Student Accommodation in Colchester

Student Accommodation in Colchester

Colchester is a historic city in Essex in the East of England. It is located on the River Colne, about 50 miles northeast of London. It is also known as Britain's oldest recorded town. The city is known for its ancient Roman walls, the Balkerne Gate and many historic landmarks. It is also well connected by rail, with regular direct trains to London Liverpool Street in just under an hour. Apart from easy transportation links, students choose Colchester for its affordable living costs and excellent education. The city is home to one of the well-known universities in the UK—the University of Essex. According to HESA 2024/25 data, Colchester has 14,010 students, including 9,285 domestic and 4,725 international students.

Colchester has a well-developed student accommodation market with a good range of purpose-built student accommodation and shared housing options. Most student homes are located close to the University of Essex or have easy transport links to campus. While students have plenty of accommodation choices, the most popular properties are booked 3-4 months before the intake. At UniAcco, students can compare verified student accommodation in Colchester, explore different room types and prices, and receive 24/7 support to find the right student home.

 

Colchester in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Colchester?

Students choose accommodation in Colchester for its convenient location, affordable all-inclusive rent, modern amenities and safe living environment. Popular student areas like Hythe, Greenstead, Colchester City Centre, Wivenhoe and Lexden offer easy access to the University of Essex and are well connected by public transport. Most purpose-built student accommodations include utility bills, high-speed WiFi and contents insurance in the rent, making it easier for students to manage their monthly budget. These properties also offer modern amenities such as study spaces, gyms, communal lounges, bike storage and outdoor social areas. CCTV, secure entry systems, on-site management teams and 24/7 support provide students with a safe and comfortable place to live. Based on UniAcco's research, below are some of the insider insights that give students a clear picture of student accommodation in Colchester.

UniAcco Insights

• Average weekly rent: £164. 
• 77% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £143/week. 
• 22% choose studios, averaging £221/week.

 

Accommodation Types Available in Colchester

 

Top 5 Affordable Student Accommodation in Colchester 

Colchester is one of the most affordable cities in the UK compared to big cities like London and Manchester. In the city, it’s not impossible to find student accommodation that is well furnished, has all-inclusive bills, and is affordable at the same time. It's important to know where to look for this accommodation. Below are some of the most affordable student accommodations in Colchester. They not only fit your budget but also come with fully furnished rooms, top amenities and all-inclusive bills. 

• The Maltings, Colchester
• 27 Magdalen Street, Colchester
• Elmstead Place
• Enso
• Hythe Mills, Colchester

 

Best Student Housing in Colchester 

Students want to find homes in Colchester that actually tick all the boxes. The best student housing in Colchester isn’t only about a fully furnished room but also easy transport links, safety and proximity to the university. At UniAcco, the properties below have everything you want in your best student accommodation. They are highly top-rated student apartments in  Colchester; these are not random ratings; they come from real students who’ve actually lived there and experienced it firsthand. 

• Enso
• 27 Magdalen Street, Colchester
• The Maltings, Colchester
• Elmstead Place
• Hythe Mills, Colchester

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Colchester

• Hythe

The waterfront riverside location is one of the reasons students enjoy living at Hythe. Especially popular among first- and second-year students at the University of Essex, which is 18 minutes away from this area. Not only the university but even Hythe Railway station is also nearby, just a 9-minute walk away. This makes it easier for students to travel around the city. 

• Greenstead

Greenstead is a budget-friendly pick for students, popular with second- and third-year undergraduate students, with some postgraduate and international students too. This area has a residential vibe. The University of Essex is 21 minutes from this locality. Students in this area use regular bus services. They also love the range of takeaway options here, from pizza, Chinese, Indian, and kebabs. 

• Colchester City Centre

The heart of Britain's oldest recorded city is the city centre of Colchester. It offers convenient transport links to the University of Essex, with buses reaching the campus in around 17 minutes. This lively area gives students easy access to supermarkets, banks, gyms, and healthcare services. The city centre has a wide range of housing options, from well-furnished modern apartments and contemporary student flats Colchester to traditional period terraces. 

• Wivenhoe

The historic streets of Wivenhoe and the overall community here are pretty welcoming. Students choose this place for the University of Essex because it is just a 26-minute walk away. The area has a peaceful riverside setting with a friendly community and is known for its independent cafés, pubs, bookshops, and local restaurants. Wivenhoe also has its own railway station with direct trains to Colchester and London, making it a good option for students who travel regularly or want easy access to the city. 

• Lexden

One of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Colchester is Lexden. This area is known for its calm, quiet atmosphere. However, this area is farther from the campus—a 46-minute bus ride from the University of Essex. Students can also bike or use other transport links to get to the university. Unlike the busier student areas here, there is less traffic and nightlife. The most popular attractions in this area are Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle. Students will find Independent cafes and coffee shops along Lexden Road. 

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

 

Getting Around Colchester — Student Travel Guide

Colchester is a moderately big city. Walking isn’t always an option, especially if students are living in the Wivenhoe and Lexden area. But with good transport links, travelling becomes easy. Students also get university travel discounts, which makes it even more affordable. They rely on bus services, cycling, and even walking when the commute is shorter. Check out the different transport options in Colchester and what they're best used for in the table below: 

 

Transport options and costs: 

 

Student Life in Colchester

• Museum & Park

The Castle Museum is a big old castle built on Roman ruins, with a nice park around it. This museum showcases the Colchester Vase and the Fenwick Hoard and offers activities such as building a Norman archway. This place is filled with 2000 years of history.  There is ample green space in the 19th-century park, which is described as the city's green lung. This park has free entry, so students have an easy hangout spot with a boating lake, cafes, and enough space to relax and enjoy themselves. 

• Art Gallery & Art Centre

This place is a contemporary art gallery with a striking, golden, curved building that hosts modern art exhibitions and film screenings. Students often come here to hang out. They can watch films in a 190-seat auditorium. It also hosts live theatre, ballet, opera, and concerts. It also won the 2021 Art Fund Museum of the Year award. Entry is free for most exhibitions. It has a cafe, bar, restaurant, and shops, so you can also eat, drink, and spend the day here. Colchester Arts Centre for students interested in music, comedy, or live shows. What attracts students here is the location. It's inside an old church. Students come here to watch live gigs, stand-up comedy, theatre, and even community events. These events are often free or discounted.

• Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is a large zoo in a big park with over 150 different animals, including orangutans, and Komodo dragons. Students come here when they need a break from their mundane routine; it becomes a fun day out, especially for animal lovers. The zoo is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Students are usually seen having a good time here, especially in interactive areas like the sea lion tunnel. 

• Historic Attraction

The Roman Circus Visitor Centre is a small but interesting place where you can learn about Colchester’s Roman past. It’s built on the site of Britain’s only known Roman circus, which was originally built around 200 AD for chariot racing. Inside the centre, you’ll find simple displays showing what the place looked like back then and how it was used. It’s not a long visit, but it’s a nice spot for students to check out if they are curious about history or want something quick and different to do.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Colchester?

The best student accommodation in Colchester comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like the Hythe, Greenstead, and Lexden tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

How to Book Your Student Accommodation in Colchester with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 4 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details 

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get the confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.