From Exeter to Plymouth: What Makes Devon a Great Place to Study

From the cathedrals of Exeter to the maritime heritage of Plymouth, the county offers a perfect mix of academics, community, and affordability. Both cities are major education hubs, attracting thousands of local and international students every year. Let’s look at what makes Devon such an ideal place to study for undergraduates and postgraduates alike.

Studying in Exeter: A Historic City with Modern Opportunities

Exeter, the county town of Devon, has evolved from a Roman settlement into a thriving student-friendly city. The cobbled streets, the medieval cathedral, and the lively café culture make it one of the most walkable and welcoming university cities in the UK.

The city’s heart beats through the University of Exeter, a member of the prestigious Russell Group. Known for high academic standards and research excellence, Exeter has seen a steady rise in postgraduate enrolments over the past few years. This growth reflects its reputation for offering both quality education and a supportive environment for students.

Students enjoy a balance between intellectual focus and leisure. The compact layout makes life easy — most shops, restaurants, and study spaces are within a short walk. Independent cafés and international supermarkets add to the city’s multicultural appeal, especially for students far from home.

Why Postgraduates Choose Exeter?

Studying in Exeter is not just about academics — it’s about developing personally and professionally. The city’s combination of research excellence, affordability, and vibrant community life gives it an edge over other UK destinations. For those writing their theses or facing long-term academic projects, professional support like a cheap dissertation writing service can help manage workload and maintain academic balance, especially during demanding postgraduate terms.

Below are a few reasons why Exeter remains one of the UK’s preferred study destinations:

• Strong Research Culture: Exeter consistently ranks among the UK’s top research universities, producing impactful work across disciplines.

• Affordable Living: Accommodation and daily expenses are significantly lower than in London or Manchester, making it ideal for students on a budget.

• Global Community: Around 20% of the student body is international, fostering cultural diversity and inclusive friendships.

• Student Life: With over 200 clubs and societies, students can explore sports, arts, and volunteering, creating a well-rounded university experience.
   

• Beautiful Surroundings: Proximity to Dartmoor National Park and the Jurassic Coast makes weekend escapes easy and affordable.

Plymouth: The Ocean City with a Student Heart

While Exeter captures Devon’s academic prestige, Plymouth offers a unique coastal perspective. Known as the “Ocean City,” Plymouth has a long maritime heritage and a deep connection to marine science and sustainability. Today, it’s a growing hub for higher education, home to three universities — the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University, and Arts University Plymouth.

Together, these institutions create a bustling academic environment of over 23,000 students. The city’s close-knit layout means campuses, cafés, and accommodation are all within reach, creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere.

Why Students Love Life in Plymouth?

Plymouth offers students everything they need — affordability, quality education, and a sense of community. The University of Plymouth, for instance, ranks among the UK’s top universities for teaching quality, giving students confidence in the education they receive.

Here’s a comparison of key student statistics across Plymouth’s main universities:

University	Undergraduate Students	Postgraduate Students	Special Features
University of Plymouth	80%	20%	Focus on sustainability and marine action
Plymouth Marjon University	75%	25%	Top five for postgraduate satisfaction
Arts University Plymouth	91%	9%	Highest student satisfaction in the UK for arts courses

Living Costs:
Plymouth’s affordability is one of its biggest advantages. Accommodation costs are roughly 60% lower than London, allowing students to live comfortably on a smaller budget. The city’s cost-effective restaurants, student discounts, and free seaside activities make budgeting simpler.

Leisure and Lifestyle:
From live music and student nights to peaceful walks along the Hoe, Plymouth has something for everyone. Students can visit cultural sites like The Box Museum or the National Marine Aquarium, or take day trips to Cornwall and Dartmoor.

Community and Connection

One of the biggest differences between studying in Devon’s two main cities and other UK regions is the community feel. In both Exeter and Plymouth, students often say they feel part of something bigger — a place where locals are friendly, and peers quickly become close friends.

Small class sizes, approachable lecturers, and city-wide student initiatives make settling in easy. This sense of belonging extends beyond campus — whether you’re attending an open mic night in Exeter or volunteering along Plymouth’s waterfront, you’ll quickly find your place.

Accommodation and Daily Life in Devon

Both cities offer great housing choices. In Exeter, students can choose between university-managed halls or private apartments near campus. Providers like Fresh Student Living manage several affordable options close to central study areas.

In Plymouth, the Student Village offers university-managed accommodation with meal plans and social events. Postgraduates and mature students often opt for private rentals near the waterfront.

Average Monthly Costs for Students in Devon (2025)

Expense	Exeter	Plymouth
Rent (shared flat)	£650	£550
Utilities	£100	£90
Groceries	£140	£130
Public Transport	£40	£35
Student Entertainment	£80	£75

The balance between affordability and quality of life is what makes Devon special. Students can focus on their studies without feeling the financial strain found in larger UK cities.

Things to Do Beyond the Classroom

Life in Devon is more than lectures and deadlines. Both Exeter and Plymouth offer weekend escapes just minutes away:

• Beaches: Exmouth and Torbay are perfect for surfing or relaxing.
   

• Nature: Dartmoor National Park offers endless trails and views.
   

• Culture: Exeter’s Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and Plymouth’s historic dockyards all tell the story of the region’s past.
   

• Student Nights: Affordable pub nights, open-air concerts, and cultural festivals fill the calendar year-round.

Why Devon Remains a Student Favourite

From Exeter’s academic prestige to Plymouth’s coastal energy, Devon is more than just a place to study — it’s a place to grow. The region’s balance of education, affordability, and quality of life makes it one of the UK’s best destinations for students at every level.

Whether you’re working on a research thesis in Exeter or studying marine science in Plymouth, Devon provides an environment that nurtures ambition while keeping life simple and fulfilling.

FAQs

1. Why is Exeter popular among postgraduates?
Because of its strong research programs, affordable living costs, and Russell Group reputation.

2. Is Plymouth a good city for international students?
Yes, it’s affordable, multicultural, and offers three high-quality universities.

3. How expensive is life in Devon compared to London?
On average, living in Devon is about 40–60% cheaper.

4. What can students do in their free time?
From hiking in Dartmoor to exploring seaside cafés, students have endless affordable leisure options.

5. Which city is better for postgraduates—Exeter or Plymouth?
Both are excellent. Exeter offers prestige and research focus, while Plymouth provides affordability and community spirit.