6 bed house - 26 Raleigh Road Exeter
EPC C · 26min Streatham · 4min St Luke's
£208 pppw all-inclusive
Or £185 rent-only
AvailableAll-inclusive option
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Student Accommodation in St Leonards
St Leonards is a characterful residential area south of Exeter city centre, known for its large Victorian terraced houses and quiet, tree-lined streets. It sits between the city centre and the Wonford area, attracting University of Exeter students who want spacious properties with period character with prices that vary by property and academic cycle. It is a genuinely pleasant place to live — calmer than Pennsylvania or St James, with easy walking access to city centre amenities.
Living in St Leonards as a Student
St Leonards has a mixed residential feel: a blend of students, young professionals, and families. The streets are quieter than St Davids or St James, which suits students who want to live near the city without the noise and foot traffic of the most student-heavy areas. It works well for final-year students, postgraduates, and groups of 3-5 who prioritise house quality and character over campus proximity. Students studying at St Luke's benefit most — it is the closer campus. Streatham students should honestly assess their commute tolerance before choosing St Leonards.
The area contains Victorian and Edwardian terraces, including properties converted for shared student use. Some retain period features such as high ceilings or bay windows. Conversion quality and room sizes vary, so check the individual listing and view before deciding.
Commute to Streatham and St Luke's
Streatham Campus
Streatham Campus is 26-29 minutes walk from St Leonards. Most students take the bus (routes D and H run frequently) which takes 15-20 minutes. Allow 25-35 minutes by bus or 20-28 minutes by bike. This is St Leonards' main practical limitation for Streatham students, and it is worth testing your exact route before committing.
St Luke's Campus
Walking to St Luke's Campus typically takes 4-12 minutes walk depending on your exact location. The walk is mostly flat or gently uphill, well-lit, and along residential streets. This makes St Leonards notably more practical for medical, health, and education students than for those studying at Streatham.
Shops, Food & Essentials
St Leonards is well-served for day-to-day living. Magdalen Road has a cluster of independent cafés, a deli, a bakery, and local shops — one of the better neighbourhood high streets in Exeter for students who appreciate local character over supermarket convenience. The city centre is a 15-20 minute walk, giving access to all major supermarkets, the university sports hall, and nightlife. Princesshay shopping and the indoor market are easily walkable.
Popular Roads in St Leonards
These are student streets in St Leonards with current Gillams listing context. Each road has its own character and practical considerations:
Looking for a specific street? Browse the full road directory for all Exeter student roads.
Budget and Bills in St Leonards
Recorded St Leonards prices vary by property, bedroom count and academic cycle. Use the current Rent Intelligence table and individual listing to compare price and inclusions. Check the EPC and heating details rather than assuming costs from the age of a property.
Tip: Rent is exclusive. Where a property offers an optional bills package, the listing shows its recorded price and inclusions separately.
Character Housing + Magdalen Road Village Feel + City Walkability
St Leonards offers something distinct in the Exeter student market: genuinely characterful Victorian houses on quiet streets, combined with walkable access to the city centre and a neighbourhood high street (Magdalen Road) that feels more like a village than a student quarter. For groups who cook at home, value aesthetics, and want to feel embedded in real Exeter rather than a student bubble, this area delivers. The trade-off is the longer Streatham commute — students who are honest about needing to be near campus daily should weigh this carefully against the lifestyle advantages.
Common Pitfalls in St Leonards
Avoid these common mistakes when choosing St Leonards student accommodation:
- Underestimating the Streatham commute — test it at lecture-start time, not midday
- Choosing on aesthetics without inspecting heating and insulation properly
- Assuming Magdalen Road covers all grocery needs — you'll still need city centre runs
- Not checking which bus stops are nearest to your specific address
- Overlooking the hills — some St Leonards streets involve a climb home after a long day
FAQs About St Leonards Student Accommodation
Is St Leonards good for University of Exeter students?
St Leonards suits students who prioritise house quality, character, and city-centre walkability over campus proximity. It is particularly good for St Luke's students and final-year or postgraduate students who have fewer contact hours requiring the Streatham commute.
How far is St Leonards from Exeter University campus?
Streatham Campus is too far to walk regularly from St Leonards — allow 26-29 minutes walks by bus or around 25 minutes by bike. St Luke's Campus is much more manageable at roughly 4-12 minutes walk on foot depending on your exact road.
What are rent prices in St Leonards Exeter?
Use the current Rent Intelligence table and individual listings. Recorded prices vary by property, bedroom count and inclusions; no fixed ranking against another area is assumed.
What type of student houses are in St Leonards?
St Leonards includes Victorian and Edwardian terraces, some with period features. Property configuration, room size and conversion quality vary, so check the listing and view before deciding.
Is St Leonards quiet for students?
Yes, St Leonards is one of the quieter student areas in Exeter. The streets are predominantly residential with a mix of students, professionals, and families. It does not have the party-area reputation of some Pennsylvania streets or St James near the city centre.
What is Magdalen Road like for students?
Magdalen Road is St Leonards' local high street — a well-regarded strip of independent cafés, a bakery, a deli, and small shops. It has a neighbourhood feel that students who enjoy cooking and local life appreciate. For a full supermarket shop, the city centre is still the most practical option.