Pay online

Use our student online payment system to make credit/debit card payments. Please do NOT use this system to make your advanced rent payment.

You must be registered with the University and have an Essex login name and password in order to pay securely using this system. You'll also need your PRID (for example, SMITH12345) which is shown on your letter of allocation.

If you are not able to pay online, you can pay by bank transfer and international online payment service including online e-wallet payment methods.

Our income desks will be open for limited face-to-face and over the phone payments via debit or credit card. Our opening hours are 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Payment dates

Accommodation term dates for the 2023-24 academic year

Term  Term dates  Payment Deadline
Term 1 1 October 2023 - 31 December 2023  31 October 2023
Term 2 1 January 2024 - 31 March 2024 31 January 2024
Term 3 1 April 2024 - 29 June 2024 30 April 2024
Term 4 (if applicable) 30 June 2024 - 16 September 2024  8 July 2024

Late payment charges

If payment is not received by the above dates, your accommodation internet may be disconnected.

If any cheque is returned unpaid, a £25 administration fee will also be charged.

Any reminders from the University will be sent via email to your University email address.

Advanced rent payment

New postgraduate students

You will need to pay a £250 advanced rent payment (to be deducted from your first term’s rental charges) as part of the acceptance process.

The refund deadline for this payment if you do not move in and wish to cancel your offer, or withdraw from the University for October 2023 start students, is 1 September 2023. The deadline for January 2024 start students, is 1 January 2024.

Details of how you intend to pay should be entered on your accommodation application form and your PG number must be written on the reverse or attached to all methods of payment.

How to pay

  • As part of the online acceptance process
  • Pay in person or over the phone at the Student Services Hub

If you are not able to pay your advanced rent payment at the point of acceptance, please contact the Student Information Team in the Student Services Hub.

Please do not try and pay your advanced rent payment via the student online payment system. We have experienced difficulty tracing such payments in the past and this option has therefore been discontinued.

Returning undergraduates

You will need to pay a £250 advanced rent payment (to be deducted from your first term’s rental charges) as part of the acceptance process.

The refund deadline for this payment if you do not move in and wish to cancel your offer, or withdraw from the University for October 2023 start students, is 1 September 2023. The deadline for January 2024 start students, is 1 January 2024.

How to pay

  • As part of the online acceptance process
  • Pay in person or over the phone at the Student Services Hub

If you are not able to pay your advanced rent payment at the point of acceptance, please contact the Student Information Team in the Student Services Hub.

Please do not try and pay your advanced rent payment via the student online payment system. We have experienced difficulty tracing such payments in the past and this option has therefore been discontinued.

   

Important details

Your preferred location

On the application form you will be asked to select your preferred locations. Select these in order of preference, but do not select any location which you would not be prepared to accept. Unfortunately we are not able to guarantee that you will be offered your first choice of accommodation and we will not make another offer if you decline the room.

Entering a legally binding contract

Once you have paid the advanced rent payment and accepted the offer, you have formed a contract which is legally binding and as such you will not be able to give notice to leave.

If you reject your accommodation

If you reject your accommodation offer, the offer will be withdrawn and your application closed.

Withdrawing from the University

If you withdraw from the University you will be able to receive a full refund of your advanced rent payment, as long as you contact us before you have collected your key.

Essex American football team
Essex Sport membership

For students applying for accommodation in Colchester, we’re including an Essex Sport Silver membership package within your rent. See what's included within the Silver student membership package.

Find out more
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.

   
Students on Square 4
Current students

Download your welcome pack and find all the information you need to help you settle in, including contact details for accommodation and emergency numbers for out-of-hours support.

Find out more