7 bed house - 20 Homefield Road Exeter
EPC C · 30min Streatham · 9min St Luke's
£179 pppw all-inclusive
Or £158 rent-only
Under OfferAll-inclusive option
Student Accommodation in Heavitree
Heavitree is a friendly neighbourhood east of Exeter city centre, offering larger properties at more affordable prices than areas closer to Streatham Campus. The area has good local amenities along Fore Street Heavitree and Magdalen Road, making it a self-contained community. For students at St Luke's Campus, Heavitree provides an excellent balance of price and proximity.
Living in Heavitree as a Student
Heavitree has a genuine community feel with local shops, cafés, and pubs creating a village-within-the-city atmosphere. It's quieter than Pennsylvania or the city centre, with a mix of students, families, and professionals. This suits students who want value for money, larger living spaces, and don't mind relying on buses or bikes for the Streatham commute. Medical and health students particularly benefit from the reasonable walk to St Luke's. Postgraduates and mature students often appreciate the calmer environment.
Heavitree offers some of the largest student houses in Exeter - 6-8 bedroom properties are common, often at lower per-person costs than smaller houses elsewhere. Victorian terraces dominate, with many retaining period features. You'll find proper gardens and more outdoor space than in more central areas. Some purpose-built flats exist near main roads.
Commute to Streatham and St Luke's
Streatham Campus
Streatham Campus is 30 minutes walk from Heavitree. Most students take the bus (routes D and H run frequently) which takes 15-20 minutes. The D bus runs frequently and is the preferred option for most. Cycling is also popular. If you're at Streatham, be honest about whether you'll actually make the commute - Heavitree works best when you're committed to busing or cycling.
St Luke's Campus
Walking to St Luke's Campus typically takes 9 minutes walk depending on your exact location. The walk is mostly flat or gently uphill, well-lit, and along residential streets. This is Heavitree's main advantage for medical and health students - affordable housing within genuine walking distance of lectures and placements.
Shops, Food & Essentials
Heavitree has excellent local amenities. Fore Street Heavitree has supermarkets, takeaways, pharmacies, and services. Nearby Magdalen Road has a popular collection of independent cafés, delis, and shops - it's one of Exeter's best foodie streets. The area has several pubs and the community maintains a genuine neighbourhood feel. Bus routes D and H provide frequent services to the city centre and both campuses.
Popular Roads in Heavitree
These are the most sought-after student streets in Heavitree. Each road guide includes current availability, pricing, and local amenities:
Looking for a specific street? Browse the full road directory for all Exeter student roads.
Budget and Bills in Heavitree
Heavitree is one of Exeter's best value student areas. Expect £85-120 per person per week for larger 5-7 bed houses - often £20-30 less per person than Pennsylvania. The savings across a full year can be significant. All-inclusive options simplify budgeting and are particularly valuable in larger houses where utility costs can be harder to manage.
Tip: All Gillams properties show all-inclusive pricing first (covering gas, electricity, water, broadband, and TV licence), then rent-only as an alternative. This helps your group compare like-for-like.
Value + Bus Route Logic + Larger Houses
Heavitree's value proposition is clear: larger houses, lower prices, good amenities, but you'll need to commit to public transport or cycling for Streatham. The D bus route runs every 10-15 minutes during term time, making the commute predictable if not quick. For groups of 6-8, the per-person savings compared to Pennsylvania can total £1,000-2,000 across the year - enough for holidays or saving. If you study at St Luke's, you get both the savings and a walkable commute. The Magdalen Road food scene is a genuine lifestyle bonus few students realise until they're living here.
Viewing Checklist for Heavitree
When viewing student properties in Heavitree, check these area-specific points:
- Travel the bus route to Streatham and time it during term - is it realistic for your schedule?
- Check cycle storage if you plan to bike to campus
- Walk to St Luke's if that's your campus - confirm the route is manageable
- Explore Magdalen Road and Fore Street for local shops
- Ask about heating costs - larger houses can be expensive to heat
- Check bedroom sizes - some larger houses have small individual rooms
- Look at garden condition and maintenance responsibilities
- Confirm bin collection and recycling arrangements
Common Pitfalls in Heavitree
Avoid these common mistakes when choosing Heavitree student accommodation:
- Assuming you'll walk to Streatham then giving up after a week - be honest about the distance
- Not checking the bus timetable matches your lecture schedule
- Underestimating heating costs in larger Victorian houses
- Choosing an 8-bed house then struggling to fill it with compatible housemates
- Not exploring the local area - Heavitree has great independent shops most students miss
FAQs About Heavitree Student Accommodation
Is Heavitree good value for students in Exeter?
Yes, Heavitree offers some of the best value student accommodation in Exeter. Expect to pay £85-120 per person per week for larger houses - often £20-30 less than Pennsylvania. The trade-off is a longer Streatham commute.
How far is Heavitree from Exeter University?
Streatham Campus is a longer walk, so most students take the bus or cycle. St Luke's Campus is much closer and walkable, making Heavitree particularly good for medical and health students.
Are there large student houses in Heavitree?
Yes, Heavitree has some of the largest student properties in Exeter - 6-8 bedroom houses are common. These are often Victorian properties with generous room sizes and gardens.
What amenities are in Heavitree?
Heavitree has excellent local shops on Fore Street, plus the popular Magdalen Road food scene with independent cafés and delis. Supermarkets, takeaways, pharmacies, and pubs are all within walking distance.
Is Heavitree good for St Luke's students?
Yes, Heavitree is excellent for St Luke's Campus students with walkable access to campus. Combined with lower rents than more central areas, it offers great value for medical and health students.
How do Heavitree students get to Streatham Campus?
Most take the D bus (runs frequently) or cycle. Walking to Streatham is a longer journey so most students choose transport.