Whether you're moving down to the city for the first time or returning for another year, our freshers guide to Exeter student nightlife, covering the best venues, clubs and student areas to visit, will help you gain the knowledge you need to navigate the home of the Grecians and find the best spots for entertainment with ease. Seriously, you'll be a local before you know it.
Below, you'll find our comprehensive guide to Exeter events and the excellent student nightlife the city offers, consisting of student-friendly bars and places to eat, as well as places to catch gigs and club events, an FAQ section to answer some of those niggling questions you might have about your new home, and more on Freshers Week.
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Best areas for student nightlife in Exeter
City Centre
The city centre is one of the best places to go when you’re after an Exeter student night. A huge range of cheap pubs, bars, cocktail joints, and delicious restaurants, are located here alongside an array of nightclubs to dance the night away. It's a great place for all your late-night escapades after a deadline and has something for all to enjoy.
Howell Road
The place to be if you want to seek the city rush, but don't want to go right into the city centre. Found just outside the hustle and bustle, Howell road is a very popular space for students to reside during their time in the city, and as a result, it has all the amenities to go along with it. Surrounded by a robust collection of restaurants, pubs, and local markets, it's somewhere that those students less inclined for a hectic night will be spending much of their time.
St Thomas
Found on the west side of the River Exe, St Thomas is an area that is a bit further afield from the city centre and the university but is still with a thriving student population. It has a huge range of unique bars and restaurants and provides a nice alternative to the busier areas of the city.
Longbrook Street and Pennsylvania Road
An area that enjoys an intersection of students living in the town centre and campus, this area of the city is, covered by numerous places like Hillsborough Avenue, Queen’s Crescent, Black Horse Pub, and a lively restaurant scene. If you end up living in this area, then the range of student nightlife will provide you with many a night's laughing and living it up with your newfound uni pals.
Exeter Student Bars
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One of the go-to student bars in the city, and a quality choice for an Exeter student night. This old-school, wood beam establishment has gained much of its notoriety among the student population thanks to the persistent rumour that former Exeter Uni student J.K. Rowling based The Leaky Cauldron on this very drinking den. Whether this is true or not, it definitely has the same warm and cosy vibe, and, despite not selling butter beer, the student deals and nights in this place are second to none.
Affectionately known in the Exter student nightlife scene as ‘The Impy’ this place is a stone's throw away from both Exeter uni campus and accommodation and is always packed both after lectures and in the later hours. With a sprawling beer garden, modest prices and some quality grub, it's an Exeter favourite, and one you will be spending lots of time in when you arrive to study here.
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Known as one of THE places to be seen in the city, the Terrace is one for you students who are looking to impress, whether that be for a nice birthday party, or a hot date. Yet, despite appearing to be so up-market and chic, this place is surprisingly affordable for students, with a variety of deals throughout the week including 50% off burgers on Wednesdays. Turning into a party bar on the weekends it's also a place to come to let your hair down, highly recommended (just watch how much of your loan is left before entering.)
We couldn't put this together without mentioning the famous, on-campus Uni of Exeter establishment, RAM bar. With thoughts for students built into everything they do, the bar is reasonably priced, has great food options, and also a multitude of tv screens that show live sports year round. One of the best student vibes on matchday, and just a great spot whether you want a quick pint, it's going to be one you spend lots of time in.
Student Clubs
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If you come to Exter for Univeristy, we can all but guarantee that you’ll be spending many a night in Unit 1. With its super central location and buzzing atmosphere, plus a whole range of student-friendly nights such as Cheese Tuesdays, Quids in and Project Fridays, it is a firm favourite of many students throughout the academic year and you’ll always be catered for whenever you fancy getting your dancing shoes on.
We couldn't go on about the best clubs to visit in Exeter without mentioning The Vaults. Renowned for being the city’s most popular LGBTQ+ bar, it's inclusive, accepting and a bloody brilliant night out. With its neon-soaked dancefloor, VIP lounge for special occasions and raucously fun karaoke nights, you’ll never have a bad time here and is a must-visit for any student in the city.
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Renowned for hosting the biggest dance events on offer in the city from its intimate underground basement, Move is the place for those whose tastes fall into Techno, DnB and House bracket. Hosting some of the biggest names in the biz like Camelphat, Eats Everything and Annie Mac, nights in here are legendary and will be some of the best you experience in the city.
Run by the Student’s Guild, Lemon Grove is located right on campus and with incredibly cheap drinks and a brilliant sound system what more could you want? Not only this but the venue hosts loads of live music and has featured bands and acts like Pendulum, Pigeon Detectives, Chase and Status, Wretch 32 and many, many more. With such an accessible location and a vibe that never falters, it's gonna be one you end up in a lot.
Fresher’s FAQs
When does Freshers Week Take Place in Exeter?
Freshers Week 2022 in Exeter is set to run from Monday 19th September to Sunday 25th September
Do I need to provide ID at events?
Yes, as a requirement of law all bars, pubs, clubs and venues will require some form of a valid ID that proves you are at least 18 years of age. Accepted forms of ID include a driver’s license or passport.
More about Exeter
Irrespective of whether you're a first time visitor to the city, a frequently returning guest or a lifelong inhabitant, our guides are essential reading for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Exeter.
nightlife
Whether you're moving down to the city for the first time or returning for another year, our freshers guide to Exeter student nightlife, covering the best venues, clubs and student areas to visit, will help you gain the knowledge you need to navigate the home of the Grecians and find the best spots …
