University of Essex

Accommodation

For the 2023/24 academic year, all full-time undergraduate students are guaranteed placement in university accommodation, provided that they apply before the 5^{th of} September. There are a number of accommodation options available, designed to suit all budgets and preferences, and all provide clean, safe and comfortable housing located within a convenient distance of the university campus.

Options include studios, single rooms with shared facilities and single en suite rooms, as well as shared and self-contained housing which is suitable for single or double occupancy. There are tower buildings and townhouses available, and every option adheres to a strict quality assurance schedule and the Student Accommodation Code of Practices (SAC), ensuring a respectful and inclusive living and learning community.

Costs vary, based on specific conditions, but include utility bills and internet access, ensuring a convenient package which allows easy focus on studying and expanding horizons.

At the Colchester campus, there are seven different types of student housing to choose from. These range from social flats to private studios, so students can pick the accommodation that best suits them. Prices range from £107.52 to £203.28 per week.

Available halls and residences include:

• The Towers
• South Courts
• The Houses
• The Meadows
• The Copse
• University Quays
• Wolfson Court

University of Essex students on Whatuni say:

“Spacious and close to uni.”

“The university is situated in a lovely setting and is well-constructed.”

“The room has plenty of storage space, and the kitchen also has plenty of storage, plus kitchen appliances.”

Facilities

The University of Essex provides a comprehensive programme of resources and facilities across its three UK campuses, investing intelligently in the equipment and opportunities which its undergraduate students have access to.

The university’s Colchester campus is a purpose-built facility, which acts as a self-contained learning environment containing all the amenities needed for academic and personal success. The site also contains coffee shops, cafés and food vendors ensuring that students can easily stay refreshed and refuelled while on campus.

The main library is a state-of-the-art facility with an extensive archive of physical and digital resources, as well as individual and group study spaces and superb IT support.

There is also a dedicated STEM centre, with specialist lab for advanced research and learning. It contains:

• Essex Law Clinic
• ESCALA (the Essex Collection of Art from Latin America) is unique in Europe, offering unparalleled access to art from Latin America.
• Albert Sloman Library – A six-story building including a library and private workspaces in the form of pods and reading rooms.
• Essex Sport Arena – A £12 million building hosting a gym, a sports arena, 250-metre climbing wall and over 20 indoor courts, including basketball, netball, volleyball and squash.
• Specialist labs – Including Biophysical and Biochemical Facilities, Ecology and Environmental Microbiology Facilities and Bioimaging.
• Centre for Brain Science including a transcranial magnetic simulator and a virtual reality suite.

Whether it’s a food market, underground club with a 1,200 capacity or cultural and arts events at the Lakeside Theatre, the Colchester campus is the place to be.

University of Essex students on Whatuni say:

“It has some really good facilities and has integrated zoom into the tech they have on campus.”

“The Labs are outstanding.”

“There is a club on campus and good facilities like the library and other learning hubs.”