Rent is likely to be one of your biggest costs at university, so it's worth working out what you can realistically afford before you start choosing properties. ‍When you're comparing prices, remember that not everything is like for like. A property with a cheaper weekly rent isn't necessarily going to cost you less overall.

‍

‍

How much is rent?

There's a big range depending on where you live, the type and size of property and whether bills are included. As a useful benchmark, Studentpad's current Exeter listings show average rents of around:

‍

• £162 per person per week for a four-bedroom property

• £138 per person per week for a five-bedroom property

• £178 per person per week for a six-bedroom property

• £187 per person per week for a seven-bedroom property

• £172 per person per week for an eight-bedroom property

‍

These are a snapshot of properties advertised through Studentpad, rather than an average for every student property in Exeter. Prices and availability will change as properties are added and removed, so use them as a guide rather than an amount you should expect to pay.

‍

Studios, one-bedroom properties and accommodation with additional facilities can cost considerably more. Check Studentpad's latest prices. These figures are based only on properties currently advertised through Studentpad, so they're best used as a guide rather than an average for the whole Exeter market.

‍

‍

How long will I be paying rent for?

Check the rental period and how often you'll pay. Private renting rules changed in May 2026 and most private tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies, which run on a rolling basis rather than having a fixed end date.

‍

Different rules can apply to accommodation such as University halls and some Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), so always check the agreement you're being offered.

‍

‍

Are bills included?

If bills are included, the advertised rent will probably be higher – but it could make budgeting easier. Check exactly what's covered. This might include:

‍

• gas

• electricity

• water

• broadband

‍

Some bills-included agreements have a fair usage allowance. If your household uses more than the amount covered, you could have to pay the difference. Ask what the allowance is and what happens if you go over it before agreeing.

‍

Check out our Moving In Guide for more info on bills and utilities.

‍

Does location affect the price?

Accommodation closer to campus can be more expensive. Think about what's important to you. You might decide paying more to live close to campus is worth it, or you might get more for your money by looking further out.

‍

If you do look further away, remember to factor in transport costs, such as the train or bus.  You should also consider what is in the local area such as supermarkets, hairdressers or gyms. If you need to travel to these this will also affect costs.

‍

‍

What type of accommodation is it?

A room in a shared house, a room in PBSA and a studio aren't directly comparable.

‍

Studios and properties with additional facilities can cost more. Some PBSA includes things like gyms, study spaces and social areas, which might be useful to you – but only pay for facilities you'll actually value and can afford.

‍

‍

Why does the EPC matter?

Most rented homes need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It gives the property an energy-efficiency rating and can help you get an idea of how expensive it might be to heat.

‍

Most privately rented properties that need an EPC must currently have a rating of E or above, unless there's a valid exemption. A cheaper property with poor energy efficiency could end up costing you more in bills, so it's worth looking at the EPC when comparing properties.

‍

Find a property's EPC on GOV.UK.

How does University accommodation compare?

It's worth looking at University accommodation as another benchmark. For 2026/27, University of Exeter accommodation varies considerably depending on the room and residence. For example, some undergraduate rooms are around £190–£220 per week, while some studios are £250+ per week.

‍

University accommodation includes gas, electricity, water and Wi-Fi, so remember that you can't directly compare that weekly price with a private house where you'll pay bills separately. Check current University accommodation prices.

‍

‍

I don't know what I can afford. Where do I start?

That's completely normal, especially if this is the first time you've had to budget for your own housing. Start with what you'll have coming in across the year. This might include:

‍

• your Maintenance Loan

• bursaries or grants

• income from a job

• savings

• other financial support such as family

‍

Then look at what you'll need for food, travel, your phone, course costs, socialising and everyday essentials. That should give you a better idea of how much you can comfortably put towards housing.

‍

Try not to stretch your budget for a property you really like if it's going to leave you short every month as this will cause you more stress in the long-term.

‍

Save the Student has budgeting tools that can help you get started.

‍

‍

What's the difference between a holding deposit and tenancy deposit?

A holding deposit is money you might be asked to pay to reserve a property while checks are carried out. It can be up to one week's rent. A tenancy deposit is held during your tenancy in case, for example, there's damage or unpaid rent.

‍

For most private tenancies, the tenancy deposit is capped at:

‍

• five weeks' rent if the annual rent is below £50,000

• six weeks' rent if the annual rent is £50,000 or more

‍

Your tenancy deposit should normally be protected in a government-approved deposit protection scheme. Read the current deposit rules on GOV.UK.  Exeter community Law clinic have produced a short video on deposits and fees that may be useful.

‍

‍

Can I be charged an application or admin fee?

Landlords and agents can't simply add application, administration or contract fees. There are rules about which payments they can ask you to make. Check what fees can be charged on GOV.UK.

‍

If you're being asked for a payment and don't understand what it's for, ask before paying it.

‍

‍

What if I'm asked to send money before I've signed anything?

Be careful. For most assured periodic tenancies, a landlord or agent can't ask for, encourage or accept rent before you and the landlord have signed the tenancy agreement. They can ask for certain deposits before this, including a holding deposit or tenancy deposit, within the legal limits.

‍

After you've signed but before the tenancy starts, there are also limits on how much rent can usually be requested in advance. If someone is rushing you to transfer money, the property seems unusually cheap or something just doesn't add up, stop and check before paying.  

‍

Read our advice on scams.

‍

‍

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.

‍

Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com.  The University's Move Smart Campaign is there to help you find the right housing for you.

‍