a PBSA, but the utility bills are an extra on top of the rent. Overall, this makes a private apartment slightly more expensive than a student housing property.
Food & Grocery Costs
The cost of food and groceries in Exeter is pretty affordable when compared to other major British cities. For buying monthly groceries, students can shop at some of the best supermarkets in the city, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Lidl. These supermarkets provide several types of discounts and offers on bulk purchases. Students can stock up their supplies for a month and enjoy the best discounts on groceries and daily essentials.
Eating outside is also not as expensive as it feels in Exeter. There are several top cafes, fast food joints, and food trucks that serve sumptuous meals at affordable costs to make every meal fulfilling. You can expect to have a full meal for under £15. Students can cook at home on some days, while eating out on weekends to save costs and boost savings!
Social Life & Entertainment Costs
Having a good social life while studying in Exeter is very important, as this helps in recreation and helps maintain a work-life balance. The city is home to several top cafes, bars, clubs, and pubs for students. The entries are affordable, ranging between £3 and £8 for standard nights, though it can go up to £15–£30 for special events or popular DJs at certain venues.
The city is also home to several museums, art galleries, and historical places that generally do not require an entry ticket for students, while some places offer substantial discounted fares for students. The city also holds several events for students, such as the Exeter Cathedral and Exeter Phoenix. These events are free to enter, and students absolutely love attending them!
Money-Saving Tips for Students in Exeter
Students cannot avoid basic expenses, but can definitely cap the unnecessary ones. Students make several mistakes even after making a budget because they are unable to find the best options for saving their money. There are plenty of ways to save money in Exeter. These include:
- Student Discount Cards: These are travel cards that provide discounted travel for students traveling in the city.
- Eat at home: It is always affordable to cook at home. Having the same dish outside can cost you at least 4x the price at home. Treat yourself once a week!
- Cheap transport and pass options: Use public transport instead of a taxi to commute in the city. Get a bus pass or a combine bus and train pass to save on transportation costs.
- Find the right accommodation: It is important for students to find the right location, and most of the students face immense difficulties in this stage. Students can feel free to take help from accommodation experts like University Living who help students find a perfect home away from home!
Conclusion
Exeter is a gorgeous and important city in the United Kingdom. It has a lot to offer to international students who plan to pursue their higher education in the city. There are great career prospects for students after pursuing their education in the city itself. Exeter is home to some of the top universities in the country and therefore, is a first choice of students in the UK.
