Single Apartments Self-contained Apartment
Flexible
Tenancy Length
Flexible
Move in from
£272.51
From (Per week)
1.4 mi
from University of Essex - Colchester Campus
View map
- 10 mins
- 4 mins
- 9 mins
image credit
|
report abuse
https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/accommodation/campus/colchester/university-quays
Most helpful review
I'm a third year student, the accommodation is great, sound furniture, everything you need in a decent size room. Room is ensuite, the bathroom is a decent size cubicle with toilet, sink and mirror, all functional, no bells and whistles. The room comes with a bed, desk, shelving, wardrobe, two chairs and a bedside table (so bring a mirror!) The maintenance team are fantastic, replaced my mattress, cleaned my drains, changed the light bulbs and took away our exploded microwave all within 24hrs of putting in the request. 15 min walk to classes, 10 mins to Tesco, and Subway and Dominoes are right on your doorstep, ice cream van comes at 6 in the summer. Kitchens are cleaned weekly and they do a great job, probably best to pitch in a wipe the sides down in between cleaner visits. Very secure, has members of the security team by the bridge 24/7 who are mostly friendly. Don't be put off by the distance, the walk is greatly exaggerated and it has never made me late to class.
Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
Social spaces
Social experience
Internet / Wifi
University of Essex Hall Rankings
*Minimum 10 reviews required to be ranked.
Discover more Universities
See all Universities...
Most helpful review
I'm a third year student, the accommodation is great, sound furniture, everything you need in a decent size room. Room is ensuite, the bathroom is a decent size cubicle with toilet, sink and mirror, all functional, no bells and whistles. The room comes with a bed, desk, shelving, wardrobe, two chairs and a bedside table (so bring a mirror!) The maintenance team are fantastic, replaced my mattress, cleaned my drains, changed the light bulbs and took away our exploded microwave all within 24hrs of putting in the request. 15 min walk to classes, 10 mins to Tesco, and Subway and Dominoes are right on your doorstep, ice cream van comes at 6 in the summer. Kitchens are cleaned weekly and they do a great job, probably best to pitch in a wipe the sides down in between cleaner visits. Very secure, has members of the security team by the bridge 24/7 who are mostly friendly. Don't be put off by the distance, the walk is greatly exaggerated and it has never made me late to class.
Value for money
Location
Property management
Cleaning
Social spaces
Social experience
Internet / Wifi
Applying to University Quays - Matthews
Accommodation Sponsored
Enso offers a range of high-quality en-suite rooms within flats and studios conveniently located in Colchester. On-site you’ll find a huge array of communal spaces exclusive for residents! Book now for September 2025 & check out our unbeatable booking offers!
University Quays - Matthews Information
| Price from | £190.47 per week (subject to availability) |
| Catering | Self-catered |
| Postcode | CO2 8GY |
Room Types
Rooms - Ensuite Standard Single
Flexible
Tenancy Length
Flexible
Move in from
£190.47
From (Per week)
Single Rooms - Ensuite Standard Double
Flexible
Tenancy Length
Flexible
Move in from
£224.07
From (Per week)
Rooms - Ensuite Premium Single
Flexible
Tenancy Length
Flexible
Move in from
£203.42
From (Per week)
Amenities
Popular
- Gym
Features
- Communal Kitchen
Internet Access
- WiFi
Laundry
- Laundry Service
People/Staff
- Maintenance Team (Daytime Only)
Recreational Facilities
- Gym
Security & Safety
- Controlled Access Gate
- Secure Building Entry
Services
- Cleaning Service
- Contents Insurance
Transport
- Bike Storage
All the Answers You Need About Student Accommodation
What tenancy length do I need?
Some students choose to stay during the academic year, whilst others – particularly international students – require a tenancy that covers the entire year. You can also find student accommodation that is available for one or two terms, classified as a “short stay” on our search filters.
Should I stay in catered student accommodation?
This is totally up to you! Catered accommodation means you will be served meals at set times in a dining hall, and you’ll likely have access to fewer kitchen facilities than if you were to stay in self-catered accommodation.
What is a guarantor and do I need one?
A guarantor is a person who signs a contract to agree to pay your rent if you are unable to. Most university accommodation requires a guarantor, and this applies to both domestic and international students.
Will I need to pay a deposit on student accommodation?
Most likely, yes, you’ll need to pay a deposit. This will be refunded at the end of your stay as long as there is no damage to the room or property.
What bills will my rent include?
If you are staying in university-run accommodation or private halls, your rent should include any utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Students are not required to pay council tax, however you may need to fill in an exemption form so make sure you check with your local council.
What is purpose-built student accommodation?
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) are residential buildings designed for students. They are often located close to campus, boast modern facilities, include all bills, and often have staff on site to assist residents.
Will my student accommodation be furnished?
