Top 6 Student Accommodations in Colchester You’ll Actually Love

Let’s be real — picking the right student accommodation can make or break your uni experience. Whether you’re moving to Colchester for your first year, coming back for postgrad, or switching accommodation after halls, you’ll want a place that’s not just four walls and a bed. You need comfort, convenience, and a good vibe — all at a price that won’t wipe out your student loan. 

Well, good news — Colchester has seriously upped its game when it comes to student housing. In this blog, I’ve rounded up 6 top student accommodations in Colchester for 2025 that students genuinely love living in. Whether you’re after peace and quiet, gym access, a gaming lounge, or just a ridiculously short commute to uni — this list has you covered. Let’s dive in.

What Are the Best Student Accommodations in Colchester for 2025?

If you’re heading to Colchester in 2025, you’re in luck — the city has no shortage of fab student accommodation options. Whether you want a quiet studio, a buzzy en-suite flat with mates, or something premium with riverside views, there’s a space here for every budget and vibe. Here are six of the best student accommodations in Colchester for 2025 — properties that students actually love living in:

• The Maltings — laid-back community vibe, cinema room, gym + 13 mins to University of Essex 
• 27 Magdalen Street — central city living with PlayStation lounges and vibrant social spaces 
• Enso — modern en-suites + gym + study zones just a short walk from campus 
• Elmstead Place — boutique townhouse studios and micro studios, 5 mins from campus 
• Hythe Mills — designer feel, air-conditioned rooms, cinema room, games lounge — riverside living 
• Athena Hall (Ipswich) — perfect for students at University of Suffolk — waterfront views + unbeatable location 

So whether you want convenience, community, or chic living — these six picks will have you covered in 2025. 

What are the Key Features of The Maltings, Colchester Student Accommodation?

If you want the perfect mix of peace and practicality—The Maltings is hard to beat. Located on Haven Road, this popular property offers Colchester students a welcoming, well-connected base. The vibe? Laid-back, secure, and community-driven—ideal if you value both study time and social moments. Rooms here are bright and fully furnished, with your own ensuite for privacy (always a win). Fancy more space? Opt for a stylish Silver Ensuite or splash out on a Studio for extra independence.

There’s no shortage of great facilities either—communal lounges for Netflix nights, an outdoor courtyard for sunny afternoons, and a gym for post-lecture workouts. And the location? Spot on. You’re just a short hop from the University of Essex (13 mins by bus) and even closer to daily essentials—think fish & chips, supermarkets, green spaces, and cafés. For those weekend getaways, Hythe Train Station is within easy walking distance too. Following are the key details of The Maltings:

What Are the Key Features of 27 Magdalen Street, Colchester Student Accommodation?

If you’re after a student home that mixes city buzz with community vibes — 27 Magdalen Street is one of the smartest picks in Colchester. This stylish residence is located right in the heart of the city, meaning you’re surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and entertainment while also being just a short ride from campus.

What sets it apart? It’s not just a place to sleep — you’ll find regular social events, games lounges, PlayStation zones, and even peaceful courtyards when you need a break. Plus, the location is excellent: Colchester Town train station is a 2-minute stroll, and bus routes to the University of Essex are right outside the door. Convenience, comfort, and fun — all under one roof. Following are the key details of 27 Magdalen Street: 

What Are the Key Features of Enso, Colchester Student Accommodation?

Looking for a sleek and student-friendly place to live in Colchester? Enso delivers exactly that — and then some. Located on Hawkins Road, this contemporary residence is practically designed for uni life. Whether you’re a first-year or a postgrad, the setup here is all about easy living and a strong community vibe.

The location? Couldn’t be better — it’s a short stroll or quick cycle to the University of Essex. No crowded buses, no expensive taxis. And when you’re not at lectures, you’ve got all the right ingredients for a balanced student experience: a free onsite gym, bright study spaces, cosy TV lounges, and a landscaped courtyard that’s perfect for sunny afternoons. Following are the key details of Enso Colchester: 

What Are the Key Features of Elmstead Place, Colchester Student Accommodation?

