The best student bars and clubs in Exeter

While Exeter might not be known as a party city like Manchester or Glasgow, Exeter still gets pretty wild. In fact, Unifresher worked out which uni's party hardest, and the University of Exeter came in at number 15. So you can imagine how hectic Exeter student bars can get…

If you’re headed off to uni, it’s important to know which of Exeter’s student clubs and bars are worth your time. We’re all familiar with the Turtle Bay and Spoons-type places, and they’re always a reliable spot, but if you’re looking for something different with more character and lots of students, check out the bars and clubs below.

The Old Firehouse

Photo: Old Firehouse Exeter on Facebook 

Where: 50 New North Road, Exeter EX4 4EP

One of the city's best ale and cider pubs, the Old Firehouse is a spot very popular with locals and students alike. But for students in particular, having 10% off all food & drinks is a notion that attracts the masses. It's a right of passage for every student to try one of their 14-inch pizzas.

they've also got live music every Friday, and if you fancy yourself a bit of a Brainiac, their Monday night quizzes are the stuff of student folklore. If your team wins, you’ll secure boozy prizes and £100, sorting out your next night out together. They also have a range of further student events and offers throughout the year. We can guarantee this will be a local haunt for many of you.

The Vaults 

Photo: Vaults Exeter on Facebook 

Where: 8 Gandy St, Exeter EX4 3LS

Open every night with two bars and resident DJs, The Vaults is Exeter's original and favourite LGBT club. It's always packed and bouncing in here, and provides a safe space for anyone and everyone to come and let loose and boogie.

Students can rejoice too, as on their Tasty Tuesdays and Funday Sunday nights, you get free entry, and it's open late until 3 in the morning! It's a nightclub that is always accepting and won't let you down!

The Ram Bar 

Photo: The Ram Bar on Facebook 

Where: University of Exeter, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4PZ

It'd be a bit daft for us to list the best Exeter student bars and not include the actual student union bar, wouldn’t it?

Located on the University of Exeter campus, The Ram Bar is always... well, rammed with students. Sorry. it's truly a social hotspot on campus, so if you’re looking to make mates, it’s a solid choice. Plus, they have lively quiz nights, show regular sport across their six screens, host weekly events, and have insane price-slash deals, so there's truly something here for everyone.

Timepiece 

Photo: Timepiece Nightclub & Wine Bar on Facebook 

Where: Timepiece, Little Castle Street, Exeter EX4 3PX

A bonified institution in the Exeter club scene, Timepiece has welcomed Exeter student party-goers for over 25 years, welcoming people like Will Young, Chris Martin, Marcus Mumford, and even Snoop Dogg!

With three floors, a beer garden, a burger bar, and a student night on Wednesday where the venue is filled with the Uni sports societies. Expect pop, RnB, Latin, indie, jazz, rock, funk, hip hop, punk, ska tunes, and so much more. And drink promos are sick with Coors Light for £2.50 and double vodka mixers for £3.50. 

Henry's Bar

Photo: Henry's Bar on Facebook 

Where: Mount Pleasant Rd, Exeter EX4 7AB

Henry's is a favourite of many locals and students in the area. This Exeter student bar is known for its big lovely beer garden, but, more importantly, Henry’s has killer drink deals. To reel a few off, you can get house mixer doubles for £4.50, premium and flavoured double vodkas and gins for £5, and even double-measure cocktails for a fiver, too! 

It's cheap as chips and always has an excellent vibe; truly one of the best Exeter student bars.

The Terrace

Photo: The Terrace on Facebook 

Where: Unit 19, Higher Market, Guildhall, Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3FB 

There are few better spots to sit laughing with your pals and sipping hand-crafted botanical cocktails with DJs soundtracking your night, than the stunning rooftop of The Terrace. If you're after a spot that feels a bit less studenty, but still has well-priced drinks (always 2-4-1 cocktails you say), then this is the spot for you. 

Plus, for those of you wanting to curb a dreaded entrance fee on Friday nights where they can be notoriously pricey, then do not fear as The Terrace has free entry on Fridays between 7 pm and 3 am; it ticks just about every box. 

The Cavern

Photo: Exeter Cavern on Facebook

Where: 83-84 Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3RP

While The Cavern is mainly a live music venue, it's also popular with guitar music fans, with regular indie, emo, goth, alternative, punk, rock, metal, and pop punk nights. It’s a pretty small venue, so it’s perfect if you're looking for an intimate atmosphere, and the bands that hit the stage often grow to be among the biggest in the world. And in the day, The Cavern is a vegetarian café!

So if you and your uni pals consider yourself those of the indie variety, and are looking for a uni night where live music takes centre stage, then The cavern will quickly become your home throughout your uni days.

Find tickets for events at The Cavern - here

Move 

Photo: Move on Facebook 

Where: 4 The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AP

Move has long been recognised as one of the maddest Exeter student clubs. In fact, it probably takes the crown. Champion of the city underground electronic scene, and frequently inviting some of the coolest names in dance music to play (Camelphat, Daniel Avery, and Annie Mac have taken to the stage in the past) for the raves amongst the Exter student population, Move is going to make you do exactly what it says on the tin 

Find tickets for events at Move - here

Exeter student bars and clubs are killer. No matter what kind of partier you are, even if you aren’t even one at all, there are plenty of venues to choose from meaning you’ll effortlessly find your favourite watering hole in moments. 

Headed to Exeter for uni this year? Do freshers properly by hitting the town hard, making mates, and having a laugh. Click of tap here to secure tickets for the amazing events going down in Exeter.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header: Unit 1 Exeter on Facebook