Student accommodation is typically fully furnished. Your room should include at least a bed, clothes storage, desk and chair. You’ll likely need to bring things such as bedding and kitchen utensils, but we have a full list here of everything you’ll need.
Read University Quays - Matthews Reviews
University Quays is actually worth the price as a relatively inexpensive halls of residence for the school. Although the facilities are relatively old and the kitchen is relatively small (only room for one person to cook), your own room is considerably larger than other halls of residence and the toilets are larger than in normal student halls. It is worth mentioning that if you live on the 1st floor or at the entrance to the bridge, you may need to keep the curtains closed for a long time to ensure privacy. Next is the social aspect, if you are a person who likes quiet you will be greatly catered for as there are only a maximum of 7 people per flat and it will not be the place for kitchen parties as the halls of residence area is quite far away, the kitchen is small etc. It's worth noting that University Quays has its own reception and there are 2 convenience stores and restaurants downstairs, so it's a great place to live.
I'm a third year student, the accommodation is great, sound furniture, everything you need in a decent size room. Room is ensuite, the bathroom is a decent size cubicle with toilet, sink and mirror, all functional, no bells and whistles. The room comes with a bed, desk, shelving, wardrobe, two chairs and a bedside table (so bring a mirror!) The maintenance team are fantastic, replaced my mattress, cleaned my drains, changed the light bulbs and took away our exploded microwave all within 24hrs of putting in the request. 15 min walk to classes, 10 mins to Tesco, and Subway and Dominoes are right on your doorstep, ice cream van comes at 6 in the summer. Kitchens are cleaned weekly and they do a great job, probably best to pitch in a wipe the sides down in between cleaner visits. Very secure, has members of the security team by the bridge 24/7 who are mostly friendly. Don't be put off by the distance, the walk is greatly exaggerated and it has never made me late to class.
Very nice experience, felt like a very private and independent accommodation option. Walls were thick and therefore you could barely hear other students unless they were in the hallway or being very loud. The kitchen was very clean, the room was very spacious and cozy with a basic type of bathroom that is perfect. The only problems were that the wifi that used to fall, and that the heating including the water would be cold at 22;30 and therefore you could not shower later than that. I think that if you are looking for a private and comfortable stay this is a great option. If you are looking for a social life then forget about it.
I would not recommend you living here. It smells horribly, You can easily get upset here it is not nice. You should stay away from this accomodation.
If you live with the right people it'll be an amazing experience. It is the furthest from campus but the closest to Tesco and Town. I loved living in there but the only social space was the kitchen area which was enough if you got along with everyone.
Great value for money, but it is quite a walk to campus, especially with that bridge. Nice location by the river however, and its very convenient for tescos and the shops.
Peaceful and great for working as it is quiet, bad for socialising however
Is Far from campus but the closest to the train station and tescos, very decent sized room with a single bed and ensuite, the people are amazing here as well
It were proper Bo I tell thee. Ensuite and everything. Lovely, big, spacious, clean.
If you want the luxury of having an en suite without spending a fortune this is the place but bare in mind you will have to walk across a long bridge or get the bus to campus
So over priced and when things broke such as hobs and lights no one cared compared with other accommodations like the towers who were paying an awful lot less.
Well managed, close to uni, good size kitchens and great en suites
Quays is lovely. I share a couples room with my boyfriend and we have the most stunning view of the river - as most quays students do! I definitely prefer living around here, I think being on campus 24/7 might become rather tedious. Quays students have the Wivenhoe trail (which is just beautiful), we're closer to town, we have dominos/subway and we are only 5 minute walk from Tesco and Coop. Most of the people I have met here are pretty friendly, I know a lot of people have flat parties etc. I am a third year student so I prefer to be a bit less sociable than others. It is quieter than other Uni Halls but if you're the type of person who likes a bit of peace and quiet from time to time then Quays will be perfect for you.
The quays accommodation is so bad the older.members of staff are so rude and lazy sometimes you hear them say c*** his c*** that about other staff and its so disrespectful a complete overhaul is needed I lived in mq4 and I mean the block was disgusting was never maintained the clearers a are average just so shocking for the money i payed
Accommodation not too bad although cleaners leave much to be desired.
Lived here for my first year at university and despite the walk across the bridge being a small hindrance, I loved the social aspect of the accommodation :) plus having an ensuite in your room is worth the extra money you pay as it gives you a more relaxed accommodation experience, would definitely recommend for new students who don't mind the extra walk :)
seriously lacks a common area like in the meadows kitchens. Location wouldn't be an issue if it weren't for the damn bridge, needs a staircase alongside.
The people i live with are...the location sucks because of the bridge
Great sized rooms and kitchens. Management let it down as they don't respond to complaints quickly.
Nice sized rooms but 20min walk from campus, too quiet compared to other accommodation
Fun place, lots of people, really sociable.
Good accommodation but appalling at how the coast rises so much every year while we are getting less value for money. We've got less security and more break ins. Appalling considering we're paying so much.