Best Student Accommodation in Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is the main university in Chelmsford, with its riverside campus on Bishop Hall Lane, close to the city centre. The campus includes specialist facilities such as SuperLabs, an Anatomy Suite, nursing and midwifery skills labs, and a Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab. Students in engineering can also use specialist workshops and 3D printing facilities. ARU Writtle has a specialist focus on agriculture, horticulture, animal science, equine subjects, veterinary physiotherapy, conservation, and sport. Its 150-hectare campus includes a working farm, equine facilities, and research glasshouses.

Students looking for accommodation in and around Chelmsford can choose from different room options and locations. Casita options include:

• Real Maldon Family Love Nature: Offers a room with facilities suitable for students, around 40 minutes by public transport from central Chelmsford.
• Comfy Cottage Homestay Nr Chelmsford: Offers double rooms near Chelmsford, suitable for students looking for a convenient place to stay.

When choosing student accommodation in Chelmsford, consider your distance from Anglia Ruskin University, the city centre, and Chelmsford station. ARU’s Bishop Hall Lane campus is about a 10-minute walk from the city centre and railway station.

• University commute: Check your journey to ARU, especially if you have regular early lectures or practical sessions.
• Room type: Compare the available room types and choose based on your space and budget preferences.
• Weekly budget: Compare room prices and check which bills are included before booking.
• Transport: Check nearby bus routes if you live outside the centre. ARU students can access discounted First Bus tickets covering Chelmsford and surrounding areas.
• Location: Consider whether you prefer to be closer to the city centre or further out, depending on your university commute and daily needs.
• Travel to London: Chelmsford station has direct trains to London Liverpool Street, with many journeys taking around 35 minutes.

The cost of living in Chelmsford depends on your accommodation, lifestyle, and spending habits. Living in Chelmsford can be more affordable than living in London, while direct rail connections to the capital make it useful for students who occasionally travel to London.

Student Accommodation

According to Numbeo, the following figures provide a general guide to everyday living costs in Chelmsford. Actual spending varies depending on your lifestyle, accommodation, and spending habits.

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Transportation

Student Discounts & Passes

Note: ARU students can purchase discounted First Bus tickets through the First Bus app. Fares and ticket conditions can change, so check the latest information before travelling.

Getting around Chelmsford is relatively straightforward for students, whether they are heading to lectures, meeting friends, or travelling further afield. ARU’s Chelmsford campus, the city centre, and railway station are all within easy reach, while local buses connect areas beyond the centre. First Bus operates many of Chelmsford’s main local services.

Getting Around Chelmsford

Many everyday journeys between ARU’s Bishop Hall Lane campus, the city centre, and Chelmsford station can be made on foot, with the campus around a 10-minute walk from both. Local buses are useful for students living further out, with services connecting areas such as Great Baddow, Writtle, and Broomfield.

Train

Chelmsford railway station provides direct services to London Liverpool Street, making the capital accessible for shopping, concerts, museums, and career events. Trains also connect Chelmsford with destinations including Stratford and Colchester.

Bus

First Bus operates many local services from Chelmsford Bus Station and around the city, helping students get to university, part-time jobs, shops, and other areas of Chelmsford. Students can check current routes and service changes when planning their journeys.

Students can swap the campus for a walk around Hylands Estate, a show at Chelmsford Theatre, an afternoon at Chelmsford Museum, or coffee and shopping in the city centre:

• Hylands Estate: This 574-acre estate features historic parkland, woodland, lakes, gardens, and walking routes. Students can visit for a walk, picnic, or study break, while the Stables area has cafés, artist studios, and a second-hand bookshop.
• Chelmsford Theatre: A city-centre venue hosting theatre, comedy, live music, and cinema screenings, with regular events providing options for an evening out.
• Chelmsford Museum: Located in Oaklands Park, the museum explores Chelmsford’s local, industrial, and social history.
• Chelmsford city centre: Shops, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment venues make the centre a convenient place to meet friends, grab a meal, or take a break from campus.