Guaranteed Accommodation at Essex

At the University of Essex, we believe that your university experience should be exciting, enriching, and as stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve made a major change to the way we support our students — one that takes the pressure off and gives you peace of mind from day one.

We’re proud to offer guaranteed accommodation for the full duration of your course for all new undergraduate and postgraduate students at our Colchester and Southend campuses.

What’s new?

Previously, only international students and postgraduates were guaranteed a room for the length of their course. UK undergraduates were guaranteed a place only in their first year.

Now, from 2025 onwards, all new students — UK and international, undergraduate and postgraduate — can count on Essex to provide them with accommodation for every year of study, provided you apply by the accommodation deadline each year.

Standing out from the crowd

We know that many universities across the UK are struggling to meet the growing demand for student housing. In some areas, students are left commuting long distances, staying in temporary accommodation, or relying on the private rental market — often at high cost and with little security.

At Essex, we’re different

We’ve made a proactive investment in ensuring that every eligible student has access to secure, quality accommodation for the full length of their course. Our commitment removes the uncertainty and gives you the stability you deserve — from your very first day to your final year.

Why this matters

We understand that sorting your accommodation can be one of the biggest concerns when starting university. And it doesn’t stop there — for many students, the annual search for new housing is a recurring stress. But not at Essex.

Our new accommodation guarantee ensures:

• No yearly house hunting
• No letting agent fees or deposit dramas
• No last-minute scrambles to secure a space
• No distance from campus 

 Reliability — Your accommodation is secured, year after year

Community — Stay connected to campus life and your friends

Convenience — Be on or near campus with easy access to everything you need

Who is it for?

This guarantee applies to:

• All new undergraduate students who make Essex their firm or insurance choice
• All new postgraduate students who accept their offer of study
• Students at either our Colchester or Southend campus

Please note: this guarantee does not apply to students studying at our Loughton campus, where University-managed accommodation is not available.

How to claim your guaranteed room

To benefit from guaranteed accommodation for the duration of your studies, simply:

1. Accept your offer of study at Essex
2. Apply for accommodation via our online portal
3. Submit your application by 12 September 2025

It’s as simple as that. Your room will be ready for you — every single year.

Find out more

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or planning ahead, our accommodation team is here to help. Explore your options and learn more at:

• Accommodation at Essex
• How to Apply for New Students

No more housing headaches. No more uncertainty. Just a guaranteed room, every year. That’s student life, made simple at Essex.