Current student and Community Engagement Officer Dania provides an overview of two Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) options in the heart of the city centre – The Barn and The Depot.

Key features and Amenities

  • Prime City-Centre Location: Both PBSAs  are  in the city centre, offering access to essential services and attractions. Almost everything you need is just a short walk away, ensuring that life is both convenient and enjoyable. 
  • Diverse Dining Options: Situated beneath these buildings, you’ll find a selection of popular restaurants, including Taco Bell, Pepes, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Spice Aroma. This variety allows you to explore a range of culinary delights. 
  • Grocery Convenience: Mesopotamia, Iceland, and Co-op are located right below the buildings, ensuring that your grocery needs are easily met, simplifying meal planning and shopping. 
  • Entertainment Hub: If you’re in the mood for relaxation or a cinematic experience, Vue and Odeon cinemas are a mere 2-5 minute walk from your doorstep. 
  • Close Proximity to the Campuses: Streatham Campus is a 15-20 minute walk away and St. Luke’s a 10-minute stroll. The bus station by  the buildings offer transportation to the university every 25 minutes on the UNI bus.
  • Efficient Transportation:  The bus station  and nearby bus stops on Sidwell Street make it easy to access various destinations, including routes to major retailers such as Tesco and Ikea. 
  • Thriving Nightlife: The local nightlife scene is alive and well, with options like Monkey Suit, Club Unit 1, and All-Star Sports Bar all within a 5-minute walk. 
  • Community Living: This Purpose-Built Student Accommodation has garnered a reputation for fostering a lively and close-knit community. With common areas that include movie and karaoke rooms, and leisure spaces for table tennis and snooker, there are numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded students and partake in social activities. 
  • Flexible Accommodation: For those seeking quieter spaces, The Barn and The Depot both offer quieter room options with dedicated building managers to help with any queries. 
  • Social and Event Opportunities: The facilities provide spaces for hosting social events and gatherings.
Exeter High Street
Exeter High Street (c) Tony Cobley

Pricing and Inclusions

The rent for these accommodations ranges from approximately £160 to £190 per week. This pricing includes utilities such as water and electricity, maintenance services, access to a common room with a movie theatre, and an on-site gym. 

Things to Consider

If you’re considering a city centre PBSA as your living choice, it’s worth being aware that – like most cities – Exeter can be noisy, particularly due to the buses, bars, and clubs in the area. Noise from people out and about can be especially noticeable at night. 

While living in a lively community can be a pro for some, it might not suit everyone. It’s a good idea to think about your comfort level with a social and active atmosphere. 

This is Dania’s view on two of the many PBSA options within Exeter – take a look at our map to see what other properties there are in the city. Also keep in mind that signing a contract with a PBSA is the same as with any other accommodation provider – legally binding – so make sure you’re sure, before signing on the dotted line.

Images courtesy of Visit Exeter/Matt Round/Tony Cobley

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