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Student accommodation in Colchester
Colchester holds two titles at once — Britain's oldest recorded town, and one of the UK's newest cities, having been granted city status in 2022. It's a place where two thousand years of history sit comfortably alongside modern city life — walk past the Balkerne Gate, the largest surviving Roman gateway in Britain, on your way to grab a coffee, or explore Colchester Castle, home to the largest Norman keep in Europe, before heading out for the evening.
Beyond the history, Colchester's High Street and the cobbled streets running off it are packed with places to eat, drink and shop, mixing familiar national names with independent cafes and boutiques. And when you want to get further afield, the city's location does a lot of the work for you — Central London is under an hour away by train, while Mersea Island, famous for its oysters and shellfish, is just 30 minutes south for a change of scenery by the coast.
At the heart of student life is the University of Essex's Colchester campus, set within 200 acres of parkland and home to 15,000 students. It's less a campus and more a small town in itself, with shops, bars, a theatre, a cinema and even a nightclub all on-site — so there's rarely a reason to leave, unless you want to.
2 residences in Colchester
Live near Colchester's biggest universities
See what our residents think...
Edward
As a parent, I’m extremely pleased with the quality of service at this student accommodation. The staff are consistently friendly, supportive, and available around the clock, which gives me great peace of mind knowing my child can get help at any time. The environment around the building is always clean, quiet, and well-maintained.
Enso
Google Reviews
Rickeem
I had a great move-in experience thanks to the incredibly friendly and responsive staff. They were more than happy to guide me through the process and answered all my questions with ease. While the studio was just as expected, the bathroom was surprisingly spacious - much larger than it appeared in the photos, which was a nice bonus. The communal areas are also clean and well maintained, so I’m genuinely looking forward to my stay here.
Enso
Google Reviews
Megan
Enjoyed staying here. Love the layout of this accommodation. Gives a feel of private housing but with maintenance etc done for us. Close to Uni as well :)
Elmstead Place
Google Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Colchester for students?
Colchester offers a great mix of history and modern city life. Explore Roman landmarks like the Balkerne Gate and Colchester Castle, browse independent shops and cafes off the High Street, or head to Whitfriars shopping centre for the bigger names. When you fancy a coastal escape, Mersea Island — famous for its oysters and shellfish — is just 30 minutes away.
Is Colchester a good place for students to live?
Yes — Colchester is one of the UK's most historic cities and a genuinely welcoming place for students. The University of Essex's Colchester Campus sits within 200 acres of parkland at Wivenhoe Park, while the city itself is compact and walkable, with easy train links to London in under an hour for whenever you want a change of scene.
What university is near Colchester?
Colchester is home to the University of Essex's Colchester Campus, one of the most internationally diverse university campuses in the UK, alongside University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute, which offers vocational and degree-level courses in partnership with Essex, UEA and the University of Huddersfield.
How do students get around Colchester?
Colchester's High Street and surrounding streets are easy to explore on foot, with good local bus links connecting the town centre to the University of Essex campus and beyond. Colchester also has its own train station, making trips to London, Ipswich and the wider region straightforward.
Is Colchester a safe place for students?
Colchester is generally considered a safe, student-friendly city, with a well-established student population and a compact city centre that's easy to navigate on foot. As with any UK city, it's worth taking the usual precautions — sticking to well-lit routes at night and using registered taxis or well-known ride services.
What's nearby Colchester for a day out?
Nearby highlights include Mersea Island for a coastal escape, the Colchester Zoo for a family-friendly day out, and Dedham Vale — often called "Constable Country" — for scenic walks. Central London is also under an hour away by train.