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Our student accommodation in Colchester, Hythe Mills, is all about the location. Only 1 mile from The University of Essexs Colchester Campus and right on the doorstep to many local amenities. Just a short bus journey or cycle ride away there are three large shopping centres in the centre of town, which include high street favourites as well as cute independent shops.
Colchester is home to some of the countrys most historical sites with the Roman Circus Centre and Colchester Castle both nearby.
From Hythe Mills you can easily hop on a bus or train to get around Essex and visits the vast amount of tourist hot spots such as Colchester Zoo, the seaside at Clacton- On- Sea or Adventure Island theme park at Southend-On-Sea.
For information on travelling to the University of Essex and around Colchester and our commitment to promote sustainable, healthy and active travel, download our helpful guides: University Cycle Map or Travel Guide for Colchester. Also download the Findyourway@Essex app for help to travel to and find your way around campus.
Distance
University of Essex
Traveling time by bicycle 4 min
Traveling time by walking 15 min
Community Facilities
Apartment Facilities
Configurations
Tenancies
Room Facilities
Stunning premium studios offer complete privacy. The self-contained studios are designed with a personal en suite and fully fitted kitchenette. With a range of different sizes available to suit your needs, these studios allow you to live independently and comfortably.
Tenancies
Room Facilities
Each premium en suite has its own private bathroom in a communal 8-9 bedroom flat arrangement. Kitchens are cleaned weekly by our helpful on-site cleaning team, meaning your deadlines can have more attention! Your spacious shared kitchen will give you the perfect opportunity to cook a delicious meal for you and your friends.
Tenancies
Tenancies
Tenancies
Room Facilities
If you choose our stunning premium plus en suite option, you get your own private bathroom to enjoy. The communal 8-9 bedroom flat arrangement means you can socialise and make new friends easily.
A spacious shared kitchen will give you the perfect opportunity to cook you and your friends a delicious meal too! Kitchens are cleaned weekly by our friendly on-site cleaning time, meaning less cleaning for you, and more studying.
Tenancies
Tenancies
Stunning premium studios offer complete privacy. The self-contained studios are designed with a personal en suite and fully fitted kitchenette. With a range of different sizes available to suit your needs, these studios allow you to live independently and comfortably.
Booking Details
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your booking up to 14 days after you accept your offer or pay your deposit (the Initial Cancellation Period), which reduces to 7 days from 1st August ahead of the academic year being booked, providing you have not already moved in to the property and we will refund your security deposit in full. Deposits will normally be refunded within 28 days of cancellation, however our legal obligation as a landlord is to secure all deposits with a third party protection scheme. In the event that your deposit has already been sent to the protection scheme by the time you cancel your booking, your refund could take up to 60 days to be refunded due to the protection schemes processing period and your deposit refund will come directly from them you will need your repayment ID which will be sent to you directly by the protection scheme. If the deposit has already been sent to the deposit protection scheme, unfortunately, we are unable to influence their processing time.
If you cancel your booking after the 14 day Initial Cancellation Period (7 days after 1st August), you will remain liable for the weekly rent (for each and every week or part week) until we are able to re-let the room. If we are able to re-let the room we will release you from the agreement upon payment of a 250 release fee which we will recover by retaining your deposit (which will not, therefore, be returned). If you have paid a lower deposit amount, thats the amount that will be retained.
Covid-19 Special Tenancy Procedures for 2020-21 Academic Year Bookings
Tenancy Agreement
The tenancy agreement is a legal contract between the tenant and Homes for Students. The tenancy agreement is for a fixed term and the student (and guarantor) are liable for the full term of that agreement unless and until express written release is granted.
The usual Termination of Student Tenancy Policy applies for all cancellation requests that are not EXPLICITLY related to the COVID-19 (Corona virus) outbreak.
Initial Cancellation Period A student can cancel a tenancy agreement for up to 14 days after the date the booking is confirmed (the Initial Cancellation Period). For bookings made from 1st August to 30th September ahead of the academic year the booking is for, the Initial Cancellation Period reduces to 7 days. We will refund the full security deposit. 20 will be deducted from the refunded amount to cover any international bank charges for deposit refunds made to non-UK banks.
