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We know that for 2026-27 there is less University-owned student accommodation available than in previous years.
Some of you have told us you’re still waiting to find out whether you have University accommodation. Others have been offered rooms that cost more than the choices you originally applied for or are now trying to navigate the private housing market at short notice.
And we know this isn't just about finding four walls and a bed. You might be worried about what you can afford, where you'll live, making friends or whether you'll get the university experience you were looking forward to.
We’re your Students’ Guild, an independent charity from the University. We offer free independent housing advice, supporting you when things go wrong and raising students’ experiences directly with the University to solve. While we can’t allocate University rooms or find a property for you, we can help you understand your options and what to do next.
Some of you may be working within tight timeframes. Our biggest piece of advice right now is to check when you need to respond, then pause long enough to consider your options and what’s right for you. Try not to feel pressured into signing for accommodation you can’t comfortably afford or that doesn’t meet your needs just because you need somewhere to live.
Looking for somewhere to live?
Finding private accommodation can feel like a lot, especially if you don’t know Exeter yet. There are a few places you can start your search.
StudentPadExeter is a good starting point. Its message board lets students and landlords advertise available accommodation and students can also search for housemates. The password is LEMMY.
You can also search private accommodation websites including:
These websites are run by private providers, so we can’t recommend a particular one, so please check the small print properly.
There are also University Facebook Groups where students advertise available rooms. Social media can be useful, but be cautious when responding to accommodation adverts. Adverts may not be verified. Don’t send money or agree to rent somewhere before you’ve checked the property and who you’re dealing with are genuine.
Before you say yes checklist
When you’re trying to find somewhere quickly, it can be tempting to jump at the first available room. Give yourself time to check that it’s right for you.
- Work out the total cost: Think about the full cost, not just the advertised rent. Your budget may also need to cover a deposit, bills, moving costs, food and travel. Only agree to something that you can afford.
- Book a viewing: If you can, try to see the property in person or via facetime before handing over any money. If something doesn’t feel right, including a deal that looks too good to be true, trust your gut.
- Ask questions: At a viewing, ask questions about anything you’re unsure about and make a note of any problems or damage, ask when they will be fixed.
- Read and check your tenancy agreement: Check before you sign! Your tenancy agreement sets out the rules and responsibilities for you and your landlord, so read it carefully before signing anything. Make sure you understand what you'll be paying, what's included and whether there are any costs on top of your rent. Check what type of agreement you’re being offered, when it starts, how rent is paid, what is included and how either side can end it. Not every type of student accommodation is covered in the same way. Check out Money Helper and Citizen’s Advice for more info.
Your rights as a renter have also changed following the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. If you’re renting this year, take some time to understand what this means for your tenancy before agreeing to anything. Find out more about your rights as a renter
Our Housing Help Guides contain further tips and advice on everything housing-related.
Worried about missing out?
Where you live can shape your university experience, so it's understandable if you're disappointed about not living in University accommodation.
But living off campus doesn't mean you have to miss out on student life or making friends. When you arrive, your Students' Guild will have loads of ways to meet people and find your community – from societies and events to trips and Welcome activities. Check out our Welcome Hub to find out more.
We'll be here to help you find your people, wherever you're living – all year round.
If the University has offered you the option to defer or withdraw
Some of you may have been told that you can ask to defer your place or decide not to start at Exeter this year. We know finding yourself in this situation may change how you feel about starting at Exeter this year – and that’s totally okay. It’s a big decision to make. Take the time you need to think about the longer-term implications of each option, particularly for your finances and wellbeing, rather than making a decision based only on the pressure you're feeling right now.
If you decide you don’t want to continue with your place as planned, you have options.
You can request to defer your place (start next year instead) by emailing ug-ad@exeter.ac.uk with the subject line ‘Deferral’ and including your Exeter Reference Number or UCAS Personal ID. The deadline to request a deferral is 31 August 2026.
Alternatively, you can withdraw from Exeter through your UCAS Hub by selecting ‘decline my place’. This will release you into Clearing so you can apply to other universities.
Standing up for your experience
We exist to represent students. It's why we're here. We make sure your voice is heard where decisions are made, creating opportunities for students to influence the decisions that shape their university experience.
We're hearing your concerns about the availability, affordability and allocation of accommodation, as well as the uncertainty and communication you've experienced while waiting for answers. This is not an isolated issue, access to affordable, safe and accessible accommodation remains students top concerns year on year. Your elected student Officers, have been actively working on using your experience to create positive change, find out more about the work they have been doing on our blog.
Right now, we're particularly concerned about students feeling they must accept accommodation they can't comfortably afford, rush into private housing or defer their studies because they can't find somewhere suitable to live. We're listening to what you're telling us and have, and will continue to, raise your experiences and concerns with the University.
