Road-by-Road Guide 2026/27

Popular Student Streets Exeter 2026/27

Last updated: 11 Jan 2026

A curated shortlist of Exeter's best student streets with detailed profiles. Compare lanes, avenues, crescents and streets for your group.

Browse All Exeter Student Houses View Roads
Gillams Student Lettings Team, Exeter

Curated student streets shortlist

A curated selection of Exeter's most popular student streets, lanes, crescents and avenues with detailed profiles.

Streets vs roads vs avenues in Exeter (what it usually means)

Roads tend to be larger thoroughfares with more traffic but often better bus links. Streets are typically quieter residential areas with terraced houses. Avenues and crescents often feature larger properties, sometimes with gardens and driveways. Lanes and mews are usually the quietest, with smaller, more characterful properties.

Parking can vary significantly - permit zones are common in popular student areas. Always check with the landlord about parking arrangements for specific properties.

Street profiles: what students say

Each street in Exeter has its own character shaped by architecture, location, and the students who live there. Our profiles draw on first-hand feedback from tenants, local knowledge from our team, and real letting data to give you an honest picture of what to expect.

Pennsylvania area streets are the gold standard for Streatham proximity. Expect Victorian terraces with period features, a strong student community, and lively atmosphere during term time. Rents reflect the premium location but you save on transport costs and commute time.

St Davids streets offer a balance of location and character. The area mixes students with young professionals, giving a more settled feel. Walk times to Streatham are slightly longer (15-20 mins) but you're closer to city centre amenities and nightlife.

Heavitree and Mount Pleasant streets suit students prioritising value or proximity to St Luke's Campus. These quieter residential areas offer larger rooms, better parking, and a more relaxed vibe - popular with final-years and postgraduates.

Browse the street cards above to see availability, pricing, and walk times for each location in our curated shortlist.

How we define "popular" (Gillams methodology)

Our approach

  • Availability + demand: Roads with more current listings and historically high search interest rank higher.
  • Walk times: We calculate walking times to both Streatham and St Luke's campuses based on actual property locations.
  • Price bands: All-inclusive prices (rent + bills) give you a realistic budget comparison.
  • Student suitability: We factor in amenities, parking, vibe, and typical house sizes for each road.

This guide uses first-party data from Gillams inventory. Rankings update automatically as availability changes.

What to check before you choose a road

Bills included vs rent-only

All Gillams student properties offer a bills-included option (gas, electricity, water, broadband, TV licence). Both rent-only and all-inclusive pricing are available, making budgeting flexible. See bills-included properties.

Parking and permits

Many popular student roads in Exeter operate residents' parking schemes. Check with us about parking availability for specific properties before signing.

HMO licensing

Properties rented by 5+ unrelated people require HMO licensing. All Gillams properties meet legal requirements including fire safety, room sizes, and amenities.

FAQs about popular student streets exeter 2026/27

What is the difference between roads and streets in Exeter?

Roads tend to be larger thoroughfares with more traffic but often better bus links. Streets are typically quieter residential areas with terraced houses. Avenues and crescents often feature larger properties with gardens.

Which student streets are quietest?

Streets in residential areas like Pennsylvania and Mount Pleasant Road tend to be quieter. Central streets near King Street can be livelier, especially during term time.

Do all student streets have bills included?

All Gillams student properties offer a bills-included option. Both rent-only and all-inclusive pricing are available. Other landlords may charge bills separately, so always check the full cost before signing.

Are there student streets near St Luke's Campus?

Yes, streets in Heavitree (Bull Meadow Road, Regent Square) and the St Luke's area are ideal for Medical and Sport Science students. These are typically 5-10 mins walk to St Luke's Campus.

What are the most affordable student streets?

Streets in Heavitree and St James areas typically offer better value than premium Pennsylvania locations. Expect £85-120 per person per week (all-inclusive) compared to £100-150 pppw in Pennsylvania.

Which streets have the best local amenities?

Streets near Heavitree Road benefit from independent cafes, shops and restaurants. King Street and High Street are close to city centre amenities. Pennsylvania area roads are near Streatham Campus facilities.

Are there family-friendly streets popular with students?

Streets in Mount Pleasant and parts of St Thomas offer a mixed residential feel with families and students. These suit students who prefer quieter, more community-focused living.

How do I choose between a street and a road?

Streets typically offer quieter living with smaller properties (2-5 beds). Roads often have larger houses (5-10 beds) and more passing traffic. Choose based on group size and noise preference.

Can I filter streets by availability?

Yes! Use the "Show only streets with availability" toggle above to see which streets have properties ready to let right now. This updates in real-time as listings change.

What makes a street popular with students?

Popular streets combine reasonable rents, good campus proximity, local amenities, and a safe residential character. Our shortlist ranks streets that score highly across all these factors.

Your Protection & Our Credentials

Deposit Protection

All deposits protected with government-approved schemes (MyDeposits/DPS). Your money is legally safeguarded.

Property Redress Scheme

PRS member providing independent complaints handling.

HMO Licensed

All HMOs fully licensed through Exeter City Council.

Safety Certified

Gas safety certificates, electrical inspections (EICR), and valid EPC ratings.