Athlete Village

Immerse yourself in a community of athletes and sport performers

The Athlete Village is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and has been created for undergraduate students competing in the Essex Blades teams to be able to live together in the same area of campus, adjacent to the sports facilities. 

By living in the Athlete Village, you will be immersed in a community of athletes and sports performers, and benefit from a supportive, encouraging, and exclusive environment designed to help you achieve your peak performance.

Both returning students who have previously represented the University in BUCS competitions, and new students who can evidence their level of performance in school, county or national level competition are welcome to apply to live in the Athlete Village.

Living in the Athlete Village you will also receive a comprehensive package of benefits worth over £700* to support your sporting endeavours, including:

• Free upgrade to Essex Sport Gold Membership £50
• Free Essex Blades BUCS participation fee £30
• Contribution towards one Sports Club Membership fee (capped) £50
• Free Kit Pack worth £125
• Laundry card and credit £102
• 2 weeks free BUCS pre-season training accommodation worth up to £347 

*This offer cannot be taken in combination with any other accommodation offer.

If you would like to apply to live in the Athlete Village, then you will need to select South Courts as your area preference in your accommodation application. Please also add 'I want to live in the Athlete Village' in the additional notes field of your application.

British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS)

If you are a Sports Scholar or are planning on joining one of our BUCS teams and living in our campus accommodation but do not wish to live in the Athlete Village, then you can still apply for the 2 weeks pre-season training accommodation.

However, although this is not free, there is a reduction in the rent of £116.76, which is equivalent to a week’s rent in South Towers. This is for the period 14-27 September 2023 only. You will be contacted directly about your eligibility to apply for this.

Allocations to the Athlete Village and pre-season training, will be subject to eligibility confirmation by Essex Sport and the Students' Union and will be subject to availability. 

We can’t wait for you to join us in our new and exciting Athlete Village and look forward to welcoming you into this amazing sporting community.