Your Life. Your Home. Your Essex.

Accommodation at Essex is more than just a room. It’s your place to connect and thrive, make friends for life, and embrace the moments that make you.

We know that for some of you, moving away from home may seem like a daunting prospect; that’s why at Essex we try our hardest to help you settle in, starting by guaranteeing accommodation for all our first-year students and all our undergraduate international students for the duration of their course (subject to conditions). Giving our students the opportunity to live at the heart of a vibrant community with shared values and diverse interest, in an environment where you will succeed.

Our accommodation

Where you live is a very important part of your experience here at Essex, and with our wide range of options within walking distance of campus facilities you have plenty to choose from. Bills are included in your rent including Wi-Fi, heating, hot water, contents insurance, electricity and the cleaning of communal areas. Plus, living on our Colchester campus you also receive an Essex Sport gym membership.

Rooms for undergraduates are normally let for the full academic year, from late September to the end of June, which means that even if you're away from the University during the winter and spring vacations, you don't have to remove your things from your room. Postgraduate students let rooms for 50 weeks, until mid-September.

Our single accommodation is arranged into self-catering flats, complete with fully equipped shared kitchens. We also have adapted rooms and shared accommodation available, so you'll be able to find the perfect place for you.


Our Colchester Campus is just under an hour from London.
Virtual Campus Tour

Explore our campus facilities and get a feel for accommodation using our virtual tour tool.

Take a look around

Settling in

Our Residence Life team helps to create a welcoming and friendly community for you to live and learn in. You'll have a Residents' Assistant based in your area of accommodation who'll meet you soon after you arrive. They'll make sure that you have opportunities to get involved in University life and social activities, and provide support outside of office hours.

Code of Student Conduct

You are required to maintain a standard of conduct within the accommodation that promotes a good order and the reputation of the University. 

In accepting a place within our accommodation, you agree to be bound by the University's rules and regulations, which include the Code of Student Conduct (.pdf).

Essex American football team
Essex Sport membership

For students applying for accommodation in Colchester, we’re including an Essex Sport Silver membership package within your rent. See what's included within the Silver student membership package.

Find out more