Finding the right student house can be one of the most exciting — and stressful — parts of university life. In Exeter’s competitive student rental market, knowing when and how to begin your search can make all the difference.
Whether you're a first-year planning your move off-campus or a returning student looking for a better place next year, this month-by-month guide will walk you through the student housing search process — from planning to signing your tenancy.
Why Timing Matters in Exeter
Exeter’s student property market moves quickly, especially for houses in popular areas. Many of the best homes are reserved months in advance, so starting early gives you the widest choice and reduces the stress of last-minute decisions.
Based on experience and advice from Star Students, here’s the timeline we recommend.
Student Housing Timeline: Month-by-Month Guide
September – Settle In & Start Talking
Whether you're in halls or already in a shared house, take time to settle into the new academic year.
Begin thinking about who you’d like to live with next year.
Talk to current housemates about whether you’ll stay together.
If you're new to renting, start reading guides like Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Your First Student House in Exeter.
October – Research Begins
Get a feel for the market: what kind of houses are available, in which areas, and for what prices.
Decide what’s important to you (e.g. location, number of bathrooms, budget).
Learn key terms like joint tenancy, guarantor, and holding deposit.
November – Speak to Letting Agents
Agents start listing properties for the next academic year around this time.
Sign up for alerts or register your interest with local student letting agents like Star Students.
Attend early viewings where possible — many landlords renew quickly with returning tenants.
December – Shortlist & View Properties
Start booking viewings, particularly for houses with 4+ bedrooms (which go fastest).
Check the property thoroughly — look for damp, test appliances, and ask about bills and internet.
Revisit the When Should Students in Exeter Start Looking for a House? blog to reinforce your understanding of timelines.
January – Make Decisions
Agree as a group on your top choice and act fast — many student lets are filled by the end of January.
Make sure everyone is ready with documents (student ID, guarantor info, etc.).
Ask questions before signing anything — about deposits, tenancy length, included furniture, etc.
February to March – Secure Your Property
This is the busiest time of year for student rentals in Exeter.
Most good properties are taken by March, especially in areas close to campus or the city centre.
Pay holding deposits promptly to avoid losing the property.
Carefully review the tenancy agreement — or ask your letting agent for a breakdown if you're unsure.
April to August – Prepare for the Move
Once your house is secured, start thinking about move-in logistics.
Keep in contact with your agent about key dates and any pre-tenancy paperwork.
Set up group chats to organise furniture, bills, and responsibilities.
Top Tips from Star Students
Don’t panic if you miss the early rush — there are still properties available later in the year.
Visit in person if possible — photos don't always show the full picture.
Communicate clearly with your housemates — miscommunication is a common cause of last-minute fallouts.
Ask about what's included (white goods, desks, bills) before signing.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Whether you’re a first-time renter or just looking for something better, being organised and starting early gives you the best shot at securing a student house you’ll enjoy living in.
Star Students offers a wide range of quality, well-managed student homes in Exeter. Our team is here to guide you through the process from start to finish — with no jargon and no pressure.
Browse available properties or contact our team to register your interest today.
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