We are now into November which means that the Accommodation Fair will be with us soon (Tuesday 21 November). This week’s blog is looking into areas of Exeter to live and also where you can see what private accommodation is available in the city for 2018/19.

What accommodation is available?
We strongly recommend that before you begin your search for private accommodation you take a look at the advice and information on our webpage to prepare you for your search for 2018/19. It looks at the different private accommodation options available including:

  • Purpose-built private halls of residence
  • Shared houses and flats
  • Properties through private individual landlords
  • Properties through student letting agencies
  • Living with a resident landlord/host family – this is sometimes referred to as ‘lodgings’

We also offer advice on the Right to Rent checks which landlords will undertake as well as providing a useful Housing Terminology document for you to know the typical jargon used.

Where do I begin my search?
The Accommodation Office manage StudentPad which is a free, accommodation search portal. Here you can find private accommodation, including properties which have been accredited by the Unipol Accreditation Scheme, and larger purpose-built residences. Adverts for 2018/19 will go live on 21 November to coincide with the Accommodation Fair.

Useful areas of Exeter to live
As per the information on our website there are a number of areas to live in Exeter but we have narrowed them down to those which are close to our university campuses. These are:

  • Pennsylvania
  • Stoke Hill
  • St Davids
  • St Thomas
  • St James
  • Mount Pleasant – close to both campuses
  • Central – close to both campuses
  • Heavitree – closer to St Lukes
  • Newtown – closer to St Lukes
  • St Leonards – closer to St Lukes

It might be worth considering looking a bit further away from the campus if you want to pay less for a nicer house. Good areas to consider for this are Pinhoe, Heavitree and St Thomas. These areas are all commutable by foot or public transport and it won’t take too long to get here.

Forthcoming Guild events:
On Wednesday 8 November between 9:00am-12:00pm pop along to The Forum for the Students’ Guild ‘People Pop-up’ event. Come along and meet with members of the Guild who will be able to answer any questions you have about the cost of living in private student accommodation and point you in the right direction for finding a place to live in the location you want.

Next week we will be looking into finding flatmates and what events will be taking place to help support you in this search.

Accommodation Catherine