Outside the Initial Cancellation Period If a student wishes to cancel outside of the Initial Cancellation Period, and the cancellation reason is explicitly related to COVID-19, then the following applies:
COVID-19 Special Cancellation Policy (2020-21 Academic Year)
Outside Initial Cancellation Period You may cancel outside of the Initial Cancellation Period in the following circumstances:
20-21 Course which is reliant on IELTS/Pre-sessional course If the student is a prospective first year Undergraduate or Postgraduate student and the offer of a place at the University or Higher Education Institute in the UK is subject to completing and passing an IELTS (or equivalent) in the UK or in the students country of origin, and this is unable to be completed because the IELTS (or equivalent) is withdrawn entirely, the student may be eligible to be released from the 20-21 tenancy agreement.
The student must provide written evidence that the course is no longer taking place at all within 3 days of being notified by the education institute and we will release the student from the 20-21 contract without penalty and refund the deposit paid.
Travel Ban If the student is unable to travel to, or enter, the UK due to a restriction on leaving their country of origin, or a restriction on entering the UK which means they cannot arrive in time to start their course, the student may be eligible to be released from this agreement subject to evidence being provided of a formal travel ban being in force.
There must be a specific government ban in place at the start date of the students course that prevents the student coming to the UK, or entering the UK in time to start their course, and there must be no realistic prospect of a delayed course start date.
Covid-19 Special Tenancy Procedures for 2020-21 Academic Year bookings 2020
20-21 Flexible Start *SOME PROPERTIES ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE 2020-21 FLEXIBLE START POLICY, THIS IS ONLY APPLICABLE AT PROPERTIES AS DISPLAYED If the course start date in the UK is formally delayed by the University or Higher Education Institute, the student may be eligible for a reduction in the 20-21 tenancy length, and start the tenancy later.
The student must provide written evidence that the course start date has been delayed within 3 days of being notified by the education institute, or this must be publicly available and formally announced by the University, the contract may be adjusted accordingly.
If a tenancy agreement is adjusted, the reduction in tenancy length will be by a maximum of the length of the formal delay to teaching unless specifically stated otherwise. Some properties may have a maximum length of delay.
Termination by Choice A tenancy cannot be terminated outside of the Initial Cancellation Period by a student who is already in the UK, or by a student who does not want to attend the university, or who does not want to come to the UK of their own choice. The student remains liable for the entire rent until a suitable replacement tenant is found and all clauses within the tenancy agreement remain applicable. If the room is re-let we will refund the deposit, less any appropriate charges and a deduction of 50 for the administration of the variation of the tenancy agreement.
Payment Details
Deposit Fees:
50-300 to confirm the booking (Refundable at the end of tenancy)
Rent Payments:
If you have a valid UK Guarantor, you can choose to pay your rent in three instalments, which are due in September, January and April.
If you dont have a valid UK Guarantor, you are required to pay the full rent in August, 14 days prior to your contract start date.
Please note you must have paid the rent due by the time you arrive to check in.
Other instalment options may be available, however admin fees may apply.
Mode of Payment:
Online via by logging into your student account
At the property reception desk
By telephone to the property team
By bank transfer (please ensure you use your name and student ID as the payment reference).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live here?
You must be a full-time student, and be 18 years or older to live in the property. You can book with this property whether you have a conditional or unconditional offer. However, please be aware of the cancellation policy prior to booking should your place at university not yet be confirmed.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted in the buildings.
What are your contract lengths?
Each of the properties offer different contract lengths and room types.
Can I choose who I live with?
If you are applying to live with friends, please ensure that you enlist the details of friends that you would like to live with in the booking form with us, we will then contact them and make the arrangements for you!
Can I request to move rooms during my tenancy?
You would need to make a formal request to the accommodation team of the property you are residing at. If you request to move rooms during your tenancy please note there is a room move admin fee of 50.00, you would also be issued with new documents confirming the details of the room move.A room move would be impacted by the availability at the time of the request and if there is a waiting list for the requested room or flat type.Should your requested room move result in moving to more expensive accommodation then yourself and the Guarantor shall be liable to pay the higher rent from the date the Tenant is given access to the more expensive accommodation.
