University of Essex Colchester campus rooms cost from £127.89 a week for a single room with shared facilities at North Towers to £277.90 for a self-contained apartment in 2026/27, with most en suites between about £174 and £238. The university guaranteed accommodation to new students who applied before 11 September 2026, and new undergraduates are not asked for an advance rent payment. This guide covers rents by residence, contract lengths, the guarantee for 2027 entry and what to check before you book.
Prices on this page come from the University of Essex’s rent charges page for 2026/27. Check the current price for your room, as the university also publishes separate part-year rates.
Essex Colchester residences and weekly rents (2026/27)
The university’s rent charges page lists:
| Residence | Room type | Weekly price |
|---|---|---|
| South Courts | Shared twin en suite (per person) | £82.88 |
| The Houses | Shared twin en suite (per person) | £92.89 |
| North Towers | Single, shared facilities | £127.89 |
| South Towers | Single enhanced, shared facilities | £142.87 |
| Wolfson Court | Single, shared facilities | £147.91 (premium £157.92) |
| The Meadows | Single premium, shared facilities | £167.86 |
| University Quays | Single en suite | £171.92 to £188.93 |
| The Pastures | Single premium, shared facilities | £177.87 |
| The Meadows | Single premium en suite | £177.87 to £181.93 |
| South Courts | Single en suite | £190.12 (enhanced £192.92, premium £197.89) |
| The Copse | Single premium en suite | £202.86 |
| The Pastures | Single premium en suite | £212.87 |
| University Quays | Double en suite | £214.90 |
| The Copse | Single premium plus en suite | £237.86 |
| The Meadows | Self-contained apartment | £242.90 |
| The Copse, The Pastures | Self-contained studio | £257.88 |
| North and South Towers | Self-contained apartments from | £277.90 |
Contract lengths are only given for University Quays and The Meadows, at 39, 44 or 50 weeks, and a longer contract lowers the weekly rate. For example, a University Quays single en suite is £188.93 on 39 weeks, £174.93 on 44 and £171.92 on 50. For other residences the page says contract lengths vary in line with course dates. The page also lists part-year rates for students on shorter courses, which are higher per week.
Accommodation guarantee and how to apply
According to the university’s undergraduate application page:
- You can apply online once your UCAS status at Essex shows as conditional firm or unconditional firm, and you need your PRID from the applicant portal. Allow 48 hours after becoming firm.
- If the university receives your application before the deadline you are guaranteed accommodation. For 2026/27 entry that deadline was 11 September 2026. For 2027/28 entry applications open in January 2027 and the deadline is 10 September 2027.
- Late applicants are offered rooms as they become available.
- Room offers start in April, and bookings are confirmed only once all academic conditions are met.
- New undergraduates are not required to make an advance rent payment when accepting their offer.
Accepting an allocation creates a legal contract and you are liable for rent for the full term. There is no cooling-off period, and a contract can only end if you withdraw or intermit from the university, even if you never move in. Students with a university debt do not receive an offer until it is cleared.
Private and shared options
Private purpose-built blocks and shared houses are the usual choices from second year, and prices vary by provider and area. I could not verify current prices for individual private buildings, so compare each provider’s total cost, bills and contract length. Our guide to university halls versus private student housing explains the differences.
What to check before you book
- Contract length, since a longer contract lowers the weekly rate at University Quays and The Meadows.
- Shared facilities, en suite, studio or apartment, because the price gap is large.
- That accepting an allocation commits you to the full contract term.
- The guarantee deadline for your intake.
- Safety basics. See our student accommodation safety guide and checklist.
For the wider costs, read our student budgeting tips. Comparing cities? See our guides to Canterbury, Guildford and Cambridge, or browse all UK city guides.
Frequently asked questions
How much does University of Essex accommodation cost?
For 2026/27, rooms with shared facilities start at £127.89 a week at North Towers, single en suites run from about £171.92 to £212.87 and self-contained apartments or studios from £242.90 to £277.90.
Does the University of Essex guarantee accommodation?
Yes, if the university receives your application before the deadline, once your UCAS status at Essex is conditional firm or unconditional firm. The deadline was 11 September 2026 for 2026/27 entry and is 10 September 2027 for 2027/28 entry.
Is there a deposit for Essex accommodation?
New undergraduates are not required to make an advance rent payment when they accept their offer, according to the university.
Can I cancel my Essex accommodation contract?
There is no cooling-off period. The university says a contract can only be ended by withdrawing or intermitting from the university, even if you never move in.
