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Collegiate University Quays, Colchester

Colchester, CO2 8GY, United Kingdom
From
£179
per week
2.7 mi from City Center
( 11m. 36m. 59m)
View map
University of Essex | 0.55 mi
Colchester Sixth Form College | 1.9 mi
Colchester Institute | 2.21 mi
University Campus Suffolk | 15.47 mi
University of Suffolk | 15.6 mi
Pay In Instalment
No Visa No Pay
wifi
laundry facility
bills included

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About the Property

University Quays (also known as The Quays) offers vibrant, waterside student living just moments from both the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus and the city centre. Perfectly positioned for students who want to balance academic focus with an active social life, it places you within easy walking distance of lectures while keeping shops, cafés, restaurants and nightlife close to home. Student accommodation that connects you to everything – on campus, city living and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a TV License?

You will be responsible for providing a TV licence should you use a TV in your room/apartment.

Will I have internet in my room?

Broadband and Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, 24-hours a day.

How do I access the internet?

Wi-Fi is available throughout the accommodation. Wired connections are available via an Ethernet cable, and connected to the wall socket in your room – simply open your web browser and follow the instructions. Upgrade options are also available. Internet is provided by third party companies and they have a 24-hour support line should you need it; details will be given out with the welcome pack.

Will my room be cleaned?

Room cleaning is generally not included in your rent (although some of their residences offer room cleaning as part of the rental package), so you will be responsible for cleaning your room. If you’re not a fan of doing the cleaning yourself, they offer a range of room cleaning services. You can choose from weekly, monthly, ad hoc and end-of-tenancy cleans.

When can I move in?

Your accommodation will have a dedicated Move In weekend which coincides with the start of your tenancy. Details of this will be communicated closer to the time. Don’t worry if you are not able to move in on the dedicated Move In weekend, you can still pick up your keys during office hours outside of this. Please just contact the helpful on-site accommodation team to let them know when to expect you and to ensure moving in is a hassle-free experience for you.

What documents do I need to check in?

Please ensure that, before you move in, you have…
  • Paid your deposit
  • Signed your tenancy agreement
  • Paid your first rental instalment (or full rent if applicable). Please be aware, no keys will be issued to you if rent has not been paid.
  • Provided 1x photo ID and 1x proof of address for yourself (and your guarantor if applicable)
  • Provided 1x proof of Visa if required
  • Provided 2x passport photos and 1x proof of student status

What do I have to bring?

As a the property resident you will need to provide your own bedding, kitchen equipment, towels etc. If you have specific questions about what to bring, such as sizes for bedding, or whether to bring induction or standard pots and pans, please contact your on-site accommodation team.

This will be my first time living in this new country and I'm nervous as I don't know anybody...?

Communal student living is all part of the university experience. But at the property they think they’ve arranged things to ensure that you have a great environment, friendly people and a real sense of community. They want you to enjoy the now and look back with fondness when the time comes to move on. To help make sure you have the best of times, their accommodation team will arrange events throughout the academic year to help you get to know your flatmates while having a good time – and even learning something new and different from your studies. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for your student residence and on-site notice boards for up-coming events.

I would like to be situated close to my friends in the same apartment block - is this possible?

Absolutely! Please let them have details at the time of booking and they will do their best to accommodate friends and students from the same university together.

What kind of students will be living in the property accommodation?

A wide range of students live in the property student accommodation, including undergraduates, postgraduate students and international students.

Are there monthly events or activities planned for residents?

To help make sure you have the best of times during your time with the property, their accommodation team will arrange events throughout the academic year. These events are created for their residents to get to know each other and to help bring learning and networking opportunities to you – so you can learn something new and different from your studies. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for your student residence, speak to the on-site accommodation team or check out the on-site notice boards for up-coming events.
Collegiate University Quays, Colchester
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Nearby Properties

Student Accommodations in Colchester

Colchester Student Accommodation

Finding a perfect Colchester student accommodation is important for students so that they can focus on their studies peacefully. Colchester can be called a student city commonly, as it is a home to several universities and colleges. Colchester has the University of Essex in which approx 15,000 students study. The city has approx 12,000+ international students every year. Because of the large student population in Colchester, on-campus Colchester student accommodation, like private halls and uni halls, fills up quickly, making off-campus student rentals Colchester a popular choice for most of the students.

You can find private rooms, shared flats, en-suite apartments, or cosy studios that fit your style and needs. Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) are residential buildings designed specifically for students. Students usually live in fully furnished accommodations that includes a bed, clothes storage, desk, and chair. Amber makes it easy to find Colchester student accommodation in your budget. Whether you study at the University of Essex or the University of Suffolk, amber helps you find a home in the nearby areas.  Some of the top student lets in Colchester includes The Maltings or 27 Magdalen Street, which have comfy rooms and a friendly vibe.

