10 things you’ll only know if you’ve lived in an all-girls Exeter house

Living in an all-girls uni house in Exeter is an experience you’ll never forget. You get to live with your closest friends, you’re all excited about decorating, hosting dinner parties and making the house your own. But like any uni house, they all come with their own quirks, unexpected discoveries and occasional frustrations. Life in an all-girls uni house is a world away from the chaos of the boys’ house next door. You go from cosy tea in the evening to mysteriously losing tops you swear were in your wardrobe? So, as dreamy as an all-girls uni house may seem, there’s some things you can expect when it comes to living in one.

1. Tea is the solution to everything

No matter the crisis—looming deadlines, questionable decisions from last night, or just the need for a breather—you can always count on a cup of tea in your favourite mug to make everything feel a bit better. There’s something undeniably comforting about sitting together, tea in hand, and talking it all through. You’ll end up spilling more than just your drink, having the most unhinged conversations that can never leave the house.

2. Love Island is a religion

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As 9PM approaches, you and your girls gather downstairs, sweet treats in hand, ready for an hour of pure drama. You might tell yourself, “I’m not really a Love Island fan,” but living in an all-girls Exeter student house changes things—by the end of the year, you’ll be hooked, planning your evenings around it without even realising. You’ll all end up having debates like, “Which one of us is most likely to go on Love Island?”—and you’ll insist it isn’t you.

3. The house Mum

Whether you realise it or not, someone in your house will naturally take on the role of the “Mum” friend. She’ll tell you off for leaving your dishes in the sink but will be baking brownies for everyone half an hour later. She’s the one who keeps the house together, always looking out for everyone—even if it means dishing out a bit of tough love. After all, how else would you remember to pay your rent?

4. The favourite mug

Mugs are a prized possession for an Exeter student, and everyone has their favourite. You’ll soon realise that somehow, everyone seems to love the same one, turning every morning into a race for that perfectly shaped Emma Bridgewater mug. If it ever mysteriously disappears, chances are it’s sitting on your besties desk. But can you really blame them?

5. Hair. Everywhere.

One of the few downsides of an all-girls Exeter house? Hair. It’s everywhere. No matter how many flowers and candles you scatter around to make the place feel cosy, nothing can prepare you for the horrors lurking in the shower drain. Maybe it’s best not to go into too much detail—some things are better left undiscovered. But if you’re lucky, you might just find out for yourself.

6. Random cravings become a group mission

One person fancies something sweet, and suddenly the whole house is on a pilgrimage to Co-op. By the end of the year, your bank statement will be a painful reminder of all those impulsive late-night snack runs. You might be thinking, “No, this won’t happen to me.” Think again. The excitement of financial freedom in your first home is real—so stay responsible, but don’t miss out.

7. The crisis clean

When life gets tough, some turn to deep cleaning as a coping mechanism. One minute, they’re feeling down, and the next, they’re scrubbing the bathroom or reorganising the kitchen. The housemates might raise an eyebrow, but no one’s complaining when the place is spotless. It’s a tried-and-tested form of therapy that works every time. Feeling stressed? Scrub away the mould in the bathroom—instant healing.

8. The missing items of clothing

Suddenly, you have 5 wardrobes at your disposal. Overwhelmed with choice, you find yourself raiding everyone’s clothes—until the dreaded message pops up in the group chat: “Hey, has anyone seen my navy sweatshirt?” And, reluctantly, you have to return it to its rightful owner. Of course, your own tops will also mysteriously disappear, only to reappear on your friend the next day. It’s the price you pay for living in an all-girls house. Take it as a compliment—you’ve clearly got great style.

There’s an undeniable sense of superiority that comes with living in a house that’s just that little bit more organised than the rest. You’ll hear horror stories from the house next door—dishes piled up, mysteriously missing doors—and suddenly, your clean, vanilla-scented, fairy light-filled dream house feels like a sanctuary. As you sit back and admire your home, you’ll never want to leave. It’s not just a place to live; it’s your personal haven, and, let’s be honest, you know it’s the best in Exeter.

10. “Can someone let me in, please?”

Forgot your key? Leaving the house and hoping no one locks the door while you’re at your lecture is always a risky move. Nine times out of ten, your prayers go unanswered, and you’ll find yourself standing on the doorstep like a stray cat, scratching at the door, waiting to be let in. The struggle is real, and somehow, it always seems to happen at the worst possible moment.