4 bed flat - Flat 2 49A, North Street, City Centre, Exeter
EPC C · 22min Streatham · 27min St Luke's
£191 pppw all-inclusive
Or £165 rent-only
Under OfferAll-inclusive option
Student Accommodation in City Centre
Living in Exeter city centre puts you at the heart of everything - shops, restaurants, nightlife, and services are on your doorstep. For students who prioritise lifestyle and convenience over campus proximity, the city centre offers a different student experience. Properties here range from flats above shops to converted townhouses in quieter pockets.
Living in City Centre as a Student
City centre living is lively and convenient. You'll never be far from a café, supermarket, or late-night takeaway. This suits students who enjoy an urban lifestyle and don't mind a longer commute to campus. It's popular with final year students who want to make the most of their last year socially, and with postgraduates who appreciate independence. The trade-off is noise - you'll hear traffic, nightlife, and general urban sounds. If you're a light sleeper, consider other areas.
City centre accommodation tends to be flats and apartments rather than traditional houses. You'll find converted Georgian and Victorian buildings, modern purpose-built blocks, and flats above commercial premises. Shared houses exist but are less common. Expect smaller spaces overall but often modern finishes and appliances.
Commute to Streatham and St Luke's
Streatham Campus
Walking to Streatham Campus takes 16-22 minutes walk depending on your exact location and which building you need. The route goes uphill, which adds effort especially in bad weather. Many students take the bus (multiple routes run frequently) or cycle. If you choose city centre, factor in the commute honestly.
St Luke's Campus
Walking to St Luke's Campus takes 25-27 minutes walk depending on your exact location and which building you need. This makes city centre living more practical for medical and health students who might otherwise struggle with the Streatham commute.
Shops, Food & Essentials
This is the city centre's main advantage - everything is on your doorstep. Supermarkets (M&S, Sainsbury's, Tesco Metro) are within minutes. Restaurants, cafés, and takeaways cover every cuisine. The Guildhall Shopping Centre, independent shops, and services are all nearby. For nightlife, you're already there - Exeter's clubs and bars are literally outside your door. The main bus and coach stations are central, as is Exeter Central railway station.
Popular Roads in City Centre
City Centre features several popular student streets within easy walking distance of campus. Browse our full property listings to see available student houses, or explore other Exeter areas to compare options.
Budget and Bills in City Centre
City centre rents vary widely depending on property type and quality. Expect £100-150 per person per week for shared flats. Studios and one-beds command premiums. All-inclusive options are particularly valuable here as many city centre properties have electric heating which can be expensive to run.
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.
Lifestyle vs Noise + Parking Realities
City centre living is a lifestyle choice with clear trade-offs. On the plus side: shops, food, nightlife, and transport are literally on your doorstep. You can walk home from any night out safely and quickly. The downsides: noise is constant (traffic, deliveries, weekend nightlife), parking is expensive or impossible, and you'll likely have less space than in suburban areas. Properties near clubs will be noisier Thursday-Saturday nights. If your group has cars, parking costs and logistics become a significant factor - monthly permits are expensive and street parking is severely limited.
Viewing Checklist for City Centre
When viewing student properties in City Centre, check these area-specific points:
- Visit at night (Thursday-Saturday) to experience actual noise levels
- Check what's directly below and beside the property (bars, clubs, takeaways)
- Ask about parking costs if anyone in your group drives
- Confirm refuse collection arrangements - city centre bins fill quickly
- Check natural light - some flats above shops can be dark
- Test the buzzer/entry system security
- Ask about deliveries access if you shop online
- Check window quality for noise insulation
Common Pitfalls in City Centre
Avoid these common mistakes when choosing City Centre student accommodation:
- Underestimating noise from nightlife, especially Thursday-Saturday nights
- Assuming parking will be available - it's expensive and limited
- Not viewing at night to experience actual noise levels
- Forgetting the uphill walk to Streatham when it's raining
- Overlooking delivery and bin collection logistics in pedestrianised areas
FAQs About City Centre Student Accommodation
Is Exeter city centre a good place for students to live?
City centre suits students who prioritise lifestyle and convenience over campus proximity. You get shops, nightlife, and amenities on your doorstep, but face noise and a longer commute to Streatham Campus.
How far is Exeter city centre from the university?
Streatham Campus is a moderate walk (uphill) from the city centre - distances vary by property. St Luke's Campus is closer. Many students bus or cycle to Streatham.
Are there student flats in Exeter city centre?
Yes, city centre accommodation tends to be flats and apartments rather than houses. You'll find converted buildings, modern blocks, and flats above shops.
Is parking available for city centre students?
Parking in Exeter city centre is expensive and limited. Monthly permits cost significantly more than suburban areas. If your group has cars, factor parking into your accommodation search.
How noisy is Exeter city centre at night?
City centre properties can be noisy, especially Thursday-Saturday nights near bars and clubs. View properties at night to experience actual noise levels before signing.
What rent prices are common in Exeter city centre?
Expect £100-150 per person per week for shared city centre flats. Studios and one-beds are more expensive. All-inclusive options help manage potentially high electric heating costs.