University of Exeter

Location: Exeter

18 Gibraltar Students each year

No direct flight from Gibraltar

The University of Exeter is a highly regarded UK institution, known for its academic excellence, and strong student satisfaction. It operates across four campuses: Streatham and St Luke’s in the city of Exeter, and Penryn and Truro in Cornwall (located further southwest, outside of Exeter).

Exeter offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with strengths in environmental science, business, humanities, and sport science. The university is also a powerhouse in university sports, consistently ranking in the top 10 of the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) league.

Teaching at Exeter combines lectures, seminars, and practical work, supported by modern facilities and expert staff. The academic environment is competitive, demanding a strong commitment from students. In return, students benefit from a vibrant campus life, extensive support services, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Uni Website

Transport

Closest Airport with direct flights from Gibraltar

Bristol Airport (BRS)
The closest airport with direct flights to Gibraltar is Bristol Airport, about 100km northeast of Exeter. Travel options include:
- Train: Journeys from Exeter to Bristol Airport typically take between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 10 minutes, with ticket prices starting from £3.90.
- Bus: National Express and Megabus offer services taking around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, with fares starting from £13.
From Bristol Airport, easyJet operates 2 to 3 direct flights to Gibraltar a week, with flight durations around 2 hours 45 minutes.

Return ticket prices generally range from £70 to £85, depending on booking time and season.
Nearest Airport

Exeter Airport (EXT)
Exeter Airport is conveniently located just 10 km from the city centre, making it easy to access for students.
Travel options include:
- Bus: Stagecoach operates the 56 bus between Exeter and the airport, running up to every 30 minutes. The journey takes around 25 minutes and costs about £4.
- Taxi: A taxi ride takes around 15 minutes, with fares typically ranging from £15 to £20.
Exeter Airport offers seasonal flights to Malaga, mainly through Ryanair and TUI Airways. These flights operate several times a week, especially during spring and summer.

Flight time is around 2 hours 30 minutes, and return tickets usually range from £60 to £120 depending on how early you book.
Transport costs

Low
Exeter is a compact, walkable city, with Streatham Campus about a 20-minute walk and St Luke’s Campus just 10 minutes from the city centre.
- Bus Travel: Single fares are capped at £2 under a government scheme. The UNI Bus runs every 20 minutes between campuses and the city centre.
- Night Bus: Discounted fares are available on the Night Bus service, operating Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights during term time.
- Cycling: The city’s layout is conducive to cycling, offering a cost-effective transport option.
- Rail Travel: Students can save a third on rail tickets with a 16–25 Railcard, which costs £30.

Going Out

Nightlife

Exeter offers a vibrant nightlife scene that caters well to its student population. Popular venues include:

Timepiece: A staple in Exeter’s nightlife, known for its student-friendly events and central location.
Fever & Boutique: Offers themed nights and a lively dance floor, popular among students.
The Imperial (Wetherspoons): A grand setting for affordable drinks and meals, commonly visited by students.
The Old Firehouse: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and famous for its large pizzas.
Cavern: An iconic venue for live music and alternative nights.

Overall, students rate Exeter’s nightlife as pretty good, with a variety of options to suit different tastes.

General Costs

Students in Exeter typically spend anywhere between £100-300 per month on living expenses, excluding rent. This encompasses accommodation, food, transportation, and social activities.

The city offers a range of student discounts, and many venues have special student nights with reduced prices. While some aspects can be pricey, careful budgeting allows for an enjoyable student life.

Facilities and Day-to-Day Life

Facilities

Libraries & Study Spaces: The Forum Library, open 24/7, offers extensive study areas, computer labs, and access to a vast collection of resources.
Sports & Recreation: The Russell Seal Fitness Centre on Streatham Campus boasts over 200 stations with state-of-the-art equipment, including cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights. St Luke’s Campus also offers a well-equipped gym.
Cafés & Restaurants: The Forum houses various dining options, including Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger, catering to diverse tastes.
Students’ Union & Social Spaces: The Students’ Guild supports numerous societies and events, providing spaces for relaxation and socializing.

Day-to-Day Life

Exeter students enjoy relaxing at different parks like Heavitree Park, while the Exeter Quayside offers waterfront walks and vibrant cafes.

Exploring the Royal Albert Memorial Museum or visiting Exeter Cathedral are popular day trips.As well as this students often unwind in the historic Cathedral Green.

Accomodation

On-Campus Accommodation

The University of Exeter offers a diverse range of on-campus accommodations across its campuses. Options include:

Self-Catered Ensuite Rooms: Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and shared kitchens. Prices range from £190 to £240 per week.
Self-Catered Standard Rooms: Private rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens. Prices range from £118 to £210 per week.
Self-Catered Studios: Self-contained units with a kitchen and bathroom. Prices range from £244 to £259 per week.
Catered Ensuite Rooms: Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and meals provided. Prices range from £243 to £325 per week.

Self-catered means students cook their own meals in shared or private kitchens. Catered includes meals as part of the accommodation cost.

All accommodations include Wi-Fi, heating, study desks, and laundry facilities. Living on campus provides easy access to university facilities and a strong sense of community.

Off-Campus Accommodation

For students seeking more flexibility and independence, many choose to rent privately-owned flats or shared houses in Exeter. Off-campus housing offers a wide range of rental options to fit different budgets, from shared houses to private flats.

It also gives students the opportunity to experience Exeter’s vibrant social and cultural scene outside of the college setting. Additionally, students have the flexibility to choose their housemates and locations, allowing them to find a living situation that best suits their preferences.

Campuses

The University of Exeter operates across four campuses:

Streatham (Exeter) – The largest and most scenic campus, home to most departments, the Business School, and modern facilities like the Forum and 24/7 library.
St Luke’s (Exeter) – A smaller, historic campus focused on Medicine, Nursing, and PGCE courses.
Penryn (Cornwall) – Shared with Falmouth University, this campus specialises in environmental sciences, mining, and sustainability, located near Falmouth.
Truro (Cornwall) – Based at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, it supports clinical education and research for Medical School students.

What do Gibraltar students say about this University?

“Exeter has a close-knit, hands-on, and self-led learning environment – though some modules can be self-taught. It’s a relaxed place perfect if you enjoy a calmer pace, but not ideal if you’re after wild nights or a big city vibe (though Bristol’s nearby for a quick getaway). You’ll settle in fine and find your people. ”

1st Year Student, Neuroscience

“The campus is great, with strong student support and excellent facilities, though nightlife is limited. It’s not too big or hectic, making it a solid choice for experiencing life outside Gib for the first time.”

2nd Year Student, Computer Science and Economics

“Exeter has a lovely, hilly campus, a range of societies, and is walkable to town with the beach just a short train ride away. It does attract a lot of private school students though, so the posh stereotype is real – do your research on the area and accommodation options. ”

2nd Year Student, Liberal Arts with a major of French