7 Best Places to Live in Colchester for Students
Your Trusted Guide to Better City Living
Table of Content
If you’re searching for the best places to live in Colchester, you’ll find a variety of neighbourhoods that suit different lifestyles and budgets. From modern residential areas to charming villages full of character, this Essex town combines history, convenience, and community living in Colchester. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to live in Colchester and what makes each area a great place to call home.
The City of Colchester
The city of Colchester is located in Essex, England. Colchester is one of the oldest towns recorded in Britain — known for its rich Roman history, charming streets, and welcoming community atmosphere. The city offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern shopping centres, green parks, and amazing cultural spaces, making it an attractive place for students. The city is also popular for its excellent transport connections and educational opportunities. With direct train links to London and easy access to nearby coastal areas, Colchester is a convenient choice for commuters and travellers alike. Its lively town centre is filled with cafés, restaurants, entertainment venues, and local markets that create a balanced urban lifestyle.
Best Places to Live in Colchester
The best areas to live in Colchester depend on your lifestyle, budget, and daily needs. Some student-friendly areas in Colchester, the city guide offers a wide range of places to suit every type of resident. Each area has its own unique character, amenities, and transport connections, making Colchester a versatile and attractive place to call home.
1. Braiswick
Located to the northwest of Colchester, Braiswick is considered one of the city’s more premium residential areas, seeking a quieter lifestyle. The area is known for its excellent schools, spacious detached and semi-detached homes, and convenient access to everyday amenities. Residents enjoy a peaceful suburban atmosphere. Despite its calm environment, the area remains well-connected to shopping centres, cafés, and transport links, giving residents the perfect balance between comfort and convenience, which they usually enjoy.
Safety Index: High (approx. 75–85/100)
Walkability: Moderate (around 50–65/100)
Crime rate: Low–Moderate (approx. 60–80 crimes per 1,000 residents annually)
Nearby universities: University of Essex, Colchester Institute
Population: 4,000–5,000
Average Monthly Rent: £1,100–£1,500
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,350–£1,700
2. Lexden
Lexden is a historic village in Colchester. It became popular because of its quieter lifestyle outside London while still maintaining excellent transport connections. The area is known for its peaceful residential streets, strong community atmosphere, and high-quality housing, making it one of the best places to live in Colchester for families. Lexden is also ideally located near some of Colchester’s most popular attractions, including Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle, along with several leisure and activity centres within a short distance.
Safety Index: High (approx. 80–88/100)
Walkability: Moderate (around 55–70/100)
Crime rate: Low–Moderate (approx. 55–75 crimes per 1,000 residents annually)
Nearby universities: University of Essex, Colchester Institute, University of Suffolk
Population: 5,000–6,500
Average Monthly Rent: £1,050–£1,450
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,300–£1,650
3. Highwoods
Highwoods is a modern suburban area in Colchester known for its student-friendly areas in Colchester. One of Highwoods’ biggest attractions is High Woods Country Park, a large natural green space perfect for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities. The area also benefits from excellent transport links, including quick access to the A12 road network, making commuting to nearby towns and London more convenient.
Safety Index: Moderate–High (approx. 70–82/100)
Walkability: Moderate (around 60–72/100)
Crime rate: Medium (approx. 80–96 crimes per 1,000 residents annually)
Nearby universities: University of Suffolk, Anglia Ruskin University
Population: 7,000–8,500
Average Monthly Rent: £950–£1,300
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,200–£1,550
4. Colchester Town Centre
Colchester Town Centre offers a lively and walkable lifestyle, making it a popular choice for young students and residents who enjoy being close to the city’s main attractions. The area features a wide range of housing options from stylish apartments and contemporary flats to traditional period terraces. The town centre is also well-connected, with strong public transport and rail links that make commuting simple.
Safety Index: Moderate–Low (approx. 60–73/100)
Walkability: High (around 75–88/100)
Crime rate: High (approx. 90–105 crimes per 1,000 people annually)
Nearby universities: University of Essex, Colchester Institute
Population: 10,000–12,000
Average Monthly Rent: £1,000–£1,600
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,250–£1,700
5. Hythe
Hythe is one of the most popular student areas in Colchester, and one of the areas near the University of Essex to live. The neighbourhood also offers a wide range of everyday amenities, including supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, gyms, and local shops, all within easy reach. Excellent bus services and nearby Hythe Railway Train connections make travelling around Colchester simple and convenient. With its combination of comfort, convenience, and strong student culture, Hythe continues to be one of the best places to live for students in the city.
