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University Quays

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.

Designed with student comfort in mind, University Quays features modern, fully furnished rooms and shared spaces that make it easy to relax, study and socialise. With all-inclusive rent covering utilities and high-speed Wi-Fi, you can manage your budget with confidence and avoid unexpected costs. Shared kitchens and communal dining areas help foster a strong sense of community, creating opportunities to meet new people and build lasting friendships.

Living at University Quays means enjoying the independence of city-style living alongside the reassurance of university-managed accommodation. With excellent transport links, nearby amenities and a diverse student community, it’s a welcoming and well-connected place to make the most of your university experience in Colchester.

Room Types

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Double bed Double Wardrobe En-Suite Fridge Freezer Kingsize Bed Private Kitchen Shared Kitchen Studio

Single Ensuite Rooms

Double Ensuite Rooms

Premium Single Ensuite

essex quays Mq 1.3 ES Single Room MG 8668 RT JJ web

essex quays Mq 1.3 ES Single Room MG 8665 RT JJ web

essex quays Mq 1.3 ES Single Room MG 8669 RT JJ web

essex quays Mq 1.3 ES Single Room MG 8671 RT JJ web 1

essex quays Mq 1.3 ES Single Room MG 8672 RT JJ web

Single Ensuite Rooms

Single En-suite Rooms offer a comfortable and private living space, ideal for balancing study and relaxation. With a cosy single bed and your own private bathroom, these rooms provide independence while still being part of a friendly student flat.

Fully furnished and practical, each room gives you everything you need to settle in quickly and feel at home.

What’s Included

Private bedroom with single bed
Private en-suite shower and toilet
Study desk and chair
Wardrobe, shelving, mirror and lamp
Shared modern kitchen
Hob and oven
Multiple fridges and freezers
Kettle and microwave

Apply Now

essex quays Mq 1.3 Double ES Room MG 8690 RT JJ web

essex quays Mq 1.3 Double ES Room MG 8686 RT JJ web 1

essex quays Mq 1.3 Double ES Room MG 8702 RT JJ web

essex quays Mq 1.3 Double ES Room MG 8693 RT JJ web

Double Ensuite Rooms

Double En-suite Rooms are designed for shared living without compromising on comfort, making them ideal for friends or students who enjoy a more sociable setup. Thoughtfully laid out, each room provides clearly defined personal space for both residents.

With a private en-suite bathroom and access to shared kitchen facilities, these rooms offer a practical and social way to experience student life.

What’s Included

Shared double room for two students
Comfortable double bed
Two study desks and chairs
Two wardrobes and bedside cabinets
Shelving and mirrors
Private en-suite shower and toilet
Shared fully equipped kitchen
Hob and oven
Multiple fridges and freezers
Kettle and microwave

Apply Now

essex quays Sq2.5 Prem Room MG 8651 RT JJ web

essex quays Sq2.5 Prem Room MG 8662 RT JJ web

essex quays Sq2.5 Prem Room MG 8657 RT JJ web 1

essex quays Sq2.5 Prem Room MG 8649 RT JJ web 1

Premium Single Ensuite

Premium Single En-suite Rooms offer extra space and comfort, combining privacy with the benefits of shared student living. At 14.5m², each room is generously sized and thoughtfully designed to support both study and relaxation.

With a private en-suite bathroom and access to shared kitchen facilities, these rooms provide a comfortable, practical home throughout your time at university.

What’s Included

Private bedroom (14.5m²)
Small double bed
Private en-suite shower and toilet
Study desk and chair
Wardrobe, shelving, mirror and lamp
Shared fully equipped kitchen
Hob and oven
Multiple fridges and freezers
Kettle and microwave

Apply Now

Living at The Quays student accommodation places you within easy reach of both the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus and the city itself. The campus is typically around a 15-minute walk away, meaning lecture theatres, the library, study spaces and sports facilities are all conveniently accessible without a long commute. Regular bus services also run between University Quays and campus, offering a quick and reliable alternative when you’re short on time.

For everyday essentials, local shops and convenience stores are just a few minutes’ walk from University Quays, ideal for picking up groceries and household items. Colchester town centre is also close by (around 10–15 minutes on foot) where you’ll find supermarkets, high-street brands, independent shops, cafés, restaurants and popular nightlife spots. Living at University Quays gives you the added benefit of being closer to the city’s amenities while still remaining well connected to campus life.

Healthcare services are equally accessible. The University Health Centre on campus, providing NHS GP services for registered students, can be reached in approximately 15 minutes on foot or a short bus ride, while additional GP practices, pharmacies and medical facilities are available within the local area and town centre. With strong transport links, nearby shops and easy access to both campus and city facilities, University Quays offers practical, well-connected student living in a vibrant setting.

Living at the Quays accommodation means you’re ideally positioned to stay connected – whether you’re heading to campus, into town or travelling further afield. Colchester’s regular bus network runs close to The Quays, with frequent services linking you directly to the University of Essex campus, the city centre and both main train stations. Popular student routes such as the 74, 76 and 87 operate throughout the day, and discounted travel passes help keep everyday journeys affordable.

For rail connections, Hythe (Essex) station is just a short walk from University Quays, providing convenient regional links. Colchester’s mainline station is easily reached by bus and offers fast, direct services to London in under an hour, as well as routes across the East of England – ideal for day trips, weekend breaks or travelling home during the holidays.

On a daily basis, many students enjoy the convenience of walking or cycling. The University campus is around 15 minutes on foot, while Colchester town centre is also within easy walking distance, placing shops, restaurants and nightlife right on your doorstep. With cycle-friendly routes and secure bike storage available, University Quays offers flexible, well-connected living that makes getting around simple and stress-free

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.

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University

Waterfront

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