Only in Exeter: Seven things locals always say about their city

Exeter has its quirks, and if you’ve lived here long enough, you’ll know the sayings, the sighs, and the exclamations that only make sense to people who call the city home.

“Is the Quay flooded again!?” is usually the first thing a local will ask after heavy rain. 

Flood warnings are practically a seasonal greeting for those living near the river, and residents have learned to navigate soggy boots and soggier hair with resigned humour.

Venturing into the city centre brings its own unspoken rules. “Don’t make eye contact with anyone on Sidwell Street?” is something newcomers might not understand, but for locals it’s almost a mantra during busy rush hour. 

Then there’s the weather. “Surely it’s warm enough to go to Exmouth?” is the classic Devon debate whenever the sun makes a rare appearance. 

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Locals weigh jackets, shorts, and the distance to the coast with meticulous care before committing to a day at the beach.

The city’s hills are another topic of conversation. “I’m out of breath from all these hills!” is heard often from students, tourists, and even locals who forget just how steep Exeter’s streets can be after a week of indulgent brunches or a heavy shopping haul.

Speaking of students, the city noticeably changes when they’re away. “Is it the uni holidays? Town is dead!” is a common lament from shopkeepers, café owners, and residents alike. Exeter without students feels quieter, emptier, almost like the heart of the city has gone on vacation too.

And when they’re back? “This place is full of students” becomes the daily commentary, often accompanied by an amused shake of the head at the influx of bicycles, hoodies, and takeaway coffee cups that flood the streets during term time.

Living in Exeter means embracing its unique rhythm: the floods, the hills, the ever-changing student population, and the subtle local rules about where to look and where not to. 

While outsiders might raise an eyebrow, those who live here just nod knowingly and repeat the sayings that have become part of city life.