Private Accommodation
Whether you are starting your university journey or looking for accommodation after your first year, these pages will give you useful information on private accommodation options in Exeter.
Some students choose not to live in University accommodation in their first year, including those who come to Exeter through clearing or who start their accommodation search after the University accommodation guarantee deadline has passed.
There are lots of options in and around Exeter, for students looking for accommodation as a group, an individual or for those with families. We also have helpful information for students and staff looking to relocate to the area.
Our student accommodation is not suitable for us to be able to house students with children which means that any student bringing partners and dependants will need to seek private accommodation.
Currently, the demand for accommodation suitable for families in the South West of England exceeds the supply available and securing accommodation will be difficult, take time to find and be expensive.
Therefore, we would recommend that you do not bring dependants with you to Exeter unless you have secured accommodation.
Please be aware that if you accept a single room in university accommodation or in the private sector, even if you would like to move out to find suitable family accommodation, you will remain responsible for full payment for the accommodation until the end of contract. The Guild Advice team can check your private accommodation contract before you sign it.
If you’re looking to rent private accommodation whilst at University, you’ll likely be asked to provide a guarantor by the letting agents or landlord. A guarantor is a person who agrees to pay your rent or damages if you cannot make payment.
For many UK based students their parents may act as guarantors, but this might not be possible if you’re an international student, or are estranged or have experience of being in care. To support those students, the University has partnered with a rent guarantor provider called Housing Hand. They can act as a UK guarantor for a special discounted fee for any student who needs it - this fee is calculated according to your rent amount. To find out more about the service and to apply for the discounted rate, visit the University link on the Housing Hand website.
We also have funding for 30 students who meet our definition of care experienced or estranged, to cover your guarantor fees via Housing Hand. If this applies to you, please contact the Exeter Cares Team at Exeter-cares@exeter.ac.uk who will send you a separate link.
Useful Contacts
The following contacts can provide advice on finding housing, issues with landlords or housemates, and support once you are living in Exeter.
Please note that due to limited capacity in University accommodation, you'll need to move out after your first year, unless you have circumstances such as medical needs.
