.jpg)
.jpg)
If you’re thinking of applying to the University of Essex and you’d be studying on their Colchester campus, you’re probably wondering what you’ll find in the local area. Thanks to the uni, there’s plenty for students to see and do around the town, and you’ll find a lot of deals and discounts specifically for students. Our round-up of the top 10 things to do in Colchester covers a range of different interests and proves that there’s something here for everyone!
1) After Office Hours
Good for: Cocktails!
What it is: A cosy cocktail bar with DJs on Friday and Saturday.
Why you should go: A classy night out in a cocktail bar is a great way to celebrate after a deadline or exam. Despite the name, this isn’t strictly a student bar, though it is popular with local students thanks to its range of offerings. During the day, they serve coffees and cakes, but at night it becomes a cocktail hotspot.
2) Colchester Zoo
Good for: Seeing some exotic animals.
What it is: Probably Colchester’s most famous attraction.
Why you should go: Now in its 60th year, Colchester Zoo is home to a wide range of animals – butterflies, big cats, monkeys, lizards, they’ve got all of these and more. Plus, you can even walk with woolly mammoths here, and that’s not something you get to do every day! Book in advance to get the best price on tickets.
3) The Centurion
Good for: Pints, quizzes and bottomless brunches.
What it is: A local pub offering all the pub classics, from quizzes to bottomless brunch.
Why you should go: If you sign up to UniCrew, you can get exclusive offers and discounts here, so there’s already one excellent reason to go. On top of that, they have lots going on, from cocktails to live sport to crafternoon tea (afternoon tea with craft beer).
4) Mercury Theatre
Good for: Seeing a show.
What it is: A well-respected theatre which puts on a range of shows.
Why you should go: From comedy to drama to musicals to National Theatre Live screenings, there’s loads of things on offer to cater to different interests. Ticket prices do of course vary but keep your eye out for special ticket prices for younger theatre-goers to grab a bargain.
5) Castle Museum
Good for: Learning about the past.
What it is: A museum within an old castle.
Why you should go: Colchester was once a Roman settlement, so there’s lots of Roman history to explore at the museum. The castle itself is also surprisingly intact, considering it was built almost 1000 years ago, so it’s pretty impressive to look at. Student tickets are available, so you can get a discount on ticket price if you show your student ID.
6) Three Wise Monkeys
Good for: Live music.
What it is: A live music and entertainment venue with basement bar.
Why you should go: It’s one of the most popular spots in Colchester, so it’s worth checking it out. Here, you’ll find over 30 different beers to choose from, as well as an extensive menu of other drinks. They also serve food, so you can grab a salad or hot dog to keep you going throughout the night.
7) Roman Walls
Good for: A walk around the city.
What it is: Fragments of the wall that surrounded the city during the Roman times.
Why you should go: It’s a totally free activity, and you get a nice bit of exercise at the same time. If you walk all the way around the city walls, you’ll have walked almost two miles, so you’ll have earned a coffee or a pint by the time you’re done!
8) X Bar
Good for: Good drinks deals.
What it is: A nightclub offering a night out on a budget.
Why you should go: Drinks deals are like student magnets, so it’s no wonder that X Bar is popular with local students. Open on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm, it’s the perfect place to go to dance to some great tunes.
9) Café Sala
Good for: Coffee, cake and a catch-up!
What it is: A cute café in the centre of town.
Why you should go: Many students pretty much run on coffee, so if that’s you, then this is the place to go. The café is fully vegan and has a wide menu of lunch classics including paninis, jacket potatoes and pizzas. They also offer gluten and soy free options, so there are plenty of options to suit different diets.
10) Clacton-on-Sea
Good for: Sunbathing.
What it is: A beach a short distance from Colchester.
Why you should go: OK, so this one isn’t technically in Colchester, but it’s not far away, and who doesn’t want to take a trip to the coast? Clacton-on-Sea offers a lively beach and pier packed with activities, so you can use up all your loose change in the arcades.
Key info about Colchester
Living in Colchester, you’ll have plenty of options. Not only does the town cater to its student population, but you’ll also be just a short distance from London or the coast, so no matter what the vibe is you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it nearby.
The University of Essex’s Colchester campus is based just two miles from the town centre. The Colchester campus is the university’s main campus, and here you’ll find landscaped parkland, modernist and Brutalist architecture, and plenty of student accommodation, facilities and amenities.
Credit: Originally Posted by Eleanor Folds on WhatUni.
One of Colchester Zoos Impressive African Elephants...
Comments