Perched on the hills of Devon with a view that could rival your Pinterest vision board, the University of Exeter is where academic ambition meets fresh air and fresher memes. It’s part of the Russell Group (aka the UK’s Ivy League equivalent), but don’t let the prestige fool you—Exeter knows how to party just as well as it knows how to publish research papers. The vibe here? Smart, but not snobby. Driven, but definitely not dead inside.
With over 30,000 students spread across its two main campuses—Streatham and St Luke’s—you’ll find a buzzing student scene with plenty of green spaces, Insta-worthy buildings, and a strong community feel. Streatham Campus, the larger and leafier of the two, is basically a botanical garden disguised as a uni. It’s packed with modern lecture halls, peaceful study spots, peacocks wandering around like they own the place, and a literal waterfall (yes, it’s real). St Luke’s, on the other hand, is smaller and more specialist, housing future doctors, teachers, and sports scientists. It’s ideal for students who want that close-knit, walk-into-the-library-and-know-everyone feel.
Exeter strikes that rare balance of being student-heavy without ever feeling overrun. You’re never far from a leafy escape, a caffeine hit from Pret in the Forum, or a chaotic TP Tuesday night that starts with pres at The Impy and ends somewhere on Sidwell Street. The city itself is compact, safe, and ridiculously easy to navigate—no complicated Tube maps or hour-long commutes. You can walk from one end of town to the other in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for first-years trying to adjust without getting lost on Day 1.
Academically? It's no slouch. Exeter ranks consistently in the UK's top 15 universities and is known for standout courses in business, law, biosciences, international relations, and climate science. Its research output is serious, and the teaching quality is top-tier. With links to major employers, global research networks, and opportunities to study abroad or gain work placements, your degree here actually means something post-graduation. It's a university that opens doors—without closing your social life.
But what really seals the deal? The lifestyle. Whether you’re team RAM Bar or team late-night Forum grind, whether you live on campus or in a house halfway up Cardiac Hill, Exeter delivers the full student experience—community, creativity, chaos, and calm, all in one package. You’ll find people who match your vibe, places that feel like home, and a city that supports every version of your student self.