Things to Do in Exeter for Students

Whether you’re moving cities to study at the University of Exeter or studying in your home city, you’ll undoubtedly be searching for the best things to do in Exeter as a student. Well, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the latest and greatest student hotspots in the city, so no matter what vibe you’re after, you’ll find something to fill your evenings and weekends with. 

The city might be compact, but it’s packed with history, nightlife, green spaces, and genuinely student-friendly prices. From live sport and cosy pubs to indie cinemas and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of places to visit in Exeter (without draining your bank account). 

Places to Visit in Exeter 

When it’s time to take a breather from the books, there are plenty of things to do near Exeter. Blending medieval history with modern student life, here are some of the best things to do in Exeter, where the city’s culture really shines through:

Exeter Underground Passages

Unofficially named the Exeter Tunnels, these medieval passages were originally built to house water pipes. Offering guided tours (with student discounts available), this is a must-visit for history and horror lovers alike. For an extra-spooky experience, take an evening trip during autumn!

Darts Farm, Exeter

An award-winning farm shop, food hall, and restaurant, foodies love visiting Darts Farm to browse its fresh produce and deliciously baked goods. Standing out for its quality local food, this spot is located near Topsham, making it easy to cycle or commute by bus from your student accommodation in Exeter. 

Exeter Cathedral

This stunning Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 12th century sits in the city centre on Cathedral Green. With a valid student ID, Exeter Cathedral tickets cost just £10.50, and you could easily spend two hours there. 

Complete with an incredible vaulted ceiling and a peaceful vibe, it’s one of those Exeter Attractions that just keeps on giving. Whether you’re unwinding after an exam or just visiting at the weekend, it’s one of the best things to see in Exeter while you’re living there. 

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

There are plenty of things to see in Exeter, and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery is the perfect place to start. Popular with art and history students studying at the University of Exeter, you can learn all about world cultures, natural history, and art collections here. Best for when you’re looking for things to do in Exeter on a rainy day, the museum is completely free, and you can easily spend the entire day here.

Exeter Castle

If you’re in Exeter, wondering what to see in the city, this Norman-era castle should be near the top of your list. For the best views, spring and summer are when you’ll want to check this site out. Tour guides are available (some even with student discounts). So whether you’re looking for unusual days out in Exeter or are in the mood to learn about your city’s history, this is one of the places to visit in Exeter.

Catch Events in Exeter

For a small city, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of lively events in Exeter. From matchdays at Exeter Chiefs to big-name acts at Exeter’s Great Hall, there’s usually something worth booking tickets for.

Exeter Chiefs

Bringing a big atmosphere and an even bigger community vibe, Exeter Chiefs is the city’s local Premiership rugby team. Based in Sandy Park Stadium, you’ll want to bag your tickets for a weekend matchday for the best vibes. And don’t forget to use your student ID to save a couple of quid while you’re at it!

Exeter City FC at St. James Park, Exeter

Occasionally offering student discounts, sports fans can head to St. James’ Park to watch a game of footie. Whether you’re an Exeter City FC fan or just love the thrill of the competition, it’s one of the best events in Exeter if you want to see the city come together.

Corn Exchange, Exeter 

From live music to comedy acts, Exeter’s Corn Exchange offers an intimate gig setting where you’re never far from the stage, making every performance feel energetic, up-close, and personal. For cheaper entry, arrive earlier and keep your eyes peeled for student promos. 

Exeter’s Great Hall

The Great Hall is the University of Exeter’s theatre. Where main live events take place, like student balls, you can catch big touring artists here. For access to pre-sale codes, make sure you sign up for Exeter Great Hall’s newsletter; you never know what bargains you might get your hands on!

Exeter Phoenix

Frequently offering discounted tickets for students, Phoenix is an independent arts venue. Here, you can enjoy everything from live music gigs and cinema screenings all the way to comedy shows and theatre productions. With their membership schemes and concession tickets available, it’s one of the best Exeter attractions for students on a budget. Many locals use it to explore hobbies, build portfolios, and launch their own creative projects. If that wasn’t enough, it’s close to campus and has a café, so you can get your caffeine fix in between lectures.

Exeter Nightlife for Students

Thanks to its walkability, Exeter’s nightlife is next level. With so many lively clubs and bars all within close proximity, you can easily move from venue to venue, changing the vibe to suit your mood.

