South Courts

About South Courts

South Courts is near lots of green space to enjoy a walk or jog and only a five-minute walk to the centre of campus. This accommodation is ideal if you want the perfect balance between your academic studies and social life.

Each of the eight courts, Rowhedge, Thaxted, Manningtree, Brightlingsea, Harwich, Alresford, Frinton, and Walton are arranged into flats with shared kitchens for four to fourteen students, providing a great social hub to make friends and chat about your day. The larger flats accommodating up to fourteen students have two or three kitchens shared between the flat.

South Courts accommodation were built at different stages and, therefore, can be different in appearance, as well as the size of flat. Equally, rooms may slightly vary in size and layout, depending on where they are situated in the building.

Find out more about the South Courts Facebook group and view full address.

Building Works

Necessary works to House 6 of Alresford Court, in South Courts on our Colchester campus, have started and will be completed by December 2025.

The noise from the works are likely to affect Harwich Court Houses 16-23 the most, due to the proximity of the building. However, everything will be done to mitigate the impact on those living in South Courts.

Although there will be some noise and disruption during these works, there will be no disturbance during the evenings, weekends, or Bank Holidays unless absolutely necessary.

Alternate study areas are available for you to use, if you are not able to study in your room.

Location

South Courts is located just a 5 minute walk from the centre of campus where you will find the Albert Sloman Library, SU bar, SU Shop, eatery outlets and plenty more. It is also only a 2 minute walk to our gym and other sport facilities located on the edge of the University campus.

Benefits of campus living

There are many advantages to living on campus at Essex - you’ll have your lectures on your doorstep, get to know the University inside and out plus you’ll be right in the heart of the action.

Quality Guarantee

Accommodation Essex is a member of the Universities UK Student Accommodation Code (SAC) which sets out the quality and standards (.pdf) that students can expect from our accommodation.

To make sure we comply with the Housing Act 2004, Accommodation Essex adhere to the UUK Student Accommodation Code, which has been designed to protect your rights to safe, good quality university-managed accommodation.

Derwent, the management company for The Copse, University Quays, and The Meadows, as well as BYUK FM, who manage The Pastures, adhere to National Code Assured Accommodation (ANUK).

Fixed cost

At Essex, we recognise the cost of living challenges that will impact our students. For example, your weekly rent includes your energy bills and internet access.

Gym

If you are living on the Colchester Campus, then you get a silver Essex Sport gym membership included in your rent.

Medical centre

There is a medical centre at Colchester Campus for you to visit when you are unwell. However, you will need to register before you can see a doctor. You can register online either just before or when you arrive.

Security

Our campuses are generally very safe environments. We want to ensure that things stay this way. There is 24-hour security at our Colchester Campus.

Support services

We have a wide range of support services to help you with everyday worries in your accommodation or for practical or personal issues.

Support is available to you within your Student Services Hub, providing advice and support on a range of issues such as financial worries, immigration issues and support for students with additional needs or specific health concerns.

SU Advice, run by the Students' Union, offers welfare advice to students on a range of issues. SU Advice is located on Square 3.

Insurance

By partnering with Howden, the No.1 student insurance provider, we've arranged contents insurance for all of our students staying with us, in our residence, at no cost to you.