Student Accommodations near University of Essex Colchester

The University of Essex is one of the best universities in the UK and welcomes thousands of students every year to become part of its vibrant and diverse student community. One of the main challenges students face even before arriving in the country is finding the right student accommodation in Colchester. Although there are several excellent options to choose from, like Elmstead Place, Enso, Hythe Mills, and 27 Magdalen Street, finding the best property based on your individual needs can be quite a hassle.

This is where University Living comes into the picture. With over a decade of experience in the international student accommodation industry, we have helped over 2 million students to date find the right student property in around 640 cities worldwide. ULInfinity also helps students transition into a new phase of their life by providing critical services like international SIM cards, airport transfers, flight tickets, and forex. Some of the top neighbourhoods for student accommodation near the University of Essex are Greenstead, The Hythe, and Wivenhoe, and the starting rent for student properties is just £85 per week!

Student accommodation near the University of Essex comes in various types, namely: University Student Halls, Student Housing (PBSAs), and Private Apartments. These property types are standard across all student accommodation in UK. University of Essex student halls are accommodations provided directly by the university, but they are quite limited in number and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For off-campus accommodation, students can choose from a range of room types, including En-Suite / Non-En-Suite, studio apartments, and shared apartments.

Founded in 1964, the University of Essex was established as a pioneering university dedicated to challenging conventions and changing lives. It is a member of the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) alliance and has consistently ranked among the top 40 universities in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2025). The university is renowned globally for its excellence in social sciences, humanities, and science research.

The university is home to over 18,000 students, with more than 40% coming from outside the UK, representing over 140 countries. Its main campuses are:

• Colchester Campus

• Southend Campus

• Loughton Campus

The University of Essex is famous for its courses in politics, economics, sociology, law, psychology, computer science, and creative arts, alongside interdisciplinary programs integrating data science, human rights, and business analytics. Its research reputation is outstanding, with over 85% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), ranking among the top 25 universities in the UK for research quality. The university is also home to the UK Data Archive, one of the world's largest collections of social and economic data. The University of Essex has produced numerous notable alumni, including two Nobel Prize winners (Drs. Peter Mansfield and Sir Christopher Pissarides), former Presidents of Mexico and Kenya, Oscar-winning filmmakers, and leaders in politics, law, and journalism.

Some of the top student accommodation near University of Essex include Elmstead Place, Enso, Hythe Mills, and 27 Magdalen Street. These properties are located in close proximity to the university and provide every basic amenity that you might need as a student in the city. The rent for these properties ranges between £124 and £210/wk, and the best part is, this rent includes major utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills. Some of the top student properties near the University of Essex include:

1. Elmstead Place Colchester

• Address: 48 Elmstead Rd, Colchester CO4 3GD, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 6-minute bus ride from University of Essex

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a breakfast bar, a rooftop terrace, a games room, and a common lounge!

• Best for: Students looking for one of the best student properties near the university with great amenities.

• Nearby attractions: University of Essex Lakes & Wivenhoe Park, Colchester Castle, and The Minories Art Gallery.

2. Enso Colchester

• Address: 6-7 Hawkins Rd, Colchester CO2 8LH, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around a 6-minute bus ride from University of Essex

• Property highlights: Students get a fully fitted kitchen, a common lounge, a cinema, and a co-working area.

• Best for: Students looking for one of the best student property near the university with great amenities.

• Nearby attractions: Colchester Castle & Castle Park, Hollytrees Museum, and Colchester Zoo.

3. Hythe Mills Colchester

• Address: Hawkins Road, Colchester, CO2 8JX, UK

• Distance from University: Around 6-minute bus ride from University of Essex

• Property highlights: Students get access to a meeting room, a music room, a games room, and a cinema.

• Best for: Students looking for some of the best studio apartments Colchester with great amenities.

• Nearby attractions: The Wivenhoe Trail, Firstsite, and Colchester Zoo.

4. 27 Magdalen Street Colchester

• Address: 27 Magdalen St, Colchester CO1 2ZT, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 10-minute bus ride from University of Essex

• Property highlights: Students get access to a huge garden, a co-working area, and a meeting room.

