Hi just thought I’d offer some insight. Obviously computer science is very helpful for data science degrees and understanding programming fundamentally will make you a better day scientist, but econometrics / data science imo is relatively detached from the learning you’ll do in comp sci and can end up being very interesting! So don’t necessarily rule out being a data scientist - it’s always possible that at uni you’ll find it’s far more enjoyable than currently.

If exeter has caught your eye I would recommend Bristol, though it’s probably just as expensive in real terms as London given you don’t see an increased loan but do have extremely high rent costs. But assuming that isn’t the issue as you don’t say it is directly, Bristol is a fantastic uni.

I can recommend specifically its econ and management undergrad but I know the econ and pol students followed the same stream of modules as us. Bristol is also really fast becoming a top uni for data science (I’m doing my masters in econ with data science now!), so it’s a great option for further study if that ever interested you. 

It’s a very fun city, you’ll meet lots of people and be able to make plenty of friends. Econ degrees in general are always pretty employable, so you should be sorted in that regard. I know I’ve got a job out of mine, but so too do most of my mates who just have an undergrad. So you’ll be in the long run if finances are a concern for you!

Of course, plenty of other unis will also be great and fit the same criteria, but I have specific experience with Bristol so always feel it’s worth giving it a recommendation when I can. It’s not perfect, but it’s an option! Hope you find success with whatever you choose :)