The best student bars and clubs in Exeter
As the city that parties pretty damn hard, here are the best Exeter student bars and clubs to familiarise yourself with
Last updated: 9th Sep 2024
Originally published: 8th Aug 2022
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.
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.
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
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.
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