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.
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