About Colchester

Colchester is a town located in Essex, southeast England which has a rich history. Colchester is known for its typical brutalist architecture. It is Britain’s oldest recorded town which has a historic castle to visit. The town has a population of about 140,000 people and also includes 33,000 students which gives the town it's young and energetic feel. There are places like Castle Park and other green spaces that are perfect for relaxing and hanging out with friends after class. The University of Essex is the main academy in Colchester. It is well-known for its courses and research opportunities.

Colchester also has Colchester Free Festival, which is a fun event with music and dancing. Other events such as art fairs and markets are also there which makes the town fun for young people. The town also have a very good public transportation system, for example even if your friend stays in London student accommodation then you can reach him or her in less than an hour by train. The centre of the town has cafes, pubs, and restaurants, where you can visit to chill & relax. There are also theatres such as The Mercury Theatre, where you can go to enjoy plays and shows on evenings. The town's welcoming vibe and ample amount of student accommodation Colchester options makes it a fantastic place for students.

Best & Affordable Student Accommodation In Colchester

Amber provides a list of student apartments Colchester which comes with facilities like wi-fi, laundry and communal areas where you can make friends. There are alos options for short term stays. Some of the student housing in Colchester provides options for both academic year and summer stays. One good thing about Colchester is that the average cost of accommodation in Colchester is 6% lower than the national average. Some of the best student accommodation in Colchester are:

Student accommodation in ColchesterTop AmenitiesNearest Uni / DistancePrice
The Maltings, ColchesterGym, Laundry Facility, Bills Included, Study Area, Ultra-fast WiFi, Table Football, CCTV, Security Doors, Outdoor Courtyard, Common Area2.4 miles from city center (approx. 11 min)£119/week
27 Magdalen Street, ColchesterDual Occupancy, Bills Included, Laundry Facility, Communal Lounge, Games Area, Study Area, Free WiFi (200mb), Gaming Facilities, Secure Key Fob Access, Wheelchair Accessible Rooms1.2 miles from city center (approx. 7 min)£128/week
Enso, ColchesterStudy Area, Games Room, Gym, Coffee Bar, TV Lounge, Bike Storage, Laundry Services, Courtyard, Garden, Pool Table, Parking, 24-Hour Security2.4 miles from city center (approx. 10 min)£185/week
Elmstead Place, ColchesterStudy Area, Laundry Facility, Bike Storage, High Speed WiFi, TV Lounge, Parcel Service, Contents Insurance, Keycard Access, Courtyard2.5 miles from city center (approx. 10 min)£205/week

Best Areas To Live In Colchester

The right transport connectivity will greatly affect how enjoyable your time at university will be while studying in Colchester. Below you will find a number of ideal areas to live throughout your academic year based on their distance from your place of study and the types of accommodation available to students in closeness to Essex University, Colchester.

AreaAtmosphereProximity to University (Essex vs. UCC)
HytheNear River Colne; features shared flats, Tesco Express, and Quayside Cafe.Closest to Essex: ~10–15 min walk or short cycle. UCC is ~15 mins away by bus.
City CentreBusy hub with shops, markets, and Three Wise Monkeys bar.Closest to UCC: ~10–15 min walk. University of Essex is ~15–20 mins by bus.
GreensteadLarge student community with a Co-op and community center.Closest to Essex: ~15–20 min walk. UCC requires a ~20 min bus ride.
WivenhoeQuiet riverside village with a bookshop and The Rose and Crown pub.Closest to Essex: ~5 min by bus/train or a 25 min scenic walk. UCC is ~10 mins by train.

Room Types for Student Accommodation in Colchester

Colchester has a wide range of accommodation options designed to meet different budgets. Most accommodations are fully furnished normally including a bed, clothes storage, desk, and chair. Here’s are the availabe accommodation in Colchester.

1. Ensuite Rooms - En suite apartments in Colchester have a private bedroom and attached bathroom, giving students personal space while living in shared accommodation.
Privacy: A private bathroom.
Shared Living Areas: Kitchen and lounge are shared.
Ideal For: Students wanting privacy with the option to socialise sometimes.

2. Non-Ensuite Rooms - Non-ensuite rooms have private bedroom with a shared bathroom, making them budget-friendly options.
Privacy: Bedroom remains personal, bathroom is shared with others.
Shared Living Areas: Shared Kitchens and communal areas.
Ideal For: Students looking for affordable housing with community living.