Safety Index: Moderate (approx. 65–78/100)
Walkability: High (around 75–85/100)
Crime rate: Medium–High (approx. 110–139 crimes per 1,000 residents annually)
Nearby universities: University of Essex, University of Suffolk, Anglia Ruskin University
Population: 6,000–7,000
Average Monthly Rent: £650–£1,100
Cost of Living (Monthly): £950–£1,350
6. Wivenhoe
Wivenhoe is another highly preferred area near Colchester, especially among students and residents who prefer a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle. Located close to the University of Essex, this charming riverside town offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy city centre. The area is known for the waterfront views and a calm surrounding, also featuring cosy cafe corners and other eateries for students.
Safety Index: Very High (approx. 85–92/100)
Walkability: High (around 75–85/100)
Crime rate: Low (~47–60 crimes per 1,000 residents annually)
Nearby universities: University of Suffolk, Anglia Ruskin University
Population: 7,500–8,500
Average Monthly Rent: £850–£1,250
Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,150–£1,500
7. Greenstead
Greenstead is a popular residential area among students in Colchester, mainly due to its affordable places to rent in Colchester and convenient location near the University of Essex. The area attracts students looking for budget-friendly accommodation while still having easy access to campus, public transport, and essential local amenities. The area has access to different supermarkets, takeaway restaurants, and other necessary stores, creating a comfortable living in Colchester UK, for students.
Safety Index: Low–Moderate (approx. 50–65/100)
Walkability: Moderate (around 60–70/100)
Crime rate: High (approx. 127–163 crimes per 1,000 residents annually)
Nearby universities: University of Suffolk, Anglia Ruskin University, University of Essex
Population: 8,000–9,500
Average Monthly Rent: £600–£950
Cost of Living (Monthly): £900–£1,250
Why Students Prefer Living in Colchester?
Colchester is known for its academic connections with students worldwide. The area of Colchester offers modern student accommodation, supermarkets, cafés, and good transport links, creating a practical and comfortable lifestyle. Colchester Institute is a major further education college offering vocational courses, apprenticeships, A-level alternatives, and higher education programmes. The other important academic institutions for students are the University of Essex, the Colchester Sixth Form College
Colchester offers a lively cultural and social scene, making the student life engaging and well-balanced. The town has a mix of historic charm and modern entertainment, with museums, theatres, art spaces, and regular cultural events engaging students from worldwide and attracting them towards its history and culture. Popular places to go in Colchester are like Colchester Castle and local galleries, which add a strong historical and cultural feel, while cafés, pubs, and music venues in the town centre create plenty of opportunities to socialise and unwind. Among different places to go Colchester, the city also has an engaging nightlife and community-driven atmosphere, with events, live performances, and festivals happening throughout the year.
In Colchester, students often choose areas like Lexden and Highwoods for their quiet, suburban feel, safe environment, and good local amenities. While Braiswick is preferred for its more upmarket, low-density residential character, students can feel safe and comfortable there. Wivenhoe and Hythe are also popular due to their strong transport links, nearby shops, and active student community, thus providing all the necessary public transport facilities near the area. These neighbourhoods offer a balanced mix of safety, comfort, and accessibility for students living in Colchester UK. Amber further simplifies the process by helping students find and book affordable student housing in these areas according to their budget and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colchester a good place to live?
Colchester is considered a great place to live due to its mix of history, modern amenities, and good transport links. Places like Wivenhoe and Hythe are very popular among students.
How expensive is it to live in Colchester?
Living in Colchester UK is generally moderate, with housing being the biggest expense. Places to rent in Colchester vary depending on location — monthly expenses are usually lower, averaging between £900 and £1,300.
What is the transport system like in Colchester?
Colchester has strong transport connections, including regular train services and local bus networks covering most residential areas. Like Greater Anglia – Main rail operator connecting Colchester with London and other cities.
Which areas are best for commuting in Colchester?
Areas like Hythe, Lexden, and the town centre are popular for commuters due to their proximity to train stations.
Is Colchester safe for students and families?
Yes, most residential areas in Colchester are considered safe, especially suburban neighbourhoods like Highwoods, Lexden, and Wivenhoe.
What makes Colchester attractive to students?
Colchester is popular among students because of its affordable, easy access to study, shopping, and entertainment facilities. Colchester Institute and the University of Essex are major attractions for students.