4 bed house - 19 King Edward Street Exeter
EPC C · 12min Streatham · 38min St Luke's
£171 pppw all-inclusive
Or £145 rent-only
Under OfferAll-inclusive option
Student Accommodation in St Davids
St Davids sits between Pennsylvania and Exeter city centre, offering excellent transport links and a balance between campus access and city convenience. The area takes its name from Exeter St Davids railway station, making it ideal for students who travel home regularly or explore the Southwest. Properties here range from grand Victorian houses to more modern conversions, offering walkable access to Streatham Campus.
Living in St Davids as a Student
St Davids has a more mixed residential feel compared to purely student areas like Pennsylvania. You'll have student neighbours but also families and young professionals, creating a slightly quieter atmosphere. This suits students who want a balance - close enough to campus to walk, but with easier access to the city centre and transport links. Final year students often appreciate the calmer environment for focused study while remaining social. The area particularly suits groups who want good transport links for weekend trips.
The housing stock in St Davids is varied. You'll find impressive Victorian villas (often converted into 5-7 bed HMOs), Edwardian terraces, and some more modern properties. Quality tends to be good overall as many properties were originally larger family homes. Ceiling heights are often generous, and some retain period features like fireplaces and cornicing.
Commute to Streatham and St Luke's
Streatham Campus
Walking to Streatham Campus typically takes 12 minutes walk depending on your exact location. The walk is mostly flat or gently uphill, well-lit, and along residential streets. Properties near Old Tiverton Road are closest, while those near the station are slightly further. The walk is a steady uphill gradient which builds character in winter but is manageable for most.
St Luke's Campus
St Luke's Campus is 38 minutes walk from St Davids. Most students take the bus (routes D and H run frequently) which takes 15-20 minutes. Some students cycle for a quicker commute. St Davids is reasonably balanced between the two campuses, making it a good compromise for groups with members studying at different sites.
Shops, Food & Essentials
St Davids benefits from proximity to both campus and city amenities. The Co-op on Cowley Bridge Road covers basics, while the larger Sainsbury's in the city centre is a short walk away. St Davids station provides excellent rail links to London, Bristol, Plymouth, and Cornwall. Several cafés and takeaways line Cowley Bridge Road. The area has good bus services into both campuses and the city centre.
Popular Roads in St Davids
These are the most sought-after student streets in St Davids. Each road has its own character and advantages:
Old Tiverton Road
Best of both worlds
Long residential road connecting St Davids to Pennsylvania. Properties at the upper end are closest to campus, while those near the station have better transport links.
Danes Road
Postgrad favourite
Quiet residential street with spacious Victorian houses. Popular with postgrads and mature students who value a calmer environment.
Howell Road
Period character
Mix of Victorian terraces and larger Edwardian properties. Good for groups of 5-6 wanting period character without Pennsylvania prices.
St David's Hill
Best nightlife access
Steep hill connecting the station to the city centre. Properties here have excellent bus connections and are within easy walking distance of nightlife.
Cowley Bridge Road
Larger gardens
Runs along the edge of St Davids towards the countryside. Properties are typically larger with gardens, but the walk to campus is longer.
Looking for a specific street? Browse the full road directory for all Exeter student roads.
Budget and Bills in St Davids
St Davids offers good value for the location and quality of housing available. Expect to pay £100-140 per person per week for a 4-6 bed house. The slightly lower prices compared to Pennsylvania reflect the longer walk to campus, but you get better transport links and often more spacious properties in return.
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.
Transport Hub Living: Trains, Buses, City Access
If you value the ability to travel, St Davids is hard to beat. Exeter St Davids station connects you to London Paddington (2.5 hours), Bristol (1 hour), and the entire Southwest network. Weekend trips to Cornwall, Devon beaches, or visiting friends at other universities become easy. The station is nearby for most St Davids properties. Bus routes converge on the nearby St David's Hill, giving frequent services to both campuses. For students without cars, this transport accessibility is a major lifestyle benefit.
Viewing Checklist for St Davids
When viewing student properties in St Davids, check these area-specific points:
- Test the hill walk to campus - it's manageable but worth experiencing
- Check proximity to St Davids station if train travel matters to you
- Ask about noise from the railway - properties close to tracks may hear occasional trains
- Inspect heating systems - larger Victorian houses can be expensive to heat
- Check mobile signal - some valley locations have weaker coverage
- Confirm bus routes and stops near the property
- Ask about garden access and maintenance responsibilities
- Check if the property has double glazing throughout
Common Pitfalls in St Davids
Avoid these common mistakes when choosing St Davids student accommodation:
- Underestimating the uphill walk to campus, especially in rain or with heavy bags
- Not checking train noise levels if the property backs onto the railway
- Assuming all St Davids properties are equidistant from the station - locations vary significantly
- Forgetting to budget for heating in larger Victorian houses
- Not confirming bus routes if you plan to rely on public transport
FAQs About St Davids Student Accommodation
Is St Davids a good area for students in Exeter?
Yes, St Davids is an excellent student area offering a balance of campus proximity and city access. The railway station makes it particularly good for students who travel home regularly.
How far is St Davids from Exeter University?
St Davids offers walkable access to Streatham Campus, with distances varying by property location. St Luke's Campus is a longer walk or quick bus ride away.
What are rent prices in St Davids Exeter?
Expect £100-140 per person per week for a 4-6 bed house in St Davids. This is slightly less than Pennsylvania but reflects the longer walk while offering excellent transport links and often more spacious properties.
Are there bills included student houses in St Davids?
Yes, many St Davids properties offer all-inclusive rent covering gas, electricity, water, broadband, and TV licence. This simplifies budgeting for student groups.
Is St Davids near the train station?
Yes, Exeter St Davids railway station is nearby for most properties in this area. This makes it ideal for students who travel home regularly or want to explore the Southwest.
What size student houses are in St Davids?
St Davids has a good range of sizes from 3-7 bedroom properties. Many are converted Victorian villas offering spacious rooms and period features.