If you’re after a student home that strikes the right balance between independence, comfort, and community living — look no further than Elmstead Place. Located on Elmstead Road, this smartly designed property is less than a 5-minute walk from the University of Essex. Yes — that means more time in bed and less time on buses! Elmstead Place caters to all types of student lifestyles, with options ranging from compact Micro Studios to spacious Premium Townhouse Studios.

Whether you want the buzz of shared living or prefer your own private space, you’ll find a room here that fits perfectly. The property itself comes packed with thoughtful features. From study rooms for those late-night prep sessions to a tranquil landscaped courtyard for sunny afternoons, it’s a space built for both focus and fun. Following are the key details of Elmstead Place: 

What Are the Key Features of Hythe Mills, Colchester Student Accommodation?

Looking for student accommodation that don’t feel like the usual set-up? Hythe Mills brings you the perfect mix of style, space, and serious comfort — right by the River Colne. The property is located on Hawkins Road, just a 15-minute stroll from the University of Essex — so you can hit that snooze button and still make it to lectures. But what really makes Hythe Mills stand out is its designer feel and luxury extras.

Think about air-conditioned en-suites (yep — you won’t be melting in summer), a slick cinema room for movie nights, and a vibrant games lounge where new friendships are practically guaranteed. Back in your room, you’ll find everything for both work and play — a proper study zone, heaps of storage, comfy bed, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi for all your streaming and studying needs. Plus, with Hythe train station just 5 minutes away, weekends away are totally on the cards. Following are the key details of Hythe Mills: 

What Are the Key Features of Athena Hall, Ipswich Student Accommodation?

If you want to wake up and roll straight into your lecture — Athena Hall is the spot. Located on University Avenue, this riverside residence is literally next door to the University of Suffolk (yep — a 2-min walk!), making it the ideal choice for students who value location, lifestyle, and convenience. The vibe here? Think waterfront views, modern en-suites, and a friendly, close-knit student community. When you’re not studying, you can unwind in the communal lounge, chill out by the Ipswich Waterfront, or hit up the nearby shops and cafes.

Everything is within walking distance — from Cineworld for movie nights to Alexandra Park for those much-needed study breaks. Inside, the rooms are fully furnished with cosy beds, loads of storage, and private bathrooms. And the best bit? Your rent includes all your bills, high-speed Wi-Fi, and even contents insurance — so you can budget stress-free. Following are the key details of Athena Hall, Ipswich: 

How to Book Top Student Accommodations in Colchester Through University Living?

Booking your student home in Colchester through University Living couldn’t be easier — it’s fast, secure, and totally student-friendly. You’ll find all the properties from this blog (and more!) ready to book with just a few clicks. Here’s how it works:

• Explore your options — Head to University Living, search student accommodation in Colchester, and browse tons of verified listings. 
• Use smart filters — Filter by price, distance to uni, en-suite/studio, gym, free laundry — whatever matters most to you. 
• Spot the deals — Look out for cashback offers, free Uber vouchers, or discounted laundry — UL often negotiates extra perks. 
• Speak to an expert — Not sure which property suits you? University Living has real humans available 24/7 via live chat and WhatsApp — they’ll guide you. 
• Book online securely — Once you’ve found your room, lock it in online. You can even request flexible contract terms, no visa/no pay guarantees, and group bookings. 
• Move in stress-free — With your room sorted and your bills included, you’ll be ready to enjoy student life in Colchester from day one. 

Pro tip: The best properties (like Hythe Mills or The Maltings) go fast — especially for studios. If you find a room you love, grab it early! 

Conclusion

There you have it — six of the best student accommodations in Colchester (and nearby Ipswich) that’ll make your 2025 uni year way more enjoyable. Whether you want riverside views at Hythe Mills, the unbeatable location of Athena Hall, or buzzing social spaces at 27 Magdalen Street, there’s a perfect match out there for every student. And booking your dream room is simple — just hop onto University Living, explore verified properties, grab any early-bird deals, and lock in your room stress-free. So… ready to start the search? Your ideal student home in Colchester is just a few clicks away. Happy house hunting! 

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