Hit a home run

The second largest accommodation area on offer here at Essex, South Courts is an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts or gym goers, as you're located right next door to our Sports Centre.

As part of the University’s focus to reach net zero carbon emissions, in line with the 2008 Climate Change Act, by 2035 we will be installing new solar panels to our South Courts accommodation.

The works will be completed between 17 June and 24 December 2024.

We endeavour to mitigate any disturbance but there is likely to be some noise due to the installation of scaffolding, therefore, please do use the alternative study spaces on campus, should you find it difficult to study in your room.

 

The details
1,219
Colchester Campus
Ensuite
Undergraduate students
Room and Accommodation Type 2025-2026 Prices 
Standard shared twin £101.78
Standard single £197.89
Enhanced single £202.58
Premium single £206.71

Check out the 2024-2025 prices.

  
Don't forget, you can apply for accommodation with us as soon as we're your first choice. 
Apply for accommodation now

Please note that contract lengths vary in line with course dates. Postgraduate courses are normally 50 weeks and undergraduate courses are normally 39 weeks, however, some courses start earlier or finish later than others.

About South Courts

South Courts is near lots of green space to enjoy a walk or jog and only a five-minute walk to the centre of campus. This accommodation is ideal if you want the perfect balance between your academic studies and social life.

Each of the eight courts, Rowhedge, Thaxted, Manningtree, Brightlingsea, Harwich, Alresford, Frinton, and Walton are arranged into flats with shared kitchens for four to fourteen students, providing a great social hub to make friends and chat about your day. The larger flats accommodating up to fourteen students have two or three kitchens shared between the flat.

South Courts accommodation were built at different stages and, therefore, can be different in appearance, as well as the size of flat. Equally, rooms may slightly vary in size and layout, depending on where they are situated in the building.

Find out more about the South Courts Facebook group and view full address.

Building Works

Necessary works to House 6 of Alresford Court, in South Courts on our Colchester campus, are likely to start in September 2024 and will be completed within a 10 month period of commencement.

The noise from the works are likely to affect Harwich Court Houses 16-23 the most, due to the proximity of the building. However, everything will be done to mitigate the impact on those living in South Courts.

Although there will be some noise and disruption during these works, there will be no disturbance during the evenings, weekends, or Bank Holidays unless absolutely necessary.

Alternate study areas are available for you to use, if you are not able to study in your room.

Two students talking in their kitchen
3-Year Accommodation Deal

New students can lock in the current prices for the duration of your studies with our NEW 3-year contract. Keep the same room you've made home, Summer accommodation at the same rate and no price changes for 3 years. Peace of mind and easy living!

Find out more

Room and kitchen details

The rooms in South Courts are spacious and modern.

  • Standard, enhanced (refurbished) or premium (bigger bed) rooms available
  • Single bed (apart from premium rooms and self-contained)
  • 1 Self-contained flat
  • 26 shared twin en suite rooms 
  • 57 premium rooms
  • 219 single enhanced rooms
  • 912 single standard rooms
  • En suite shower and toilet facilities in each bedroom
  • Available for undergraduates
  • 4 wheelchair-adapted rooms with kitchens designed for wheelchair users and adapted bathrooms
  • No lifts available
  • Typical dimensions: 3.9m x 4.8m (18.7m3), however, room and flat sizes can vary throughout South Courts.
  • Room includes desk, chair, bed, wardrobe, shelving, mirror, lamp, bin
  • Kitchens have a hob, oven, multiple fridges and freezers, a kettle, and a microwave (a hoover and ironing board are provided for each flat)

Location

South Courts is located just a 5 minute walk from the centre of campus where you will find the Albert Sloman Library, SU bar, SU Shop, eatery outlets and plenty more. It is also only a 2 minute walk to our gym and other sport facilities located on the edge of the University campus.

South Towers Enhanced Single Bedroom
Car parking for residents

Car parking permits are available for a limited number of accommodation areas on the Colchester Campus. Current availability is for those choosing to live in either South Courts or The Meadows. The permits are offered on a first-come-served basis and spaces are limited. The permit will be charged at a reduced rate of £25.00 per term. Please contact us for more details. This offer is only available to new students starting their course in 2024-25.

Contact Us
Accommodation: South Courts

Benefits of campus living

There are many advantages to living on campus at Essex - you’ll have your lectures on your doorstep, get to know the University inside and out plus you’ll be right in the heart of the action.

Quality Guarantee

Accommodation Essex is a member of the Universities UK Student Accommodation Code (SAC) which sets out the quality and standards (.pdf) that students can expect from our accommodation.

To make sure we comply with the Housing Act 2004, Accommodation Essex adhere to the UUK Student Accommodation Code, which has been designed to protect your rights to safe, good quality university-managed accommodation.

Derwent, the management company for The Copse, University Quays, and The Meadows, as well as BYUK FM, who manage The Pastures, adhere to National Code Assured Accommodation (ANUK).

Fixed cost

At Essex, we recognise the cost of living challenges that will impact our students. For example, your weekly rent includes your energy bills and internet access.

Gym

If you are living on the Colchester Campus, then you get a silver Essex Sport gym membership included in your rent.

Medical centre

There is a medical centre at Colchester Campus for you to visit when you are unwell. However, you will need to register before you can see a doctor. You can register online either just before or when you arrive.

Security

Our campuses are generally very safe environments. We want to ensure that things stay this way. There is 24-hour security at our Colchester Campus.

Support services

We have a wide range of support services to help you with everyday worries in your accommodation or for practical or personal issues.

Support is available to you within your Student Services Hub, providing advice and support on a range of issues such as financial worries, immigration issues and support for students with additional needs or specific health concerns.

SU Advice, run by the Students' Union, offers welfare advice to students on a range of issues. SU Advice is located on Square 3.

Insurance

By partnering with Howden, the No.1 student insurance provider, we've arranged contents insurance for all of our students staying with us, in our residence, at no cost to you.

disability go logo
Adapted flats

We offer a number of studio flats adapted for wheelchair users. Find out more.

Two female students in accommodation sitting on the beds and looking at a phone
Postal address
Name of Court followed by House. Flat/Room (eg, Harwich Court 3.1/D) University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park
Colchester, CO4 3SQ
student talking to support staff
Contact us

For enquiries about accommodation or about an application you're making, contact us at the Student Services Hub. Quote your full name and PRID or PG number on all correspondence.