• Best for: Students looking for some cheap student accommodation Colchester

• Nearby attractions: Firstsite, Hollytrees Museum, Mercury Theatre, and Dutch Quarter.

5. The Maltings Colchester

• Address: Haven Rd, Colchester CO2 8FU, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 6-minute bus ride from University of Essex

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a ping-pong table, a sauna, an elevator, and a library.

• Best for: Students looking for one of the best property near the university with great amenities.

• Nearby attractions: University of Essex Lakes & Wivenhoe Park, The Wivenhoe Trail, and Hythe Railway.

The monthly cost of living for students near University of Essex typically falls between £850 and £1,550. This range reflects the fact that the cost of living in Colchester is much more affordable than that of London. Although the cost of living varies from person to person, it's important to understand that if students create a realistic budget and stick to it, they can comfortably get through a month in Colchester for well under £850. The table below highlights some of the key expenses students might expect to incur during their time in the city.

Students must note that these figures are tentative and might change based on their actual expenses and lifestyle. To get a better idea of the cost of living near University of Essex, students can use University Living's exclusive Cost of Living Calculator.

Another significant expense for students in the city is tuition fees at the University of Essex. The fees for domestic students are capped at £9,790 per annum, while the tuition fees for international students are outlined briefly below:

Some of the best areas near the University of Essex for students include Colchester Town Centre, Greenstead, The Hythe, and Wivenhoe. These neighbourhoods are conveniently located and offer excellent transport links throughout the city. The best part about these areas is that they already have a thriving and well-established student community. As a result, everything a student might need is available within a short distance, and if they face any issues or concerns, they can reach out to their peers immediately. A brief overview of these areas is provided below:

Wivenhoe

One of the top area choices for student accommodation near the University of Essex is Wivenhoe, which is located just a short 5-minute walk from the university. This neighbourhood is located on the banks of the River Colne estuary and offers great convenience to students. One of the best places to be in the neighbourhood is the The Pavilion, which is a major social hub, and features several shops, cafes and launderettes. This area also houses Home Bargains, which is a discount store located less than 5 minutes from Wivenhoe, and is the best place to be for budget-friendly essentials. Tesco is also available for students in case they need some variety. The average rent for student properties in The Medows ranges between £800 and £1000 per month.

The Hythe

Located just south of the campus, another one of the top neighbourhoods for University of Essex student accommodation is The Hythe, and is just a short 15-minute walk to the university. This is more of a residential area and provides students with essential amenities and a more independent living experience. One of the best places to shop for weekly grocery essentials is Tesco Superstore, which is a large supermarket approximately a 15-minute walk from campus. The University Quays is a popular on-campus accommodation area located between campus and The Hythe, with its own bus stop. The average rent for student properties in the neighbourhood ranges between £750 and £900 per month.

Colchester City Centre

Best suited for students who want to enjoy their nightlife while studying during the day, the Colchester City Centre shall be your best place to be. This neighbourhood is just a short 20-minute walk from the university. The city centre is the heart of Britain’s oldest towns, and hence, is absolutely loved by students. One of the best places to visit is Colchester Castle, which is a beautifully preserved Norman castle built on the foundations of a Roman temple, and located in the centre's Castle Park. This area is also home to Firstsite, which is a contemporary visual arts organisation housed in a striking gold-coloured building, and hosts exhibitions, film screenings, and workshops. The average rent for student properties in the city centre ranges between £600 and £800 per month.

Greenstead

One of the top neighbourhoods for affordable student accommodation near University of Essex is Greenstead, and it is located a short 15-minute walk from the university. It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods for student rooms, and boasts a high student population due to its proximity to the university. One of the best places to visit is The Wivenhoe House Hotel, which is an historic country house hotel located on the edge of the university campus, and offers a bar and restaurant. Another one of the most visited locations by students is the Hollytrees Museum, which is situated right inside Castle Park. This Georgian mansion contains 300 years of local history and childhood exhibits. The average rent for student properties in the neighbourhood ranges between £500 and £750 per month.