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Study in Colchester

Britain’s oldest recorded town – with the ruins and architecture to prove it – Colchester may ‘tell Britain's story’ better than anywhere else.

Colchester is a historic town – small, but full of nice little pubs and bars (with excellent jazz nights every week), as well as museums and other cultural institutions. There is a lot of nature to enjoy, and it is not far from the sea, which is great for study breaks. It is easy to get around and meet people (friends and friends to be) – a great advantage of a smaller town. (University of Essex student)

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  • Emma

    University of Essex
    Literature
    Hi! I am always happy to help you with questions about university life. In my first year I lived on campus in South Courts accommodation, and I am currenting living in student flats off campus for my second year. My interests include going to the gym, listening to music, reading, spending time with my friends and cooking. In my first year I was part of the feminist society and I am deeply passionate about ensuring equality and safety for all. My favourite thing about the university of Essex is the amount of leisure activities, food outlets and shops both on campus and in the town centre near by and I enjoy making use of these, both by myself in-between classes and studying, or to catch up friends.

  • Laura

    University of Essex
    Modern Languages
    Hi! I am originally from Poland and have lived in England for 4 years. I have always been passionate about languages, especially English and Spanish, and have recently become fond of translation. I plan to do a Masters in Translation at Essex and become a translator or interpreter. Dance is however my biggest passion and I am part of a few competition teams at the University's dance club.

  • Renaldas

    University of Essex
    Psychology
    Hey guys! My name is Renaldas, I'm 23 years old and I'm a postgraduate student of Psychology at the University of Essex. I've graduated with a 1st class degree in BA Business Management and Modern Languages from the University of Essex and, throughout the course of my studies here, I had a chance to go abroad and experience life in Italy. Ask me anything about life, studies and opportunities here at Essex ;)

  • Claudia

    University of Essex
    Occupational Therapy
    Hiya👋🏻, I am Claudia from Hong Kong🇭🇰. I am studying Bsc Occupational Therapy at University of Essex (Year 3)💚. I really enjoy my course with placements which allow me to explore the real OT working setting🤓. I aim to be a qualified Occupational Therapist after my 3 years of study💪🏻. I like listening to music🎶, especially Kpop and Cantopop. I am passionate about reading📚, travelling🛫, and chatting👅. Feel free to ask me questions about uni🏫, my course, or any other... Looking forward to chatting with you! 🥰🤪😆💕

  • Alice

    University of Essex
    Speech and Language Therapy
    I'm a 3rd year student at the University of Essex. I came straight from Sixth Form, and although it has been a big step, I have really enjoyed it. In my first year, I lived on campus in student accommodation, so if you have any questions about student accommodation feel free to ask! I was part of the Essex Blades Ballet competition team, which was a great experience as I had never competed in dance before, and I now coach the team! Please let me know if you have any questions about studying and life at the University of Essex.

  • Juliet

    University of Essex
    Sociology
    Hey everyone! I'm Juliet, a final-year Sociology student. In my free time I love to sing, dance and act. I help run the theatre arts society, planning games nights, themed dress up nights and much more for anyone who loves theatre! I am also greatly involved in student life, in my roles as student ambassador, student representative and peer mentor. I love supporting my peers have the best time at Essex! In my third year I completed a year studying at the University of Windsor in Canada, making amazing friends, adapting to a new education system and of course travelling. I'm a major globetrotter, having visited 17 countries and counting! Ask me anything about my adventures, or if you're curious about student life, clubs, societies or anything university related. I can't wait to chat with you!

  • Kamila

    University of Essex
    Speech and Language Therapy
    Hello :) my name is Kamila, and I am a second year master's student at the University of Essex, studying Speech and language Therapy. I come from Slovakia, however I completed my secondary education here in the UK. During my undergraduate studies in BA English Linguistics, I have been introduced to the module of clinical linguistics, in which I learnt about speech and language therapy. Since then I have been determined to become a paediatric speech and language therapist, as it will allow me to help and advocate for children with speech and language difficulties. My particular interest is in bilingual and multilingual children. I am enjoying my course, as I am able to learn many new skills, and put them into practice during various placements. I believe that the social life at Essex exceeds most universities in the UK. Thanks to its diversity, you will be able to join various societies depending on your hobbies and interests. This year, I am a vice-president of the Speech and Language Therapy Society. As a society we offer a variety of events, including guest speakers, revision sessions, social events, and our favourite annual summer ball! I am also a member of the Essex Blades Dance competition team, and I am really looking forward to the upcoming competition season. If you have any questions about life at Essex, Speech and Language Therapy course, or any of the societies, do not hesitate to reach out! :)

  • Phoebe

    University of Essex
    Biomedical Science
    Hi, my name is Phoebe! I am currently in the final year of my BSc Biomedical Science (NHS Placement Year) degree at the University of Essex. I haven't set my mind on specifically what I'd like to do after my degree, but I know I'd like a job working within the biomedical field. During my first year at uni, I chose to live on campus (Colchester Campus) in South Courts, but during the following years I commuted from home, so I am happy to answer questions about both. The campus accommodates for however you're feeling e.g. from spending some time relaxing at the lakes, quiet study spots and places to grab coffee to SU events, sports teams & societies and even a nightclub! If you have any questions about studying biomedical science, the clearing process, living in uni accommodation or student life in general, send me a message and I'll be happy to help! 😊

  • Craig

    University of Essex
    Sports Therapy
    I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone with adrenaline-inducing activities and going with the flow. I aim to work as a physiotherapist/sports therapist for a professional sports team and travel the world.

