Accommodation

Learner Services offers a dedicated Learner Accommodation Scheme, offering advice and assistance to help you secure quality, affordable housing in the local and surrounding area.

To ensure we provide the highest quality of learner accommodation, all of the properties registered with South Essex College are inspected by Southend Borough Council to guarantee that the necessary standards for fire safety, gas, electricity and security are being met. All properties are fully-furnished, carpeted and decorated with suitable desks/tables for study purposes.

University Square

The University of Essex offers purpose-built student accommodation, which is very close to the Southend campuses of both the University of Essex and South Essex College. Rooms may be available in this residence for South Essex College’s Higher Education students.

This colourful addition to the Southend skyline has 561 student rooms including 64 studio rooms. All rooms are en-suite and there are generally eight to ten learners sharing a flat with full kitchen/ diner facilities. Each study bedroom will be networked and 24-hour high-speed internet access is provided at no extra cost.

All residents can enjoy the common room, study and relaxation space with wide screen television and wireless internet, plus the new launderette facilities.

A dedicated accommodation team is based at University Square offering a 24-hour reception and security presence, a regular cleaning service in communal areas and an out-of-hours residents’ support team of fully-trained learner volunteers Other Accommodation

Other Accommodation

We also offer a range of shared flats and houses located in and around the Southend area. All the properties are rented exclusively to learners at South Essex College. All properties are managed by landlords who are concerned for learners’ health, safety and welfare. These landlords have agreed to follow a certain code of conduct to ensure the fair and efficient management of their properties, to confirm that they are of a high standard, and that they meet all health & safety requirements

In addition to the help and support we give learners moving into student accommodation, we also offer continual pastoral care throughout their stay

Some Questions Answered:

1. How much will I have to pay to live in student accommodation?
   Although costs vary according to location, facilities and room size, you can expect to pay between £250 – £350 per calendar month. Our Student Accommodation contracts have a term of 10 months, but enable you to pay a retainer fee if you wish to secure your accommodation for another year and/or store your belongings during the summer vacation period. The retainer fee is usually at a reduced rate. Upon signing the contract you will need to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent to the Landlord which will be transferred to and held by the Deposit Protection Service. You will also need to pay one month of rent in advance via a payment method agreed by the Landlord. A fee of £100 will also need to be paid to the College to cover administrative costs.
   
   Upon signing the contract you will need to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent to the landlord which will be transferred to and held by the Deposit Protection Service. You will also need to pay one month of rent in advance via a payment method agreed by the Landlord. A fee of £100 will also need to be paid to the College to cover administrative costs.
   
   
2. Can I choose which student house I move into?
   We have a list of approved properties available for rent and allocate students to rooms in those properties based on the information we have (for example, your course, whether you are a smoker etc.).
   
   If you have a group of friends that you would like to share a house with, provided they are students at South Essex College, let us know and we’ll see what we can do!
   
   
3. Can I see a student house before I decide to move in?
   We would never expect you to sign a contract without seeing your accommodation first. Viewings are negotiable and can be arranged at a time that is convenient for you. You are not obliged to sign a contract and we encourage you to ensure that you are happy with the property you have been allocated to. If you like your property you should inform the College as soon as possible so that the signing of contracts can be arranged.
   
   
4. How do I apply for a room?
   If you would like to apply to the College’s Accommodation Scheme you can download an application form or request one from the Student Accommodation Officer in Student Support Services on 01702 220400 / 01702 220576 or via email at: guidance@southessex.ac.uk.