8 bed house - 28 Springfield Road Exeter
EPC E · 11min Streatham · 18min St Luke's
£220 pppw all-inclusive
Or £200 rent-only
Student Accommodation in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is the most sought-after student area in Exeter, sitting directly adjacent to the University of Exeter's Streatham Campus. For students who want to roll out of bed and into lectures within minutes, Pennsylvania offers an unbeatable location. The area stretches from Pennsylvania Road itself through to Rosebarn Lane and Queen's Crescent, with most properties offering walkable access to the Forum, library, and main teaching buildings.
Want to see everything available? Browse all Exeter student houses.
Living in Pennsylvania as a Student
The vibe here is distinctly student-focused. You'll find yourself surrounded by fellow students, which creates a sociable atmosphere but also means the area is quieter during holidays and exam periods. Pennsylvania suits undergraduates in their second and third years who prioritise proximity to lectures and campus facilities. It's particularly popular with students studying subjects based at Streatham (humanities, sciences, business, engineering) who want minimal commute time. Finalists appreciate being close to the library for dissertation work, while sports students value the quick walk to the Sports Park.
Properties in Pennsylvania are predominantly Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, many converted into 4-6 bedroom HMOs. You'll find a mix of traditional layouts with separate reception rooms and modernised open-plan conversions. Some newer purpose-built developments exist, particularly around the edges of the area. Quality varies significantly between landlords, so always view properties in person.
Commute to Streatham and St Luke's
Streatham Campus
Walking to Streatham Campus typically takes 11-20 minutes walk depending on your exact location. The walk is mostly flat or gently uphill, well-lit, and along residential streets. Properties on Pennsylvania Road itself are the closest to the Forum, while those near Queen's Crescent are slightly further. The walk is mostly flat or gently uphill, well-lit, and along residential streets.
St Luke's Campus
Walking to St Luke's Campus typically takes 11-26 minutes walk depending on your exact location. The walk is mostly flat or gently uphill, well-lit, and along residential streets. Most students take the bus (routes D and H run frequently) rather than walking. This makes Pennsylvania less ideal for medical or nursing students who need daily access to St Luke's.
Shops, Food & Essentials
Pennsylvania has limited amenities within walking distance - the area is primarily residential. The nearest supermarket is the nearby Co-op on New North Road or the larger Waitrose in the city centre. For late-night food, you'll need to head towards Sidwell Street or the city centre. Campus facilities including the Ram Bar, Forum café, and library coffee shops are your closest options during term time. The local Tesco Express at the top of Sidwell Street is useful for basics.
Popular Roads in Pennsylvania
These are the most sought-after student streets in Pennsylvania. Each road has its own character and advantages:
Pennsylvania Road
Closest to Forum entrance
The main artery through the area, Pennsylvania Road offers the closest student housing to the Forum and main campus entrance. Properties here are a mix of Victorian terraces and some newer builds.
Rosebarn Lane
Quiet yet close
A quieter residential street running parallel to the main road. Rosebarn Lane properties offer excellent campus proximity without the through-traffic noise. Popular with final years.
Queen's Crescent
Spacious Victorian houses
Curved Victorian street with characterful period properties. Slightly further from the Forum but offers larger houses and often better value. Good for groups of 5-6.
Higher Summerlands
Elevated views
Elevated position with some of the best views in the area. Houses here are typically 4-5 beds with good natural light. The uphill walk builds fitness.
Rosebarn Avenue
Cycle path access
Connects Rosebarn Lane to Pennsylvania Road with easy access to the cycle path into town. A sweet spot combining convenience with a quieter residential feel.
New North Road
Best bus connections
The boundary between Pennsylvania and St Davids. Properties here have excellent bus links (D and H routes) and access to the Co-op. Slightly more urban feel.
Looking for a specific street? Browse the full road directory for all Exeter student roads.
Budget and Bills in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania commands a premium due to its location - expect to pay £120-160 per person per week for a 4-6 bed house. All-inclusive options (covering gas, electricity, water, broadband, and TV licence) are popular here because they simplify budgeting. When comparing properties, always check whether the quoted rent includes bills or not. Most Gillams properties offer both options so your group can choose what works best.
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.
Best for Streatham Walkability + Rosebarn Corridor
The Rosebarn corridor (Rosebarn Lane, Rosebarn Avenue, and connecting streets) represents the sweet spot of Pennsylvania living. These streets offer the closest properties to campus entrances while remaining in a quieter pocket away from the main road. Properties here fill first each year, so if this is your priority, start viewing early in the autumn term for the following academic year. The other advantage of Rosebarn is easy access to the cycle path that runs towards the city centre.
Viewing Checklist for Pennsylvania
When viewing student properties in Pennsylvania, check these area-specific points:
- Check walking time to your specific department building, not just "campus"
- Ask about parking permits - most streets require them and availability is limited
- Test mobile signal strength - some older buildings have poor reception
- Check which way bedrooms face - north-facing rooms stay cooler but darker
- Ask neighbours about noise from student parties nearby
- Inspect for damp in basement or ground floor rooms
- Confirm bin collection day and storage arrangements
- Check broadband speed if you game or stream regularly
Common Pitfalls in Pennsylvania
Avoid these common mistakes when choosing Pennsylvania student accommodation:
- Assuming all Pennsylvania properties are equal quality - variation is huge between landlords
- Not viewing before signing - photos can be misleading in older houses
- Ignoring bills costs when comparing rent - all-inclusive simplifies this
- Underestimating noise from busy student streets during term time
- Forgetting that Pennsylvania is quiet during holidays if you stay over summer
- Not checking parking before signing if anyone in your group has a car
FAQs About Pennsylvania Student Accommodation
Is Pennsylvania the best area for Streatham Campus students?
For pure walking distance, yes - Pennsylvania offers the closest student housing to Streatham Campus with most properties within easy walking distance of lectures. However, "best" depends on your priorities: students who value nightlife might prefer city centre, while those seeking value might look at Heavitree.
How much is student accommodation in Pennsylvania Exeter?
Pennsylvania is one of the more expensive student areas in Exeter due to its campus proximity. Expect £120-160 per person per week for a 4-6 bed house. All-inclusive options (with bills included) are available and popular for simpler budgeting.
Are there student houses with parking in Pennsylvania?
Some Pennsylvania properties have driveways or allocated parking, but most streets require parking permits which are limited. Check parking arrangements before signing if this matters to your group.
What size houses are common in Pennsylvania?
Most Pennsylvania properties are 4-6 bedroom Victorian or Edwardian terraced houses. Larger 7-8 bed properties exist but are less common. 2-3 bed flats are rare in this area.
How early should we book student houses in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania properties go quickly due to high demand. Most are listed from October/November for the following September start. The best properties often go within the first few weeks of listings opening.
Is Pennsylvania near student nightlife in Exeter?
Pennsylvania is primarily residential and quiet. For nightlife, you'll need to head to the city centre. The Ram Bar and Guild are on campus for closer options during term time.