The University has many different options for accommodation both on the central campus or close vicinty. Living in University accommodation is a great way to meet new people when you first start at Essex and provides easy access to classes and lecture halls. University accommodation comes with the added benefit of 24 hour campus security support - particularly useful if you forget your key after a late night study session in the Library!.
The University offers lots of different types of accommodation (studio flats, ensuite bathroom, shared bathrooms and kitchens etc) at different prices depending on your budget and can provide accommodation to cater for most needs. Check out their webpages here to see the different accommodation options on offer.
If you are a
returning student going into your next year of study, you can also apply to live in University accommodation and you can request to live with your friends as a group.
The University’s Terms and Conditions for Accommodation outlines the terms of your offer of accommodation like a tenancy agreement. University Accommodation is for a fixed period. For Undergraduate students it's usually 39 weeks and for Postgraduate students it's usually 50 weeks, although you may also be able to arrange accommodation for the duration of your studies.
The University also offers some short term (28 nights or less) or vacation accommodation options - you can check out and apply for these options on the Uni website.
Please note, if you accept an offer for accommodation, there is no 'cooling off' period. Even if you decide you no longer wish to live on campus, you will be expected to pay rent until the end of the agreed rental period. It is not possible to leave University Accommodation early unless you are taking a period of intermission or withdrawing from your studies.
We recommend all students living in campus accommodation read through the terms and conditions and any Welcome Pack information provided to you as these will explain what is expected of you as a tenant; rules about guests; smoking policies; damages you might be expected to pay for etc. Students who do not follow these rules may be called to meet with the Student Conduct team and be penalised if found to be in breach. If you do find yourself in the situation, SU Advice can provide support through the process so please do get in touch.
The University Accommodation fees are usually charged termly around the time of student finance payments. They're based on the cost per week for your accommodation and include all bills and rates that would normally be paid separately in private tenancies.
The University rental fees also include a block hall insurance policy with Howden Insurance Services that insures your personal belongings in your room. It's important to check the cover that's provided under this arrangement as items probably won't be covered for damage out of your accommodation (for example, a laptop might not be covered if damaged in the library). You can take out extra cover if you'd like to increase the level of protection. You can find more details on the University web pages.
There are deadlines by which payments must be made for each term. If you have not paid by the deadline, your accommodation internet may be disconnected. Reminders about rent will be sent to your University email address so you should check this each day. 5 weeks after the payment due date, if no attempt has been made to pay the debt, the University might apply for a Notice to Quit to begin eviction proceedings. If you find yourself in this position, please contact SU Advice to discuss your options
If you're having problems paying your accommodation fees, you should contact the Student Services Hub initially to discuss options. You can also speak to one of our SU Advice Advisers to discuss the process to request a payment plan - please note SU Advice cannot guarantee a payment plan will be accepted.
Your tenancy agreement with the University is for a set period when you accept the allocation offer. It is not possible to leave your tenancy agreement early if you're continuing as a full-time registered student.
This means even if you move out of the accommodation before the expected end date, you are still liable for the rent until the end of the agreed period.
It is only if you withdraw from your studies or intermit (take a temporary period of leave) that you can apply for early release from your accommodation contract. You will need to contact the Student Services Hub to inform them and get approval for an early departure date.
If there's a problem with something in your accommodation, you should report it as soon as you can to the relevant team depending on which accommodation you are living in. To find the relevant contact details to report faults/repairs please see here.
It is important to try to reduce damage that may be caused by any faults or issues, even if these are not caused by you (for example, if there is a pipe leak you should take steps to catch the water in a bowl/bucket to avoid damage to the floor). Damage that is deemed to have been caused by the tenants will be charged to the tenant(s) responsible.
If you lose your key/keycard or fob for your accommodation you can get a new one - check out the Uni's web page here to see where to get this (it will differ depending on what accommodation you are in). you will be charged for any replacements.
A lot of the accommodation doors will lock automatically so it's important to keep your keys/cards/fobs with you - even if you are just popping to the kitchen for a cuppa. if you do get locked out, you can contact the relevant accommodation team or if it is outside of usual office hours then contact the relevant campus security team and they will be able to help. see here for the contact details.