So you have accepted your offer and are thinking about all the preparations to be made, but first you want to know where you will live, so you are examining the residence websites and trying to figure out which is the best for your needs. Well, here's a quick breakdown of your options:
TOWERS: CHEAP! If you need to save money, this is where you need to be. They are by far the cheapest residence option. If you are very social and love having people around, again, this is the place to be. Lots of flatmates, lots of fun :)
HOUSES: QUIET! Tucked away in the corner of campus, surrounded by parkland (and picnic tables!), not only is the surrounding area quieter than much of campus, fewer flatmates means a quieter flat as well. Bonus of having your own bathroom means life can be pretty private.
SOUTHCOURTS: BIG ROOMS! Much like the Houses, but on the other side of campus and with bigger rooms. Funky circle shaped building has a pleasant garden area in the middle! (Primarily undergrad)
QUAYS: EXERCISE! Like to walk? Perfect. The Quays (pronounced keys) are a short walk towards the river, through the meadow. Walking back and forth will keep you in better shape :) Don't want to walk? That's OK, there is a bus directly from your doorstep to the uni. Big rooms, big kitchens, your own bathroom, new and nice, away from the hustle and bustle of campus. The Quays is a cluster of buildings on the river side and a community in itself.
AVON WAY: TV! This off campus accommodation has bigger beds and common areas with Sky TV and Wii! Think living off-campus is inconvenient? Well depends what you call convenience, Avon Way is right on a main bus route to campus, or it is a 15 - 20 minute walk. It is also right around the corner from the supermarket and there is a little grocery shop really close by. Also, if you want to go out on campus, the SU runs a safety bus for £1, it runs late into the night and takes you from campus straight to your door!
FOREST HOUSE/ CANDAN HOUSE/ GREENSTEAD HOUSE: Even more choice... these are non-university residences, but most certainly worth having a look. They provide lots of choice, rooms in flats with common areas, rooms with your own bathroom, double rooms, larger single rooms. Like Avon Way they are close to main bus routes and REALLY close to the big Tesco supermarket and are also served by the safety bus. Forest House and Candan House surround a nice little garden and include a bbq area!
http://www.forestrd.co.uk/index.htm
None of the above suiting your fancy? Want your own place but not really certain how to figure all that out in a new country? Well, the first good news is that most student-type flats around here are furnished :) No need to worry, there will be a bed for you from day one, maybe even some pots and pans too! Next bit of good news? Essex has a site all set up to help you figure out your new home:
http://www.essexstudentpad.co.uk/Home
Don't forget to look at the message board, it is where students post rooms they need to fill - you could even find flatmates here!
Want more information on finding a place to live in Colchester? There is a live student chat at this link, leave your question and get a personalized answer!
http://www.chatzy.com/44653413941966
Emily
********* UPDATE **********
On campus accomodation is now full for postgrads (undergrads you are still alright!) There are still places at Avon Way, and to apply to this accommodation you still fill in an application as usual through your myEssex portal. Don't forget to check out Forest House, Candan House, Greenstead House (these applications are made directly to the company - see their website) And be sure to check out the messageboard on essexstudentpad :)