Do you provide summer accommodation?
Yes, the summer accommodation of the same provider usually opens around March.
Do I have to move out in the holidays?No, your room is yours for the full contract period! You wont have to move out in the holidays, so you wont have to remove your belongings every term.
How do I book a viewing?
You can book a viewing of any selected property by sending us an email.
How do I cancel or re-arrange my viewing?
By dropping us an email for the same.
Can I book a room without a viewing?
Absolutely. However, we would always recommend booking a viewing wherever possible.
How long does a viewing take?
Usually up to 30 minutes. However, the sales team are always happy to spend as much time as is needed assisting you with your booking.
What will I be shown on my viewing?
All communal areas and room types requested (dependent upon availability).
I'm in a different country, how do I view a property?
All the properties of the provider have access to Skype option, so you can view a property from wherever you want. Just drop us an email the date & time that suits you and we would arrange a viewing for you.
What do I do if Im a first-year student and Im still waiting for my exam results?
If youre still waiting for your exam results and youre not sure whether your place at university is confirmed, dont worry! You can still apply. You just need to ensure that if you do not get your place at university, you let us know on your chosen property in writing a maximum of 3 days after the A Level results day, to cancel your booking. You must provide a UCAS letter to verify your change in circumstances. In this instance, you will receive a full refund of your deposit. If you dont let us know within 3 days, your tenancy agreement will remain in place, and you will be liable for the rent on your room for the entire contract period.
Can I book if Im under 18?
The bookings from students who are under 18 are accepted only if they will turn 18 in the first term of the academic year. Unfortunately, for health and safety reasons, applications from students who wont turn 18 in their first term are not accepted.
What is included in my rent?
All utility bills are included in your rent such as gas, electricity and water and unlimited wifi*. However, your TV license is not included and this is the sole responsibility of the resident as this is not classed as a utility.
Can I pay my rent from overseas?
You can pay your rent either online, or by bank transfer depending on your chosen property. Please note that if you make your payment using a credit card or an overseas debit card, you will be required to pay a surcharge of 1.5%.
Can I pay my rent weekly?
The largest instalment plan with this provider is 10, the total contract value is divided into 10 equal amounts and this is paid across 10 months.
What do I need to provide to be a guarantor?
Please note to be a guarantor you must be in full time employment or a homeowner and lived in the UK (England or Wales) for more than 5 years.You can provide:A copy of proof of identity (with photograph) such as:
- Passport
- Driving License
- ID Badge
A copy of proof of address (less than 3 months old) such as: Utility bill statement (i.e. Electricity, Water, Telephone)
- Bank statement
- Council tax bill for current year
Can I move in before I pay my rent?
Students who are up to date with their rental schedule are only allowed to move in early.
What do I do if my student loan hasnt arrived yet?
A deferred rent payment option is available for students paying their rent instalments with student finance.Please note the following steps in order to request a deferred rent instalment plan if you are student who has rebooked to live in a Homes for Students property.In order to defer your 1st, 2nd and 3rd rent payments you will be required to do the following:
- Provide evidence of your student loan finance schedule, showing when you will receive your 1st payment, please forward this by email to the property you will be living at in September.
- Make a payment of 2 weeks rent, 14 days prior to your contract starting, the date of your tenancy can be found on your tenancy agreement.
- The 2 week rent payment will be deducted from the 1st instalment and the remaining balance will need to be paid in line with the date your student finance will be paid.
- You will also need to advise if you wish to defer the date of the 2nd and 3rd rent payments in line with your student finance, this request also needs to go to your property team.
There is no additional charge for the deferred payment plan for rebooking student
Do I need a guarantor?
If you wish to pay your rent in three instalments, you will need a guarantor. Your guarantor must be a homeowner or in full-time employment.
What happens to my deposit?
Your deposit is placed into a Deposit Protection Scheme, where it is held safely throughout the academic year.
When do I get my deposit back?
Your deposit will be returned to you after your tenancy agreement has ended and your room has been inspected. The amount returned to you will depend on any outstanding charges and any damages found in your room or the communal areas in your flat. Please see your tenancy agreement for more information. The deposit can take up to 30 days to get credited.