Short stay and vacation applications

How to apply for short stay accommodation

Need accommodation on campus to attend a workshop, work on a project, to sit exams, or attend an SU event? No problem. Whatever your reason, we can offer short term accommodation. Applications for Colchester and Southend term-time short stay accommodation are now open.

These are for term-time only bookings.

Short stay - 28 nights or less

If you need a room for 1 or more nights, up to a maximum of 28 nights, then we can offer short-stay accommodation in either Colchester or Southend during the autumn, spring, and summer terms. 

Please note, that bedding is included.

How to apply

Applications can be made via Event Essex. Please quote the following promotional code when booking ESSEXTRIBE.

Short stay - 29 nights or more

If you need a room for a period of 29 nights or more, then we can offer short-stay accommodation in Southend, during the autumn, spring, and summer terms.     

Please note, that bedding is NOT included.

The last possible out date is Monday 9 June 2025.

How to apply

Southend

• Southend 2024-25 short stay accommodation application form

Applications can be received Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm but may not be processed immediately, so please allow at least 3 working days to be processed. If you are planning on arriving over a weekend, please apply well in advance.

Prices and accommodation choices are on the application form.

Rent charges for 29 nights or more 

Term time short stay rent charges

Applications for Colchester and University Square, Southend summer vacation accommodation are available for all registered students and are now open.

Some students, such as the majority of postgraduate students and a small number of undergraduate students will have a letter of allocation to mid-September. Other students will be required to vacate their accommodation at the end of the academic year in July and make a vacation booking if they require accommodation over the summer.

Bookings are subject to a minimum stay of 4 nights.

Please note, that bedding is not included.

If you require a booking that is for 29 nights or more, the tariff is set at a lower rate equivalent to the term time rent. In this case the same letting conditions apply as for students who have been resident all year, in particular, notice cannot be given once the keys are collected.

If you require a booking of 28 nights or less or you are uncertain about required dates, the short-term rate applies. In this case three days notice may be given. Any booking which commences on or after 8 September 2025 will be deemed a short-term booking.

Before making a booking ensure you read the Vacation Accommodation Terms and Conditions of Residence below.

Applications can be received Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm but will not be processed immediately, so please allow at least 3 working days to be processed. If you are planning on arriving over the weekend, please apply well in advance.

Accessibility needs

If you require accessibility support with your move, please contact your caseworker at include@essex.ac.uk.

Vacation accommodation Terms and Conditions of Residence (pdf.)

Apply for accommodation

• Summer vacation 2025 accommodation application form 

Summer vacation rent charges

Interim period

If you are currently living in our accommodation and have accommodation booked with us again for 2025-26, then you can stay in your summer room until your term-time room is ready, you will not need to move out between contracts (there is a charge of £18.06 per night for this period). You will be issued with an interim booking for this period and we will let you know what the process is and give you the opportunity to cancel, if you will not be staying. If you do think you will be staying during this interim period, you will need to be here during that period to move, so please do keep checking your email account for any updates over the summer.

If you are on the 5 week pre-sessional course in August and have booked our accommodation for 2025-26. You will hopefully be in your term-time room already, if not we will move you when your term-time room is ready

The last possible in date for vacation bookings is 8 September 2025.

If you're living in private accommodation you won't be able to move in until Tuesday 1 July 2025. If you're currently living in University accommodation your vacation booking will start at the end of your current contract and we will let you know when your summer room is ready.

Last possible out date is Monday 15 September 2025.

End of contract

All accommodation contracts end in mid-September to allow for cleaning and essential maintenance work to be completed. There can be no extensions of accommodation beyond this time.

However, if you are in University accommodation over the summer and have accommodation the following academic year you may remain in your current room until your term-time room is ready. You are not required to make an additional booking for this, as we will invoice you for this automatically in September. You will be expected to move as soon as you are notified in order that your vacation room can be prepared for new students arriving.

Residential accommodation with bedding, is available for Graduating students, as well as guests and family members.

You can book this accommodation through Event Essex.