The Meadows

Living at The Meadows student accommodation means everything you need is just a short walk away. Located on the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus, you’re typically 5–10 minutes on foot from key academic buildings, lecture theatres and the library, making it easy to move between home and classes without the stress of long commutes. Campus cafés, study spaces and social areas are also close by, so whether you’re heading to a seminar or meeting friends for coffee, it’s all within easy reach.

For everyday essentials, the on-campus convenience store is around 5 minutes’ walk from The Meadows accommodation, perfect for groceries, snacks and household items. A wider range of supermarkets and high-street shops can be found in Colchester town centre, which is approximately 15–20 minutes by bus. Regular bus services run from campus throughout the day, giving you flexible and affordable access to the town’s shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

For any medical need, you also have the University Health Centre conveniently located on campus within a 15 minute walk, offering NHS GP services for registered students. Pharmacies and additional medical services are available in the surrounding area and town centre. With academic buildings, essential shops, healthcare and transport links all close at hand, The Meadows offers practical, well-connected living in the heart of campus.

Living at The Meadows means you’re perfectly placed to stay connected both locally and further afield. Colchester’s regular bus network serves the University of Essex campus directly, with multiple routes stopping close to The Meadows and linking you to Colchester city centre, local neighbourhoods and main train stations. Popular student routes such as the 74, 76 and 87 run frequently throughout the day and discounted travel passes help keep commuting and social trips affordable.

For rail travel, Hythe (Essex) station is approximately a 20-minute walk from campus, while the larger Colchester station is just a short bus ride away. From here, you’ll find direct services across the region and into London in under an hour, making weekend trips, days out or journeys home simple and convenient.

Day to day, many students choose to walk or cycle. The Meadows is just a short stroll from academic buildings, campus facilities and green open spaces, while safe pathways and cycle-friendly routes connect you easily to the town centre. With secure bike storage available on site, bringing your bike from home is straightforward. 

Once you’ve looked at the accommodation options and selected your shortlist, click Apply Now. You’ll be taken to a separate page where you can apply for your accommodation choices in order of preference. Once this has been submitted, your application will be passed to the University of Essex who will review your application, conduct any eligibility checks and then make an accommodation offer to you. You will receive an accommodation offer once you have chosen Essex as your firm choice, you’ve accepted your academic offer, and met all the conditions.

Before you apply, make sure you read the University’s accommodation application guide and Terms and Conditions of Residence, as these explain your rights, responsibilities and what’s included in your contract.

Once you’ve completed the initial application on this website, your details will be shared directly with the University of Essex so they can finalise your booking. Your accommodation contract will then be issued by the University and will sit directly between you and the University of Essex.

When you accept an accommodation offer from the University of Essex, you’ll enter into a legally binding contract under the University’s Terms and Conditions of Residence. This means your room is officially reserved and you can start planning your move-in. It’s important to note that there is no cooling-off period – you cannot normally cancel your accommodation contract after you’ve accepted the offer unless you formally withdraw or intermit from your studies at Essex, so consider carefully before confirming your booking through Book Now or accepting an offer from the University.

Accommodation charges are due termly in advance. Details of how you can pay your Accommodation Fees can be found here.

Gym & Wellbeing Facilities

When you choose to live on-campus at The Copse [change for each property] you’ll also receive an Essex Sport gym membership included in your rent – giving you easy access to excellent on-site fitness and sport facilities. Students living in campus accommodation are automatically eligible for a Silver Essex Sport membership, which includes off-peak access to the gym and fitness classes, plus anytime access to a wide range of sports facilities such as badminton, basketball, squash and the climbing wall.

The Essex Sport gym at the Colchester Campus is a bright, spacious and fully equipped fitness centre featuring around 160 fitness stations, cardio and strength machines (many with TV and audio), along with a friendly support team to help you get started. Beyond the gym floor, you’ll find indoor courts, outdoor pitches, climbing facilities and over 300 fitness classes each month – from yoga and spin to high-energy workouts – giving you plenty of ways to stay active, de-stress and meet new people.

Included as part of your accommodation package, this membership is a fantastic way to look after your physical and mental wellbeing without added cost, helping you balance student life, studies and staying healthy on campus.

Outdoor Spaces

Sometimes the hectic schedule of lectures, studying and socialising can feel overwhelming – and taking time out to reconnect with nature can help to find that all important balance. Living at The Copse [change for each property]  means enjoying the best of both worlds – modern accommodation set within beautiful, open green surroundings. It is just moments from the expansive parkland of Wivenhoe Park, where lakes, tree-lined pathways and wide-open lawns create a calm and inspiring environment. It’s the perfect setting for a morning walk, an outdoor study session in the sunshine, or simply unwinding with friends after a busy day.