University of Exeter – students and staff

University of Exeter Membership at the Devon & Exeter Institution (DEI)

Following discussions with the University, we are pleased to report that our funded partnership will carry on for another academic year. This means that we can continue to offer a limited number of complimentary* University memberships for 2026-27.

*University Membership is subject to a one-off £15 joining fee.

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for University Membership, you must be:

• A current undergraduate or postgraduate student, OR
• A serving member of the academic staff at the University of Exeter.

PLEASE NOTE: Administrative and Professional Services staff, as well as Honorary and retired academic staff, are not eligible. We understand that some job roles straddle these labels; if you’re in any doubt as to your eligibility, we appreciate your getting in touch.

Purpose of University Membership

University Membership is primarily designed for those who require access to our historic and local collections for research.

The Institution is not a general study space. However, when capacity allows, we welcome University members to study in the Institution on a first come, first served basis.

• Study space is usually available at the front of the building in the the Blue Room, the Parlour and the Green Room.

• The Inner Library is reserved for those actively accessing the collections.

• Please note that the Courtenay Room café is a laptop-free zone, designed for reading, conversation, and refreshments.

Further information about how to use our spaces and facilities is available in the Welcome Pack, which all new University members will receive by email when they join.

JOIN NOW

Pop in and speak to the volunteer on our front desk, or follow the instructions below to sign up online.

1. To sign up for University membership online, click here.
2. Scroll down, select ‘University membership’, and proceed to checkout.
3. Set up a membership account when prompted. Please make sure you fill out the online ‘Membership Form’ (it asks for details such as an Emergency Contact).
4. Select your preferred payment option. NB if you select cash or offline card you will need to come into the DEI to make that payment.

What happens next?

Whether you sign up online or in person, once we have all of your details and you have paid your membership fees, you will receive an email from us officially welcoming you to the Institution. (NB if you opt to pay by Direct Debit, it might take up to 2 weeks before you hear from us.) There will be a Welcome Pack attached to the email, which contains lots of useful info about using our resources and facilities, so please do take a moment to read it.

When you first come into the DEI, please remember to bring your Uni ID card with you so that we can check your details. You will also be given a brief orientation to help you feel at home in our spaces. You are warmly encouraged to come along to one of our free Wednesday afternoon tours if you’d like to find out more about the Institution and its history. You may also like to book a 15-minute Library Induction to find out how to access our collections (email [email protected]).

Renewing Your Membership

University membership runs in line with the academic year.

• Membership must be renewed before the start of each new academic year, regardless of when you joined.

• In May/June, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your continued eligibility and wish to renew.

• If we do not receive a reply, we will assume you have left the University and remove your details from our system.

• If you later wish to re-join, you will need to pay the £15 joining fee again.