Red Cow Properties

Published September 2026 · Red Cow Properties, Exeter

Exeter student accommodation shortage in 2026: what you need to know

Finding student accommodation in Exeter has never been harder. For 2026/27 the University of Exeter allocated all of its accommodation because of exceptionally high demand, and some new students were left without a room weeks before Freshers' Week. Here is what happened and what you can do about it.

Why is there a student housing shortage in Exeter?

The University of Exeter is one of the most popular universities in the UK, and demand for places in 2026 was higher than expected. The university has also said demand for accommodation is very high across the city. That puts pressure on university halls, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and private student lets all at once. Exeter is a small city, and in some recent years students have made up close to a third of its population.

Several things made the shortage worse:

  • The accommodation guarantee deadline. First-year students who made Exeter their firm choice and applied for halls by 31 July were covered by the Accommodation Guarantee. Students who came through Clearing, chose Exeter as their insurance, or applied late were not.
  • Timing of results. The deadline fell before A-level results day on 13 August, so students confirmed on results day were at a disadvantage.
  • Limited housing stock. Exeter City Council's Article 4 planning rules restrict new houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in parts of the city, which limits how quickly new student houses can come onto the market.
  • High prices at the top end. Students have reported that many of the rooms still available are premium studios, some quoted at more than £14,000 for a one-year contract.

What has the University of Exeter offered?

Students without a university room have been offered help finding private accommodation through the university's accommodation services, and some have been given the option to defer until 2027. The university has stressed that students in private housing are fully part of the Exeter community, with the same access to teaching, support, Welcome Week and Students' Guild activities.

New renting rules for students in 2026

The Renters' Rights Act changed private renting from 1 May 2026. The main points for students:

  • Most private tenancies are now rolling periodic tenancies rather than fixed-term contracts.
  • Landlords and letting agents can't require more than one month's rent in advance.
  • Landlords can't invite or accept offers above the advertised rent.
  • Landlords of student HMOs can use a new student ground for possession to get a property back for the next group of students, as long as they follow strict notice rules.

How to find student accommodation in Exeter

  1. Start looking now. The university advises students without a room not to wait for a hall place.
  2. Use trusted listings. Studentpad (the university-backed listings site), PBSA providers and local landlords are the safest places to look.
  3. Look beyond the campus area. St David's, Pennsylvania, Heavitree, Mount Pleasant and St Leonard's are all within reach of Streatham Campus on foot or by bus.
  4. Team up. Sharing a house or flat with friends is usually cheaper than a studio.
  5. Check the landlord and the property. Your deposit should be protected in a government-approved scheme, and you should get a gas safety certificate, an electrical safety report and an EPC of E or above.
  6. Never pay without viewing, and be wary of anyone asking for large payments up front.
  7. Ask for help. The University of Exeter Accommodation Office is on 0300 555 0444, and the Students' Guild advice service gives free tenancy advice.
  8. Plan ahead for 2027/28. If you're already in Exeter, talk to housemates and landlords early so you're not caught in next year's rush.

Looking for a two-bed for 2027/28?

Red Cow Properties is a local Exeter landlord letting its own two-bedroom student houses and flats near Streatham Campus and St David's. We're now taking enquiries for tenancies starting 1 August 2027. See our homes or get in touch.

Sources: University of Exeter – Accommodation and Clearing; The Tab – deferred places; The Tab – students left with no rooms; Students' Guild – renting from May 2026.