  • Dani

    University of Essex
    Criminology
    I am a criminology student from the north of england who is hoping to progress and grow during my last year at Essex. I enjoy spending time with friends and listening to music. I’d say I’m very social and happy to meet new people. In terms of career plans, I haven’t 100% decided on what I’d like to do after graduating.

  • yana

    University of Essex
    Politics and International Relations
    My future plans are to start working in embassy or government. I'm still thinking what I will do after finish university, however, I might spend one year preparing for LSAT to apply to Law School.

  • Youssef

    University of Essex
    Business and Management
    Hello I'm Youssef, a second year student with a passion for business. I am studying International Business and Entrepreneurship at University of Essex, Southend campus. I was born in Alexandria, Egypt and moved to the United Kingdom to complete my studies. My interests are reading books, playing football and travelling all around the world. I also live in the university accommodation so feel free to ask me anything about the accommodation, my course or Southend campus! Looking forward to meeting you all soon!

  • Josephine

    University of Essex
    Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management
    My career plan as a hospitality student involves gaining practical experience through internships, securing an entry-level position in a reputable establishment, specializing in areas like event management, advancing through middle management, and eventually attaining executive leadership or entrepreneurship roles while maintaining a strong commitment to continuous learning, industry impact, and a healthy work-life balance.

What Colchester's famous for...

The original capital 

Before London, ‘Camulodunum’ was the first Roman capital of Britain. Rebuilt after Queen Boudica’s rebels burnt it down in AD61, it's seen plenty more since then.

Colchester nightlife, according to students

The University of Essex itself has Sub Zero. Each night has different themes, from drum and bass to indie rock. If you want a different night out, ATIK in town is only a 10-minute taxi away from campus, and has three different music rooms, so you can mix between them and have a different experience. There are plenty of pubs in town all around the high street. (Second year student, University of Essex)

The Walking Woman

The 2.2m bronze statue – and her 1.4m friend, ‘Man with Cup’ – have become staples of the high street. Grab a selfie, and ponder their meaning. 

Colchester nightlife, according to students

While the University of Essex campus has amazing nightlife on site, some students choose to venture out into Colchester town, with the most prominent venues being ATIK and The Silk Road Lounge. I have heard mixed reviews, but it depends on who you are as a person. If you are looking for something different entirely, Rubix specialises in 80s music and weekly LGBTQ+ nights. (University of Essex student)

Colchester Zoo

As well as its museums and ruins, Colchester Zoo is one of the most popular in the country, with highlights including Elephant Kingdom and Vulture Valley.

Student life in Colchester

Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Castle Park is free, and lovely for a picnic or a walk. There is a bowling alley not too far from campus. (Third year student, University of Essex)
Treat yourself
I’d recommend Curzon Cinema. It’s a classy yet ambient atmosphere, with some of the more obscure movies on show. (University of Essex student)
Friday night out
Fridays are split between the campus club Sub Zero and ATIK in town. If you’d rather a more relaxed vibe, the SU bar has karaoke on Friday nights. (Second year student, University of Essex)
Sunday chilling
Just a short bus ride away is Wivenhoe: a quiet little seaside village which has a lovely pub down by the waterfront. The Wivenhoe Trail which runs from there is a great long walk or bike ride. (Third year student, University of Essex)
When family visit
Colchester Zoo is not too far and affordable for the whole family. It’s so big, it’s great for a proper day out. (Second year student, University of Essex)
Feeling cultural
Essex Book Festival in the spring comes to various venues in Colchester, most notably Firstsite, the local art gallery. (University of Essex student)
Catch up with mates
Muffin Break is a great coffee shop in the town centre. The muffins and scones are huge. (University of Essex student)
Grab a bite
Moto Pizza, a pizza buffet place. They just carry trays of pizza around for you to pick a slice. (Third year student, University of Essex)

Central Park Lake

(Jenny, third year student at Anglia Ruskin University)

Living in Colchester, according to students

Greenstead is one of the main places students live off campus. It has several shops like One Stop and Tesco Express, as well as takeaways. There are plenty of takeaways that deliver right to your door, and it's only a 15-minute walk from the Tesco superstore. It is about a 25-minute walk from campus, and there are regular buses into town. The only negative is that there is no longer a direct bus to campus, so it's either a 25-minute walk or two buses. However I would (and will) live here again. (Second year student, University of Essex)

Living in Colchester

Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.

Where you'll find students
  • Greenstead
  • Hythe
  • Quayside
Local transport
  • Weekly ticket: £16.50
  • First Essex Zone 1 – University of Essex students only
  • Bus

Student money tips

Living in the centre of Colchester can be pricey. It’s better to look around the Hythe area for accommodation, [which is] around five – ten minutes from the town centre. (Third year student, University of Essex)

The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

​Discover more savings on student life in Colchester with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

Living in Colchester, according to students

Hythe – I live one minute away from the Extra store in town, and ten minutes away from campus on foot. The area is mostly student accommodation, but is fairly quiet. Rent isn't the cheapest, and the rooms are not too big, but the location is worth the price. (Third year student, University of Essex)

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