University Quays

About University Quays

Close to campus, our historical city centre and to the Hythe train station; University Quays are perfectly located. Attend your lecture, clock in for a part-time job in the city, enjoy the bars and restaurants in Colchester when your shift is over, or jump on a train to the city with your friends.

Partner that with amazing views of the River Colne, where you can enjoy a Sunday afternoon bike ride, or pop to the nearby shops for your everyday essentials - just in time to hang out in the great social spaces that form part of the Quays apartments.

Our award-winning University Quays accommodation is around a 15-20 minute walk to the centre of campus.

• Matthews, Sainty, and Hawkins Quays are arranged into flats for four to eight students with shared kitchens
• Launderette on site
• Large supermarket just a short walk away
• There is one self-contained apartment available in this area (type D)
• Lifts are available in Sainty Houses 4 and 5 only
• Some shared accommodation available
• Available for undergraduates and postgraduates

We work with Uliving to provide student accommodation at University Quays. Your accommodation contract is with us but the management, maintenance, and cleaning services are provided by Derwent Students.

University Quays is included within Derwent Students ANUK/Unipol National Code accreditation.

Location

The Quays is located a 16 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 a 18 minute walk to our gym and other sport facilities located on the edge of the University campus

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.