3. Shared Apartments
Shared cheap student flats in Colchester have individual bedrooms while residents share bathrooms, kitchens, and lounges.
Privacy: Bedrooms are private.
Shared Living Areas: Strong focus on social living.
Ideal For: Students who enjoy community and making friends.

4. Private Rooms
Private apartments provide a full private residence with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen solely for one person. Private accommodations often include amenities such as all-bills-inclusive rent, Wi-Fi, contents insurance, on-site laundry, and secure bike storage.
Privacy: Full privacy .
Shared Living Areas: None.
Ideal For: Students who want full independence.

5. Studios - Studio apartments in Colchester are independent spaces with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Privacy: Complete independence.
Shared Living Areas: No.
Ideal For: Students who prefer independence.

Cost of Living In Colchester

Careful budgeting while living in Colchester as a student can make a very affordable cost of living, if you create a budget to aim for each month that is in the region of £1,300–£1,600, (which is also the average cost of living) so you will be able to live comfortably. Tuition fees are excluded from this estimate, and it will vary according to your individual personal spending habits including how much, and how you are managing your monthly living expenses for bills. Below is a list of normal cost breakdowns for costs other than rent for student lets in Colchester:

1. Food: £30–£70 per week.

2. Gas and Electricity: £20–£40 per week.

3. Internet & Mobile Phone: £15–£30 per week.

4. Laundry: £10–£20 per week. ( Costing about £3 per wash. )

5. Clothing: £30–£60 per month.

6. Travel (Buses, Trains): £30–£100 per month.

Student Travel in Colchester

It’s simple for students in Colchester to travel around. With all the affordable ways you can travel around, whether you are going to your class at the University of Essex, exploring Colchester, or visiting places nearby. Travelling around Colchester will be easy to do if you are travelling to local attractions or going to class from your student housing Colchester. When travelling from your Colchester student accommodation to other places, refer to this brief guide to some of the travel services you can use to help you while in Colchester, and there are many of them.

Mode of TransportKey RoutesStudent Pricing & Discounts
Buses (First Essex / Arriva)Connects Hythe, Greenstead, and the City Centre to the University of Essex (UoE).UoE Discounted Pass: Weekly for ~£18.70 (Inner Zone). Monthly passes cost ~£60.00. Termly/Annual passes are also available.
Trains (Greater Anglia)Direct links from Colchester/Hythe to London Liverpool St, Ipswich, and Norwich.1/3 Off: Use a 16–25 Railcard (£35/year). Local singles start around £6; London advance tickets from ~£10.50.
BicyclesFlat routes like the Wivenhoe Trail link the campus to local residential areas.Free Maintenance: Visit "Dr Bike" on campus (Wednesdays, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM) for free health checks and minor repairs.
WalkingCompact paths; Hythe and Greenstead are within a 15–25 minute walk of the UoE.Free. Best for students living in University Quays, The Meadows, or Greenstead.
Nearest Properties to the University of Essex:

  1. Elmstead Place: 5-minute drive away
  2. Hythe Mills: 7-minute drive away
  3. 27 Magdalen Street: 12-minute drive away

Student Lifestyle and Living in Colchester

Culinary diversity abounds in Colchester. From popular restaurants such as The Natural Pantry, a local produce supplier that prepares meals using organic, locally sourced products for healthy-eating students, to pubs such as The Royal Oak serving traditional British fare, there really is a wide variety of places to eat when you break your fast. For a more social atmosphere, Colchester has several good pubs with many of them in The Fox Inn area, an ideal location to relax with friends after a long day.

Colchester has many historic buildings and sites of interest to visit such as the ruins of St. Botolph's Priory. Colchester Castle is Europe's largest Norman castle with 2500 years of historical artifacts on display. The city also hosts several major festivals each year (Colchester Food Festival, June) as well as exciting cultural events and festivities (Colchester Arts Festival-performance) which provide engaging experiences for students in Colchester. The Colchester Film Festival is perfect for avid moviegoer; there are art galleries, ice skating rinks, bowling alleys, theatres and movie theatres for you to use at your time-out. There are plenty of green areas and parks throughout Colchester for students to enjoy and to have fun when living as a student here. Castle Park is in the centre of Colchester and is great for a relaxing afternoon out and also provides a lovely view, along with plenty of space to do recreation outside.

Top Universities in Colchester

Colchester is home to some prestigious universities that draw students from around the world. Here's a look at the top universities in Colchester:

University NameCourses OfferedColchester student accommodation
University of EssexSocial Sciences, Business, LawThe Maltings
Colchester InstituteHealth, Business, ArtsEnso student accommodation

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