**Scroll down for some night safety tips**
Hey, I'm Kira (your Student Living Officer) and here is an intro to night life in Exeter, and some tips for staying safe on your nights out.
Exeter is a small city, but it’s still got plenty of bars, pubs and clubs if you’re looking for a decent night out. And remember, you can have a great night out without drinking any alcohol! Plenty of students enjoy sober socials, and there is even a sober socials society.
Venues
Most of these places will be on (or near) the main high street, so it’s usually fairly easy to find your way to and from town. I’ve included brief descriptions of some of the most popular places in town - you can decide yourself if they are worth the hype! My personal favourite nights are having a drink in the Imperial (a.k.a. Impy), the pub quiz at the Old Firehouse, and indie nights at Cavern!
Clubs
Clubs in town include Timepiece (a.k.a TP), Fever, Cavern, Move and Vaults. Some things to know about these:
- Timepiece - this is probably the most popular club in Exeter. It's known for being the place to go for sports clubs after BUCS Wednesdays. They also host popular nights such as Salsa Tuesdays (for some great Latin American music) and monthly Indie Nights. It has a large outside area with tables and a food outlet, so it's a good spot if you like to sit and chat rather than be inside dancing all night. TP tickets are well known for selling out FAST on Fixr, so good luck securing a ticket! But if you do get in, remember to keep hold of your plastic cup for money off your next drink!
- Fever - located at the bottom end of the high street, Fever host usual club nights as well as a range of themed nights including Desi (hip hop and South Asian music), Dirty Beats (hip hop, dance and garage) and K-Pop.
- Cavern - it's known for it's Indie Nights, live performances from bands, and Black Parade which is a night full of "old school emo anthems". It's worth noting that this club is underground and often crowded.
- Move - this is a little further outside of the main high street than the rest of the clubs. It's down by the Quay which is roughly a 30-40 minute away from most campus accommodations, so it's worth taking that into account when you're planning your night. It's also near the water so remember to take extra care when it's dark.
- Vaults - located just off of Queen Street in the city centre, they host various themed nights such as Drag Nights, Pop and Drum & Bass. Similarly to Cavern, Vaults is also underground and can get very crowded.
Bars
Exeter has a variety of different bars (too many to list all of them!) so if you're looking for a night out with friends, take a few suggestions below:
Pubs
Somethings a pub vibe is exactly what you want for catching up with friends and enjoying some food. We have lots of pubs in Exeter so here are a few you should check out:
- The Ram Bar
- Topsham Brewery
- The Turks Head
- Old Firehouse
- The Ship
- Henry's Bar
- The Stoke Arms
- The Imperial (Impy)
Staying safe on your night out
Whether your nights take you to a Batty Bingo or a chilled night in the board game café, make sure you are safe and try to enjoy everything you can during your time in Exeter.
Here are some more specific safety tips for nights out in Exeter, and some things to know about drinking, clubbing, or going out late in a new city.
Before your night out:
Before your night has even started, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your night:
- Set up a group chat
This is a great way to keep everyone in the loop about where you are throughout the night, and you can also use it to share photos with each other!
- Charge your phone
Make sure your phone has enough battery to last the night! It might sound simple, but it's important that you're able to contact friends if you need to, or for emergencies.
- Download the SafeZone App
This is a free app that helps Estate Patrol to help you whilst you're on campus. There are functions for live chat, emergency calls, first aid and wellbeing.
During your night out:
Whilst on your night out, it's important to be vigilant. Make sure your nights out are memorable for the right reasons, so here are a few things you can be doing to stay safe:
- Keep an eye on your drink
Over the past few years, incidences or drink and needle spiking has increased across the UK. Don't leave your drink unattended, and use a protective drink lid or bottle topper. You can pick these up for free in a range of locations across both campuses including: your Students' Guild (Devonshire House and G48), The Ram Bar, Sports Park, St Luke's Info Point.
- Don't accept drinks or vapes from others
These may have been tampered with without your knowing, so it's much safer to purchase your own drink at the bar. Vape Spiking is a new thing but it's on the increase so also refrain from using other people's vapes.
- Seek help if you think you/your friend has been spiked
It's important to speak to someone immediately if you think you or your friend has been spiked. Bar staff or bouncers can help you to seek medical attention. You can find some further information here.
- Ask for Angela
This is a national scheme that can help anyone who is feeling vulnerable on a night out, or needs to get out of an uncomfortable situation. You can discreetly inform staff at the venue that you want to "speak to Angela" and they can assist you with the situation.
- Exeter Safe Space
If you’re worried or you need any help, you can also visit Exeter’s Safe Space. This is run by volunteers and is a place in the city centre you can go to get any medical assistance, support or just grab a bottle of water and have a chat! You can find it opposite Urban Outfitters on the High Street, open 23:00 – 03:00 on the following dates during term 1:
- 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 September
- 31 October 2024
- 1, 2 & 5 November 2024
- 11, 13, 14, 20, 21 & 31 December 2024
Getting home from your night out:
Exeter is a great city with plenty of places open until 03:00. To make sure you get home safely, we recommend:
- Walk home with friends
Always walk home with friends, and choose a route that is well lit. If you’re living on campus, stick to the safer walking routes that have enhanced lighting and CCTV which is monitored by our Estates Patrol team.
- Use the UNI Night Bus
The UNI Night Bus operates until 04:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays during term time. This bus runs from the city centre (Paris Street) and passes residences including Duryard, Birks Grange Village, St David’s Station, East Park, Lafrowda and St German’s. The cost of a single ticket on the UNI night bus is still just £2 and you can also board with your daily, weekly or term-time rider ticket. You can find the timetable here.
Bear in mind that because it starts at midnight on the Stagecoach timetable it appears as Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
For students living close to St Luke’s, there is currently no bus that runs after midnight. If this is something you would like your Officers to be campaigning for, please get in touch with us!
- Split a taxi with friends
Taking a taxi home is also a safer way to get home, and splitting the cost of a taxi with your friends will make it cheaper. Apple Taxis are the largest taxi company here in Exeter and they’re open 24/7. You can book a taxi through their app, their website or calling them on 01392 666666.
If you don’t have any money on you, Apple Taxis do a scheme where you can pay through the Uni later. Book your Apple taxi to ‘Estate Patrol’ at Northcote House on Campus and Estate Patrol will pay for your taxi and charge you at a later date, and after that the driver will take you home!
- Contact Estate Patrol
Estate Patrol are here to help – if you need a hand getting home, or you’ve locked yourself out, Estate Patrol can help! You can call them 24 hours a day, the number is on the back of your UniCard.
- Chat to Nightline
Exeter Student Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening service which is run by trained student volunteers. You can find their number on the back of your student card to call them, or use their instant messaging service on their website.
We hope these tips will help you feel more confident in enjoying your night in a safe way!