There's no one type of accommodation that's best for everyone. ‍You might want to be right next to campus, have your own space, live with a big group of friends or find the most affordable option you can.

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Before you start searching, think about your place, people and price – where you want to live, who you want to live with and what you can afford.

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What is University accommodation like?

The University has a range of accommodation, including catered and self-catered options and different room types. It can be a convenient option, particularly if being close to campus and University services is important to you.

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Things you might like:

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• lots of options are close to campus

• bills and Wi-Fi are included

• you'll be living around other students

• there's a range of room types

• accommodation support and security are available.

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Things to think about:

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• availability can be limited, particularly for returning students

• it may cost more than some private shared housing

• you'll mainly be living around other students

• parking is limited in many residences.

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Explore current University accommodation.

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What is Purpose Built Student Accommodation?

Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is private accommodation designed specifically for students. You'll usually have your own bedroom (often with an en-suite) and might share a kitchen and living space. Studios are also common. Some buildings have additional facilities such as gyms, cinema rooms, social spaces, study rooms or reception and security teams.

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Things you might like:

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• bills are often included, which can make budgeting easier

• many buildings have staff or security

• you can have your own en-suite or studio

• there may be shared social and study spaces

• buildings are designed specifically for students.

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Things to think about:

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• it can be one of the more expensive options

• you might be paying for facilities you don't use

• living in a large student-only building won't suit everyone

• a studio can feel quite separate from other residents if you prefer communal living.

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Some larger student accommodation providers sign up to codes setting standards around how accommodation is managed. The National Code has more information about standards in student accommodation.

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What about a shared private house?

A shared house or flat is what many people picture when they think about student housing. You'll normally have your own bedroom and share things like the kitchen, bathroom and living room with your housemates.

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Things you might like:

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• it can be cheaper than some PBSA or studios

• you can choose who you live with

• you'll have shared social spaces

• you'll be living as part of the wider Exeter community

• there's a range of locations and property styles.

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Things to think about:

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• sharing responsibilities for cleaning, bills and the property

• disagreements between housemates

• dealing directly with a landlord or letting agent

• understanding what you're responsible for if you're renting jointly.

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If you're a joint tenant, you and the other joint tenants can all be responsible for the rent, so make sure you understand what you're agreeing to before you commit.

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What is a lodger arrangement?

If you rent a room in the home where your landlord lives, you're likely to be a lodger. This can feel quite different from sharing a student house because you're living in someone else's home and will usually share spaces such as the kitchen or bathroom with them.

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Things you might like:

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• rooms can be cheaper

• shorter or more flexible arrangements may be available

• it can feel more homely

• you'll be living within the wider local community.

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Things to think about:

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• lodgers generally have fewer rights than tenants

• your landlord may have house rules

• you'll need to be comfortable sharing your home with your landlord

• your deposit doesn't have the same legal protection as a deposit for an assured periodic tenancy.

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Before agreeing, talk about things like guests, kitchen use, cleaning, working or studying from home and notice periods so everyone knows what to expect.

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What if I want to live alone?

A studio or one-bedroom flat might suit you if having your own space is important. It can give you more privacy and control over your home, but it's usually more expensive than sharing.

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Things you might like:

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• More privacy and your own space

• You can set your own routine without having to work around housemates

• No disagreements about things like cleaning, noise or shared spaces

• Can be a good option if communal living doesn't suit you.

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Things you may need to consider:

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• Usually more expensive than sharing a house or flat

• You'll be responsible for household costs yourself rather than sharing them

• It can feel less social, particularly if you enjoy having people around at home

• Studios and one-bedroom properties can be more limited, giving you fewer options.

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Living alone doesn't mean missing out on university life. If you'd like more social contact, think about other ways you'll connect with people through friends, your course, societies, sport, volunteering or other communities you're part of.

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Can I live at home and commute?

If living at home or in your existing home works for you, commuting can be a good option. You can still get involved in university life – you'll just need to think a little more about how travel fits around your day.

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Things you might like:

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• Could be considerably cheaper than renting in Exeter

• You may already have a home and routine you're comfortable with

• You can stay connected to family, friends and your existing community

• You won't need to deal with finding and moving into a student rental

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Things you may need to consider:

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• Travel costs can add up, so include these when comparing your options

• Longer journeys can make early starts or late finishes more difficult

• You may need to plan ahead for evening events and getting home

• You might have less flexibility to pop onto campus or stay later at short notice.

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Think about the cost and time of your journey, not just the money you could save on rent. It's worth checking public transport options alongside your timetable and thinking about how you'll manage days with gaps between teaching. If you receive Student Finance, where you live while studying can also affect the Maintenance Loan you're entitled to, so check the current rules.

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Commuting doesn't mean missing out on university life. If you'd like more social contact, think about other ways you'll connect with people through friends, your course, societies, sport, volunteering or other communities you're part of.

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What if I'm a postgraduate or mature student?

You might be looking for something different from a traditional student house – and that's completely fine. You might prefer:

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• living alone

• sharing with other postgraduates or professionals

• quieter accommodation

• a room with a resident landlord

• family accommodation

• a property further from the main student areas

• a shorter or more flexible arrangement

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Studentpad lets you search different types of accommodation, and it's worth contacting landlords or providers directly if you have particular requirements.

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Where in Exeter should I live?

Being as close to campus as possible might be top of your list, but it doesn't have to be. Exeter is relatively compact, and lots of areas are within walking, cycling or bus distance of campus. Read our where to live advice.

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How can the Guild help?

While we can't help you find a house, we can help you understand your housing rights and help you if things go wrong.

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com.  

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The University's Move Smart Campaign is there to help you find the right housing for you.