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University of Essex homepage Life Accommodation campus Colchester University Quays
Colchester Campus Accommodation

University Quays

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Your key to Essex Living

Enjoy picturesque riverside accommodation with the benefits of convenient transport links to the University campus, city centre and London.

 

The details
780
Colchester Campus
Ensuite, Private
Undergraduate students, Postgraduate students
Room and Accommodation Type Price 
Standard single £163.03
Premium single £174.02
Standard double £191.59
Self-contained apartment £232.89
  
Don't forget, you can apply for accommodation with us as soon as we're your first choice. 
Apply for accommodation now

Please note that contract lengths vary in line with course dates. Postgraduate courses are normally 50 weeks and undergraduate courses are normally 39 weeks, however, some courses start earlier or finish later than others.

About University Quays

Close to campus, our historical city centre and to the Hythe train station; University Quays are perfectly located. Attend your lecture, clock in for a part-time job in the city, enjoy the bars and restaurants in Colchester when your shift is over, or jump on a train to the city with your friends.

Partner that with amazing views of the River Colne, where you can enjoy a Sunday afternoon bike ride, or pop to the nearby shops for your everyday essentials - just in time to hang out in the great social spaces that form part of the Quays apartments.

Our award-winning University Quays accommodation is around a 15-20 minute walk to the centre of campus.

  • Matthews, Sainty, and Hawkins Quays are arranged into flats for four to eight students with shared kitchens
  • Launderette on site
  • Large supermarket just a short walk away
  • There is one self-contained apartment available in this area
  • Lifts are available in Sainty Houses 4 and 5 only
  • Some shared accommodation available
  • Available for undergraduates and postgraduates

We work with Uliving to provide student accommodation at University Quays. Your accommodation contract is with us but the management, maintenance, and cleaning services are provided by Derwent Students.

University Quays is included within Derwent Students ANUK/Unipol National Code accreditation.

Exciting news!

We are expanding our accommodation portfolio and our new development, The Pastures is well underway. It consists of 1262 rooms, a laundry, social hub, and post room.

The position of our new accommodation is opposite the current Meadows site, to the side of University Quays, on North campus. Work will continue over the next year, with completion set for September 2023. We will work with contractors to mitigate any impact on our students living nearby and will provide alternate study space if required. 

Room details 

  • En suite toilet and shower facilities in each bedroom
  • 26 double rooms
  • 1 self-contained apartment
  • 18 premium rooms
  • 735 single, standard rooms
  • Single beds, premium rooms have a small double bed
  • Double rooms available with a double bed, two desks and chairs, two bedside cabinets, and two wardrobes
  • Typical room dimensions for a standard en-suite is 14.5m2. The bathroom takes up 2.32m2.
  • Check out what else is in your room

Location

The Quays is located a 16 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 a 18 minute walk to our gym and other sport facilities located on the edge of the University campus

"I chose The Quays because of the private bathroom and the bedroom itself - it's huge, which means I have enough space to study, work and even work out, as well as bright and sunny, which is great when I have to concentrate on my studying. I also like that it's close to the University but not too much - I love walking, so having to walk a bit to campus is simply wonderful! The atmosphere is usually pretty calm and my flatmates are nice and quiet."
Chiara Salvi  MA Translation and Professional Practice student

Join your Facebook group

2022-23

2022-23

Meet other new students living in the University Quays, 2022-23 academic year

2023-24

2023-24

Meet other new students living in the University Quays, 2023-24

The Quays at the University of Essex Colchester Campus
Postal address
Name of Quay followed by House, flat/room (e.g. Matthews Quay 2.1/A) Lightship Way, Colchester
CO2 8GY
National Code accommodation logo
logo to show Silver accreditation status for GSL housing survey
student talking to support staff
Contact us

For enquiries about accommodation or about an application you're making, contact us at the Student Services Hub. Quote your full name and PRID or PG number on all correspondence.

Get in touch
CONTACT US
Contact us

  • For enquiries contact your Student Services Hub
  •  
  • University of Essex
  • Wivenhoe Park
  • Colchester CO4 3SQ

 

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