Exeter in the UK
A great place to live
A safe, student-friendly city, Exeter is consistently rated one of the best places to live in the UK for the quality of its facilities, low crime-rate and fantastic countryside. An historic cathedral city, Exeter is attracting significant new investment with major companies like the Meteorological Office choosing to relocate, yet it retains its human scale, youthful culture and relaxed atmosphere. When you want to escape from the city, sandy beaches and some of the most stunning countryside in Britain are right on the doorstep.
The University’s Streatham campus is built on a country estate, overlooking the city centre which is a five-minute bus journey or 15-minute walk away. A registered Botanic Garden with lakes, parkland and gardens, the campus has been described by ‘The Times’ as the ‘best-gardened campus in Britain’ and by ‘The Independent’ as having a ‘sublime’ setting. Beyond its natural beauty, it offers a safe and enjoyable environment for study. The teaching buildings, the Library, Postgraduate Centre, sports halls and restaurant facilities are all conveniently situated within walking distance of each other, so time and money isn’t wasted getting around.
City of Exeter
With a population of just over 115,000, Exeter happily combines modern life with a sense of the past. Cafés, restaurants, pubs and shops mix easily with historic buildings, including the 13th century cathedral, Mol’s Coffee House and the Ship Inn – a favourite haunt of Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. Although a Roman city, Exeter is not trapped in the past – a new £200 million retail centre, which opened in Autumn 2007, has confirmed Exeter’s place as the South West’s major shopping destination.
The South West
The South West is one of Europe’s top holiday destinations and a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast – University of Exeter students are able to enjoy it all year round. Exeter is just twenty minutes by train from the sandy beaches of the South Devon coast with something for everyone from bird watchers, sailors, swimmers, water-skiers, windsurfers, kite-surfers and sunbathers!
Devon also contains the two National Parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor which provide an exciting challenge for hikers, climbers, horse riders and cyclists. In contrast, the gentler Devon landscapes of rolling hills, rivers, picturesque villages with their traditional thatched cottages, charming inns and attractive market towns are perfect for exploring in a more leisurely fashion.
Connections
A good road and rail network links Exeter with the rest of the UK. National Express runs a regular coach service from London and Heathrow international airport to Exeter coach station, which is a fifteen minute walk from campus. St David’s train station is a five-minute taxi ride from the campus and provides a regular service to London and all major cities. London is around two and a half hours away by direct train, or three hours by road. The city also has its own regional airport with scheduled flights to Europe and around the UK (visit www.exeter-airport.co.uk).