Boom Battle Bar, Exeter

If your group chat can’t survive a little healthy competition, this might not be the place for you. But if you love a bit of chaos, Boom Battle Bar is perfect. Great for birthdays, society socials, or those “we don’t just want to sit at a table” kind of nights, here you’ll find activities like axe-throwing and shuffleboard, all with a drink in your hand. If you want to play without waiting around, it’s best to go earlier in the evening, before it gets packed; it’s popular for a reason!

Core Exeter

The classic Exeter student nightclub experience, Core has something for every vibe: Chart hits, R&B, throwback anthems, and a dancefloor that’s never empty.

The Cocktail Club, Exeter

If your idea of a night out involves dressing up and taking at least five mirror selfies, The Cocktail Club in Exeter won’t disappoint. The drinks are colourful, creative, and Insta-friendly. Its glam vibe makes it a popular spot for birthdays, girls’ nights, or just when you want something slightly more put-together than your usual pub trip. It’s one of the best things to do in Exeter at night, and you can even make it budget-friendly by hitting it up during happy hour!

Double Locks, Exeter

For sunny afternoons and laid-back vibes, Double Locks, Exeter, is hard to beat after a long week of lectures. Sitting right by the canal, it’s the kind of place where you’ll say “just one drink” and end up staying for hours. It’s less about dancing and more about catching up with friends, enjoying the riverside views, and soaking up the Devon sunshine (when it decides to make an appearance!)

The Old Fire House, Exeter

Famous for its giant pizzas, perfect for sharing (or not; we won’t judge), and its cosy, slightly chaotic atmosphere, The Old Firehouse is a true Exeter student institution. It’s right near campus, making it a go-to for casual dinners, society meetups, and cheap drinks without needing a full night out.

Outdoor Spaces and Parks in Exeter

When the library walls start closing in, Exeter’s green spaces are your best friend. Whether you need fresh air, a picnic spot, or just somewhere to scroll on TikTok in peace, there are plenty of parks in Exeter for you to reset. 

Exeter Quayside

One of the best things to do in Exeter is exploring The Quayside. Think riverside walks, kayaking on the water, cute cafés, and unbeatable sunset spots. Bring a picnic, grab an ice cream, or just wander along the water; it’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward study break on a sunny day.

Exeter Sports Park

If your version of stress relief involves actually moving your body, Exeter Sports Park has you covered. With a gym, pitches, fitness classes, and training facilities, it’s a great place to channel procrastination into something productive and healthy. Whether you’re part of a sports society or just trying to balance out late-night takeaways, it’s one of the top things to do in Exeter to keep you active.

Ludwell Valley Park

Need somewhere quiet? Ludwell Valley Park feels like you’ve escaped the city entirely. It’s peaceful, green and ideal for long walks, podcast catch-ups or clearing your head before exams. Whether you love a stroll in the summer sun or the sound of crunchy autumn leaves beneath your feet, an adventure at Ludwell Valley Park is serious main-character energy.

Northernhay Gardens

Considering how central it is, Northernhay Gardens is a surprisingly calm spot. One of England’s oldest public gardens, it’s one of those things to see in Exeter you should definitely add to your uni bucket list. It’s perfect for quick lunches between lectures, a casual coffee catch-up, or even just five minutes of fresh air before heading back to the books.

What is there to do in Exeter on a Budget?

Along with the thousands of other people studying at the University of Exeter, you’re also probably wondering what to do in Exeter as a student. Whether you’re on a budget or waiting for your student loan payment to come through, there are plenty of pocket-friendly activities in Exeter for you to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular…

Vue Exeter

It may seem obvious, but don’t sleep on it; catching the latest movies at Vue cinema is one of the best things to do in Exeter for a reason. Loved by film fans, date night-goers, and uni societies, cinema nights are easy, low-effort activities in Exeter to do when deadlines are looming.

Located in the Princesshay area, one of the most student-friendly neighbourhoods in Exeter, students love this cinema for its cheaper midweek screenings, comfortable seating, and big blockbuster releases. While Vue Exeter don’t offer student-specific discounts, you can still enjoy the latest films by opting for their super saver seats.

