Best Student Accommodation in Essex, United Kingdom

University of Essex

The University of Essex is the county's university, which is well known for social sciences, with strong research in sociology, economics, politics and international studies. It also has established strengths in law, computer science, psychology, science, health, arts and humanities. Times Higher Education ranks the university 34th among the UK’s top universities.

For international students, the university offers a broad range of courses and a diverse campus environment, with students from more than 140 countries. Its strong international outlook and extensive range of societies and student activities make Essex a popular choice for students looking for student accommodation.

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

Anglia Ruskin University is one of the county's key higher education centres. The riverside campus offers specialist facilities, including a School of Medicine, nursing and midwifery facilities, SuperLabs, a Business School and a Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab.

ARU offers courses across areas such as medicine, nursing, healthcare, business, engineering, computing, education and social sciences. Its current course listings include more than 80 full-time undergraduate and postgraduate options at the campus, alongside research and flexible study routes.

The university has a strong international focus and welcomes students from around the world. Its practical approach to teaching and specialist facilities make Essex a useful option for students looking for student housing there, particularly those studying healthcare, medicine or professional subjects.

Essex student accommodation includes en-suite rooms, studios and private apartments. All international students will find what they are looking for at good prices.

• Luxury Double Room in Essex: This student accommodation in Essex offers single rooms with amenities, such as on-site laundry and car parking.
  
  
• Cosy & comfortable urban maisonette: This Essex student accommodation has features, including laundry facilities.
  
  
• Newly Refurbished Professional House: This student housing in Essex offers single and double rooms to suit all preferences.
  
  
• Home Away: This Essex student accommodation offers single rooms, a gym, car parking, laundry facilities, and a cinema room to make students’ lives easier.

Check the distance from university: Choose accommodation that keeps your daily journey manageable. Walking distance can be particularly useful if you have early lectures.

Set your budget: Compare rent alongside groceries, transport and other regular expenses. Students looking for affordable student accommodation in Essex should also check whether utilities and Wi-Fi are included.

Consider transport: If you plan to travel between towns or commute to London, check the nearest bus and railway stations before booking. A cheaper room can become less economical if daily travel costs are high.

Check what bills include: Some properties include electricity, water, heating and Wi-Fi, while others may charge some costs separately. Always check the tenancy details before paying a deposit.

Look at safety: Check whether the property offers secure entry, CCTV, on-site management, maintenance support and other security measures.

The cost of living in Essex, England, is moderate by UK standards, making it a practical choice for students and young professionals. Monthly expenses for a single person average around £1,900 including rent, or roughly £930 excluding rent.

Student Accommodation

Groceries

Utilities

Transportation

Prices can change depending on the provider, location, academic year, and market conditions. Students should check the latest rates before budgeting.

Essex has an extensive transport network connecting Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend-on-Sea, London and smaller towns. Students can use local buses for shorter journeys and National Rail services for travel between major towns and cities.

Metro

Essex does not have a conventional metro network across the county. Students travelling around southern Essex can use the Transport for London network when travelling into London, including Underground and Elizabeth line services where available. Fares depend on the route and payment method, while eligible students and young people can access certain discounted travel products.

Bus

Local bus services are operated by several companies, including First Bus, Arriva and other regional operators. Essex County Council notes that several local transport providers offer student or discounted tickets, including First Essex, Arriva and Ensignbus. Students should compare weekly, four-weekly and academic-year tickets if they travel frequently, as these can be better value than buying individual fares.

Trains

National Rail services connect major Essex destinations with London and other parts of eastern England. Greater Anglia serves important stations, including Chelmsford and Colchester, while C2C provides services in south Essex towards London. Students aged 16-25 can also use a 16-25 Railcard to receive discounted eligible rail fares.

Libraries: The University of Essex Library provides students with access to academic books, journals, computers, study areas and online resources.

Cafés: Lakeside Theatre Café is a great place to pick up a Lavazza coffee and pastry en route to campus.

Parks: RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a large public garden in Essex, managed by the Royal Horticultural Society. It features landscaped gardens, including its well-known Dry Garden and seasonal planting. Students can visit to enjoy peaceful walks, explore the gardens, attend events and spend time outdoors.

Events: Students can find festivals, live music, theatre, food events, exhibitions and seasonal activities throughout the year. Visit Essex provides information about upcoming events and things to do across the county.

Student discounts: Students can save on everyday travel, food, entertainment and leisure activities by using a valid student ID. The 16-25 Railcard also provides up to one-third off eligible rail journeys for students and young adults.