Student Houses in St Leonards, Exeter (2026/27)

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 is dominated by large Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many of which have been converted into well-proportioned student houses. Expect high ceilings, bay windows, and larger-than-average bedrooms by Exeter standards. Some properties retain period features. Conversion quality varies, so viewing is important — the best houses here are genuinely impressive, but some conversions are tired. 3-5 bed configurations are most common; 6-bed is rarer than in Pennsylvania or Heavitree.

Commute to Streatham and St Luke's

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.

Budget and Bills in St Leonards

St Leonards sits in the mid-range for Exeter student accommodation. Expect £100-130 per person per week for well-maintained Victorian houses. Larger houses at the upper end of the size range can offer better value per bedroom. All-inclusive deals are available and worth considering given the older housing stock — Victorian properties can carry higher heating bills in winter.

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.

Viewing Checklist for St Leonards

When viewing student properties in St Leonards, check these area-specific points:

• ☐ Walk your actual commute to your primary campus and time it honestly
• ☐ Check bus stop locations and service frequency to Streatham or St Luke's
• ☐ Inspect heating systems carefully — older Victorian properties vary widely in efficiency
• ☐ Check double glazing and insulation — bay windows can be draughty in winter
• ☐ Explore Magdalen Road on foot to assess day-to-day shopping options
• ☐ Ask about parking availability on your specific street
• ☐ Check room sizes — Victorian terraces vary significantly between properties
• ☐ Confirm broadband provider and expected speeds

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