Tenpin Exeter

Competitive and relaxed all at the same time, Tenpin is one of those activities in Exeter that suits any type of social. From birthdays and date nights to icebreakers with your new flatmates, you just can’t beat a bit of bowling.

If you’re not ready to call it a night after your game (and you’ve finished debating whether the bumpers count as cheating), you’re in for a treat; there’s plenty more to do at Tenpin. Complete your night with the pool tables, food, and try your luck at the arcades. To make it an even more budget-friendly trip, book your game between 6 pm on Sunday and 5 pm on Friday for the best student prices.

Clip and Climb, Exeter

Days out in Exeter don’t have to be the same old same old, though, especially when Clip ‘n Climb exists. Sat near Marsh Barton Industrial Estate, just a 20-minute walk away from The Depot, Clip ‘n Climb is a colourfully-themed indoor climbing centre that your inner child will love. 

Sessions last for about 90 minutes. So if you want to make the most of your time, it’s best to book your slot on a weekday afternoon when it’s quieter (and often cheaper). If you want to save a couple of quid, you could even go after a morning lecture; as long as it’s before 4 pm, you’ll save some money! Reckon you’ll be a frequent climber? They also have a bunch of different multibuy and membership prices available. 

Gandy Street, Exeter

Filled with vintage shops, unique boutiques, and cosy cafés (some that even offer student discounts), Gandy Street is one of the places to visit in Exeter that everyone will recommend. Perfect for a morning coffee or a late afternoon browse, this city centre street is particularly popular with creative students and coffee lovers. Complete with some Instagrammable photo ops, this quirky and relaxed location is even compared to Diagon Alley (making it a huge hit with Potterheads).

University of Exeter Scavenger Hunts

The University of Exeter organises both campus and city-wide clue-solving challenges. It’s a great opportunity for freshers to break the ice, society groups to get together, or even just for a bit of friendly competition that encourages you to explore parts of Exeter that you’d normally miss. 

Odeon Exeter

Another central cinema option that’s just a 20-minute commute from the University of Exeter (and only a 3-minute walk away from The Depot, our student accommodation in Exeter) is Odeon. Similar to Vue, there aren’t any student prices available, but there are cheaper tickets on offer depending on where you sit.

If you’re joining a film society at the University of Exeter, it might be worth investing in Odeon’s myLIMITLESS. Costing you only £15.99 a month (and an extra 20% off with your student discount), for unlimited access to movies and 10% off food and drinks.

Tips for Students 

Life as a student at the University of Exeter is exactly what you make it, and a few small tricks can make a huge difference to your budget and social calendar. From getting around the city without overspending to unlocking hidden student discounts, these simple tips will help you make the most of student life in Exeter while keeping your bank balance (mostly) intact. 

Budget-Friendly Travel

One of Exeter’s biggest perks? It’s small. You can enjoy plenty of days out in Exeter and walk to almost every spot from your student accommodation (which is why finding the right place to live in the city makes such a difference). With solid cycle routes and student discounts on Stagecoach buses, the city is your oyster! If you’re looking for things to do near Exeter, don’t forget how well the city is, too! By using a Railcard, you could save a fortune on trips to Bristol, Plymouth, or even London. 

Timing

A little strategy goes a long way:

• Visit Exeter’s attractions midweek for cheaper entry and quieter crowds.
• Book your tickets early if you want to catch an event in Exeter (before they sell out!)
• Arrive before 11 pm if you’re heading out clubbing for cheaper entry and shorter queues. 

Bring Your Student ID

Your student ID is basically your golden ticket. From cinemas and museums to sports matches and clubs, there are plenty of things to do in Exeter that you can save plenty of cash on with their student discounts. 

Sign Up For Newsletters

It might not sound exciting, but signing up for venue newsletters is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead. You’ll get pre-sale codes for gigs, student-only promotions, and early access to discounted tickets, which means more plans and fewer “sold out” disappointments.

Here! for Students in Exeter

Exeter might be compact, but that’s what makes it such a charming student city. Whether you’re into history, arts, or nightlife, there are so many things to do in Exeter to keep you entertained, no matter your budget. You’ll never be short of options, and when you find the right place to live in the city, everything becomes much easier. From spontaneous plans, shorter walks home, and more time to enjoy the best bits of student life, The Depot keeps you close to it all. Secure your stay with us at Here! Student Living today, and let the good times commence.