Student Accommodation in Heavitree

Student housing in Heavitree, Exeter

If you ask Exeter students where to look if the city centre or Pennsylvania feels too expensive or busy, Heavitree (particularly Heavitree Road) often comes up next. Located just east of Exeter city centre, Heavitree is especially popular with students studying at St Luke’s Campus, thanks to its walkable distance and direct transport links. It offers a more residential feel while still being well-connected to the University of Exeter.

Heavitree is particularly attractive to second- and third-year students who already understand Exeter’s layout. After first year halls, many students choose Heavitree for its larger houses, quieter streets, and better value, while remaining close enough to campus, the city centre, and student nightlife.

Why Heavitree is so popular with students

When you’re balancing lectures, coursework, part-time work, and social life, Heavitree offers a calmer alternative to Exeter’s most dense areas. Its biggest advantage is proximity to St Luke’s Campus, which is home to subjects like Education, Sport Sciences, and Medical Imaging. From much of Heavitree, walking to St Luke’s takes around 10–20 minutes, making it one of the most convenient areas to live for students based there.

For students studying at the Streatham Campus, Heavitree is slightly further away, but regular bus routes make travelling to and from your student house realistic and reliable.

Housing stock is another key draw. Heavitree is known for its traditional terraced and semi-detached houses, many of which offer larger bedrooms, living spaces, and gardens compared to properties closer to the city centre. This makes student accommodation in Heavitree particularly appealing to groups of friends looking for more space or a quieter home environment.

The area also has a mixed community of students, families, and long-term residents, giving it a more settled feel that suits students who want a balance between study and social life.

Student hotspots in Heavitree

Heavitree doesn’t revolve around a single student strip, but daily student life centres around Fore Street and the surrounding residential roads.

Supermarkets and essentials

You’ve got strong options for both top-up shops and weekly groceries:

• Tesco Superstore in Heavitree makes weekly shopping easy.

• Aldi and Lidl are accessible by bus if you’re particularly budget-focused.

• Independent convenience stores and takeaways along Fore Street are ideal for quick essentials.

Most day-to-day needs are covered locally, but if you need a gym, then you’ll likely have to travel to PureGym close to the city centre.

Bars and nights out

Heavitree has several traditional pubs that attract students looking for a quieter night close to home, such as The Ship & Pelican on Fore Street or Royal Oak. These spots are popular for casual drinks and pub food rather than late-night clubbing. For bigger nights out, Exeter city centre, including student favourite Timepiece, is a short bus ride away.

Food spots

Heavitree offers a solid mix of takeaways, cafes, and casual dining along Fore Street. While it’s not as dense as the city centre, living in Heavitree, you’ll have plenty of choices for affordable meals.

Getting around Exeter from Heavitree

St Luke’s Campus

Heavitree is one of the most convenient areas to live for students based at St Luke’s. Many properties are within walking distance, and cycling is also common. This proximity is a key reason Heavitree consistently attracts students studying on this campus.

Streatham Campus (University of Exeter)

For Streatham Campus, travel typically takes around 30 minutes on the bus. Regular routes run directly from Heavitree towards campus throughout the day.

Exeter city centre

Heavitree is around a 10-15 minute bus ride from Exeter city centre. Walking is also realistic for students living along Heavitree Road.

Exeter St David’s

For travel home or further afield, Exeter St David’s is the main rail hub. From Heavitree, buses connect easily to the city centre, where onward links to the station are straightforward.

Keeping travel costs down

Students in Exeter benefit from discounted bus travel and railcards. Many students living in Heavitree keep costs down by using termly bus passes.

Browse student accommodation in Heavitree on Housr

Heavitree varies street by street, from quieter residential roads to busier stretches near Fore Street. Use Housr’s List and Map views to compare house size, layout, and location around the parts of Heavitree you’ll frequent. Browse student accommodation in Heavitree on Housr, with all prices including a Housr Bills package.