Located in South East England, Colchester is England’s oldest known town, and offers students plenty of benefits, from a friendly community, to lots of exclusive student deals, to the location of the town itself, which is a commutable distance from London. If you’re thinking about studying in Colchester, our list of reasons to live and study here has everything you need to be convinced to apply to uni here.

1. Educational opportunities

Colchester is home to the University of Essex’s main campus, meaning there’s a large student population, hundreds of courses on offer across a wide range of subject areas, and offers students the chance to study on a large campus, situated in scenic parkland.

2. Thriving arts and culture scene

Across Colchester, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved in art and culture. Whether it’s paying a visit to one of the many galleries or museums, or whether you prefer live performances such as those at music venues or theatres, you’ll find something that interests you.

3. Britain’s oldest town

Colchester is the oldest recorded town in Britain, so there’s a rich history to explore. The town’s history dates back over 2,000 years, and you’ll find remnants of old settlements still around the town, such as the Roman Walls and Colchester Castle.

4. Vibrant nightlife

Whether you’re looking for a classic club night, a fancy cocktail evening, a quiet night with a pint in a traditional pub, or some live entertainment such as live music or a theatre performance, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for thanks to Colchester’s vibrant nightlife scene.

5. Famous and historical names

There’s a range of well-known names who hailed from Colchester, including presenter Dermot O’Leary, prophet John Bull, philosopher and writer Margaret Cavendish, and actor Beth Goddard. While you probably won’t spot any of them out and about, you might spot some of the places they lived in or visited during their time in the town.

6. Transport connections

From Colchester station, you’ll find direct trains to locations including London, Clacton-on-Sea, Ipswich and Norwich. As well as trains, you’ll have access to the local bus network, connecting the town to the suburbs. There are also coaches that run between Colchester and a wide range of UK destinations, so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to public transport, whether you’re travelling somewhere nearby or further afield.

7. Lots of green spaces

Around the town, you’ll find lots of parks, green spaces and nature reserves. The town also has its own zoo, if you’re looking for a more structured day in the great outdoors. If it’s a picnic and a sunbathe you’re after, then somewhere like Castle Park or High Woods Country Park might be for you.

8. Affordable housing

The average rent in Colchester is far lower than many of the UK’s major cities. Given that Colchester is within commuting distance of London, you’ll be saving a lot in rent compared with students living nearby in the capital. In Colchester, you can rent a room in a shared house for around £500 per month, whereas in London you’d be looking at something closer to £800.

Learn more about the cost of living in Colchester.

9. Friendly locals

The town has a strong community feel, and you’ll find events happening throughout the year where locals and students can celebrate together. There are markets, festivals and more happening, so make sure you keep an eye on the town’s events calendar to see what grabs your attention.

10. Job opportunities

Despite being a fairly small town, the student population in Colchester means there are lots of retail and hospitality establishments, which means lots of ideal part-time student jobs so you can earn some extra cash while you study. If you’re looking further to the future, Colchester is a commutable distance from London, which means you’ll have access to the London job market without the necessity of paying London prices.

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Read our guide to studying in Colchester.