Uni open days - practicalities

[MrsWimpy]

DD is 17 and needs to start visiting universities. One of the ones she wants to consider is Exeter and it's too far for a day trip from where we live.
She would probably go with her boyfriend but is a cheap hotel going to let 17 year olds book a room without an adult there?

I can take her to some but due to other commitments I can't make this one.

Does anyone know Exeter Uni and any cheap places to stay that would take a couple of 17 year olds!

https://www.telstar-hotel.co.uk/

When DD went to an open day at Exeter, she, I and DS2, who was dragged along to get him out of his room for a couple of days, stayed here. On a quick glance through, I can't see a definite 'over 18 only', but it may be very obvious and I've just missed it. If not, worth asking - it's very close to St David's station (but do not ignore their warning re the steep climb...) and walking distance of the Streatham Campus, although I would suggest that channelling one's inner mountain goat woukd be sensible preparation.

I understand Travellodge allow kids from 16, no idea if there's one in Exeter. Otherwise you will have to check.
@MarchingFrogs while my mountain goat deserted me in the 34 degree heat when we visited (extra poundage didn't help), my not particularly fit teenage daughter had no problem with the climb!

I think the YHA accept bookings from unaccompanied 17-year-olds.

Not strictly allowed but quite a few chains have electronic check in

The uni used to run buses from the station so staying near there can be helpful!

We found the whole day a draining bunfight some years ago so not going sounds like bliss.

@mondaytosunday the days we were there were not only unseasonably warm, but exceedingly muggy...

Struggling so far to find anywhere that will take under 18s 😕
Travelodge seems to be on the M5 which is tricky when they are coming by train!

I think I'd be encouraging her to do the Online Tour for Exeter.

@MrsWimpy Exter uni has Holland Hall on hotels.com. So is uni offering accommodation for open day? We stayed at a Leeds hall of residence when DD looked round. Or what about a B&B if you speak to the owner?

@TizerorFizz thanks that looked really promising but they are sold out.
I think it'll have to the Travelodge and they will have to either walk or bus to the campus - looks like it's about an hour and a half walk 😏

@MrsWimpy Taxi?

Maybe you already have , but is it worth contacting the uni to see what they advise? They may have come across this before.

DD also looking at Exeter, we went for a drive around there to get a feel for the place and she loved it.

Walking from the Travelodge is quite some distance though, plus as others have mentioned the university itself is on a steep hill (unless she is at another campus).

Could they do it in a day trip via the train instead?

(Just seen you've said it's too far for a day trip but even with an early start and late home?)

As PPs have said , Travelodge or hostel. I booked my DD into a private hotel in St Andrews for this very reason.

The Travelodge is fairly close to both Digby and Sowton station and the Park and Ride - so not too tricky to get into town and the uni.

There is a premier inn next to St Davids train station. https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/devon/exeter/exeter-central-st-davids.html?cid=KNC_Brn|_G_UK_UK_Eng_Enc_Brand-Destinations_LO_Devon_EX&mckv=sDAVgeGtA_dm|pcrid|691664250127|kword|premier%20inn%20exeter|match|e|plid||pgrid|45371035099|ptaid|kwd-301193302023|&s_kwcid=AL!9693!3!691664250127!e!!g!!premier%20inn%20exeter!902402543!45371035099&ef_id=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xSM5DUfpbL1GgS0Ehq-vLuK9wDcl1oX0KSMCIKh89CMD9i4eUA0cqMaAp8DEALw_wcB:G:s&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xSM5DUfpbL1GgS0Ehq-vLuK9wDcl1oX0KSMCIKh89CMD9i4eUA0cqMaAp8DEALw_wcB&BRAND=PI

Just cross the road over to the train station car park and you can catch the minibus up the hill https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/campusservices/facilitiesoperations/transport/shuttle/

There is a place in town 'Globe Backpackers' that is a hostel. Walk five mins into city centre and catch the 'Uni' bus into campus from the bus stop between M&S and Tesco Express/Sports Direct on the side closest to M&S.

I'd just go to the Premier Inn and say you're 18 (if you need to state your age when booking).

I checked with the hostel and they said no and that they check ID. Premier Inn said the same although I expect they could possibly get away with it.

Yes I think they'll do a long day trip - to be honest I don't really want her to go there as the distance is going to be a constant issue but she needs to make her own mind up of course!

Thank you for the help.

Recently stayed at Premier Inn, Exeter City Centre for Exeter Uni Offer Holder Day. It was an electronic check in and out so nobody checking anything! At breakfast the next morning, they just wanted our room numbers. Very simple and easy stay.

@MrsWimpy If she goes to uni there it’s not expensive for you to stay overnight somewhere if you look at the total cost of uni. Your DD doing one way by train isn’t such a big deal for the odd home visit. Assuming you are not in Newcastle of course!

@TizerorFizz no busses except to the St Luke's campus, even though the admissions office said there would be! The (fit, young) student ambassador at the station said 'oh it's just a 10 minute walk'!
Bristol was also on a very hot day. After both those Durham was fine (didn't go to the top of the hill though).

The Travel Lodge is opposite the park and ride. Bus directly into town. Then either 20 min walk to campus or the UNI stagecoach bus from the town centre. It’s really not that bad!

@mondaytosunday Thats just ludicrous! We were at their park and ride which did provide buses to the main campus. However we waited for 90 minutes! DD missed talks. She wasn’t impressed and it was a shambles.

Where did they have you park?