Hi everyone! My name is Naura, a third-year Psychology student at University of Exeter, originally from Indonesia. Like many students, I was initially worried about the cost of living when I first arrived. However, over time, I discovered plenty of ways to have fun, explore the city, and make the most of my university experience, without burning through my budget. Let me share what I can do to explore and have fun while keeping the finances in check.
Cultural Activities
Exeter is a comfortably sized city, small enough to be easily walkable yet big enough to have hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Let’s start with the cultural activities you can do on a budget.
One must-visit spot is the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), which offers free entry. Besides showcasing Exeter’s history, the museum has a diverse collection of other interesting displays, from taxidermy, including stuffed animals, to cultural artifacts like the Wayang puppet from my home country, Indonesia! Just a five-minute walk from RAMM, you will find Exeter Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and a popular tourist attraction. While there is usually an entry fee, there are free entry days, especially during the Christmas season. Another hidden gem is the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, located on Streatham Campus. It is a fascinating place dedicated to the history of filmmaking, featuring an extensive collection of film memorabilia. If you have time between classes or are simply looking for something new to explore, this is a great spot to visit. The museum also features interactive exhibits, such as the zoetrope, a cylindrical device that animates images when spun, and flip books, which create a moving sequence when flipped through quickly.
During cultural festivities, such as Chinese New Year (also celebrated as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year), Diwali, or Eid, there are usually some booth displays in the Streatham Campus Forum Building to showcase the culture, offer free traditional food, and provide a chance to learn more about the event. The most recent celebration was the Spring Festival for Chinese New Year in early February, featuring many societies that celebrate it, traditional food, red envelopes, and mahjong, leading to a celebratory fireworks display viewed from the rear of the Uni’s XFI Building at night.
Outdoor Adventure
The University has many green spaces where you can take a walk, unwind, and feel refreshed. On the Streatham Campus in Exeter, there are beautiful parks, scenic views, and even a fountain to enjoy. On sunny days between classes, I love sitting just outside the Forum after picking up a meal deal from Marketplace (£2-£3) or the meal of the day from Super Savour (£2.25). There’s something about basking in the sun, chatting with friends, soaking in the scenery, and watching the fish in the pond that makes it the perfect little escape. Another great spot is just outside Washington Singer, a five-minute walk from the Forum, where you will find the iconic Exeter stone. With its scenic city view, it is a great place for a picnic day.
If you want to explore beyond campus, Exeter Quayside is the place for a perfect stroll. It is lined with cute cafes, craft shops, and often, geese and birds along the river. You can walk or cycle, head all the way along to Double Locks further down the river. For a hiking adventure, check out Dartmoor National Park, a wild, open landscape with stunning views, rocky tors, and free-roaming ponies. It is great for walks, picnics, and even a bit of wild camping if you are feeling adventurous! For a beach getaway, a favourite of mine, you have several options like Exmouth, Dawlish Warren, Torquay, Clevedon, Sidmouth, etc., all just a 20-minute train or bus ride away for under £5 (with an open return ticket). Coming from a tropical country, I love having easy access to the sea. Summer is the best time to visit, but even in winter, the misty and moody atmosphere is beautiful. Just be prepared for strong winds that might send sand flying into your eyes!
Affordable Travel
Travelling around Exeter and beyond is quite affordable if you plan wisely. Railcards can save you up to a third on train fares, making trips to nearby cities much cheaper. If you prefer buses, getting a Coachcard for National Express or Megabus can help with long-distance travel to places across the UK, and they often offer students discount. I have been to Bristol and Bath, and prices depend a bit on peak hours and the number of stops. You can get a return trip for around £10-£15 by bus with a Young Person Coachcard, and £20-£25 by train with a Railcard.
For daily commutes within Exeter, student bus passes for Stagecoach buses offer discounts, but honestly, walking remains my top choice. It is free, keeps you active, and allows you to explore the city’s small shops and hidden spots, like Gandy Street, which is filled with vintage shops, handcraft shops, Italian restaurants, and even a Pilates studio. Cycling is another great option, with dedicated routes around the city for those who prefer to explore on two wheels.
Budget-Friendly Eating & Shopping
As you visit different shops, be sure to look out for student discounts to save money. For example, I have a loyalty card at my favorite bookstore and café, Waterstones, where I collect stamps every time I make a purchase. It makes reading and relaxing there even more enjoyable, and I love the cosy atmosphere. You can also sign up for free membership cards at grocery stores, such as Clubcard (Tesco), Sparks (M&S), or Nectar Card (Sainsbury’s), which help you get discounts and exclusive deals. Buying groceries and cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out, which is why I prefer to meal prep. I cook in batches so that I have meals ready for 3-4 days. This saves me both time and money, and I don’t have to stress about deciding what to eat every day.
Another fun and budget-friendly activity is cooking with friends. It is a great way to have quality time together, share your favourite dishes or try new recipes, and split the cost of ingredients. My friends and I have a tradition of hosting weekly brunches or dinners, which has been going on since our first year, it is a fun, meaningful way to stay connected. Buying the right ingredients is key to making homecooked meals feel authentic. Exeter has several international shops in the city where you can find what you need. For Asian groceries, there are 168 Orientals, Yonks, and BHL. If you are looking for halal meat, Middle Eastern ingredients, or specialty groceries, Mesopotamia Food Bazaar and Best-One are great options. I often bounce between these shops, and I always manage to find what I need.
Fun Student Activities
For more fun activities, society events are a great place to start. Keep an eye on your favourite societies, as they often host exciting events throughout the day and night. These range from casual social gatherings (great for meeting new people and staying connected with your friends) to activity nights like dumpling-making or karaoke. If you enjoy nightlife, many societies also offer discounted entry to clubs, pubs, and after-party events.
Another great way to have fun is by watching live sports with friends to support local or University teams. I am not a huge sports fan myself, but I decided to watch an Exeter Chiefs rugby home game at Sandy Park, and honestly, it was an incredible experience! Even though rugby is not a mainstream sport in my home country, the atmosphere was thrilling, and it turned out to be a fantastic way to spend time with friends. I bought a standing ticket for £10, and the train from Exeter Central to Digby & Sowton (the stadium’s closest station) costs £2.85 for open return, quite affordable for an occasional night out.
If you are looking for something different and more casual, bowling and arcade nights at Tenpin Exeter (Quay) are also fun alternatives. They frequently offer student discounts, bundle deals for groups, or promotions for two people, making it an inexpensive way to enjoy a night out with friends.
Being a student doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot to have a great time. Hopefully, by sharing my experience, you will find ways to make your university life more meaningful. Whether you enjoy exploring alone or making memories with friends, embrace every moment. And if you ever feel far from home, remember, you have the power to create a home wherever you are.