Myth: There are not enough properties in Exeter to house all students.
Fact: There is so much accommodation in Exeter, ranging from a standard house to purpose built student blocks, there is more than enough to satisfy the needs of the many different students in Exeter.
Myth: If I don’t get a property quick, I’ll end up living miles away from my campus.
Fact: All the main student areas are close to each campus so you won’t find yourself in the middle of nowhere! For the Lukies amongst you, the Newtown and Heavitree areas are full of good student housing. Don’t forget that this year there is also the option of moving back into halls with your friends and living the high life on campus.
Myth: All the affordable houses will be gone first and landlords put their rent up after Christmas.
Fact: If anything is true then it’s actually the exact opposite of this! The more expensive properties tend to go first (and remember this doesn’t necessarily mean better) and landlords certainly won’t push their prices up as the year goes on, in fact the chances are prices may fall if the house is not rented by mid spring.
Myth: Many students get their house before Christmas
Fact: You have to look for a house before Christmas. Also not true, many students leave their house hunting until May or June or until the summer before they return to University and still secure good houses and a better deal. Students who decide to do Masters often look during the summer and find they have an extensive choice of cheaper housing.
Myth: All the Best Houses go First
Fact: It is not the quality of housing that goes first, but mainly the size of house. There might be a shortage are the larger houses 8's and above. But if there are 10 of you, why not look for two houses next door to each other, or in the same street?
Myth: Everyone pays sign up fees
Fact: Unlike many letting agencies in town, many private owners, Exelets, the Students’ Guild letting agency and University accommodation office do not ask students to pay admin or sign up fees. Ask what you are paying for. Take your time and look at a good selection of properties.
Myth: You have to be in a group to find a house
Fact: For some people, finding housemates can be a daunting prospect however, rushing in to a house of people you don’t particularly get on with or know isn’t always the answer. The Students’ Guild has an official ‘Find a Housemate’ forum where you can list any spaces/ if you are looking for a space in a house. Alternatively living by yourself may be the best option, especially if you have a work intensive course. There is a variety of studio apartments on offer in the city and on campus, though these may be a pricier solution. A cheaper way to live may be to find a house offering rooms for lodgers.
Myth: £120 a week, not including bills, is an Utter barg!
Fact: The common perception is that all housing in Exeter is super expensive so you should just bite the bullet and pay over the odds. Yes some of the accommodation options are expensive but if you look a little harder, and possibly out of the most expensive ward of St James you may be surprised to find many houses available for under £85 a week.