Finding the right place to live when you’re studying in Colchester can be a lot, especially if it’s your first time out on your own. With so many 1 bedroom student apartments available, it’s hard to tell which ones are worth your time and which ones aren’t. January is a good month to start looking. It gives you a bit of breathing room before everyone returns in full swing for term and competition picks up, especially for flats near campus.
We’ve all been there, scrolling through listings, feeling unsure about what matters and what doesn’t. So, we’ve pulled together some common areas to look at before you make any choices. These tips can help you pick a flat that works for how you live, not just what looks OK online.
Think About Where You Spend Most of Your Time
Where your flat is matters more than it might seem. During term time, little things like travel time and easy access to shops can save you a lot of stress.
• If you don’t drive, look for flats close to regular bus routes. Try to find out how easy it is to grab a lift to class or town without planning your whole day around it.
• Think about where you’ll be during the weekdays. Are most of your classes on the main university campus? Do you head to the library a lot? Try to find a place that cuts down walking time.
• Don’t forget the basics. If you work part-time, cook at home often, or need regular access to shops, laundry, or takeaways, these should all guide your location choice.
The right 1 bedroom student apartment won’t just be near a landmark. It’ll be close to where you move most often.
It’s helpful to think about your daily routine and how these different locations will impact your time management. Having a flat that’s well placed can be the reason you make it to early lectures or manage to squeeze in a quick shop on the way home. Over time, those little conveniences really add up and can affect how relaxed or stressed you feel each day.
Know What You’re Getting Inside the Flat
It’s easy to get swayed by fresh paint or new flooring, but check deeper. What’s inside your future flat can change your day-to-day routine, for better or worse.
• “Furnished” can mean anything from fully kitted out to just a bed and table. Ask what’s actually included.
• Size is more than square metres. Look at how the space is laid out. A flat may technically fit your needs, but if the kitchen is so small you avoid cooking, it’ll wear thin fast.
• If you plan to study at home, check for a proper desk space and strong internet. These two things make a big difference when you’re deep into assignments or revision.
Look closely at all the rooms, not just the bedroom. Make sure the space fits the way you live, not just how you think it should look.
When you’re there, open cupboards and check storage space. You don’t want clutter to take over. Pay close attention to the general condition of fixtures, like doors, windows, and taps. Ask about things like how old the appliances are and if any repairs were recently done. Details like these can impact how comfortable and simple daily life will be.
Look for Signs That the Space Will Feel Like Yours
You want your flat to feel more than just temporary. Even if you’re only staying a year, being comfortable matters.
• If you spend most weekends in rather than home with family or friends, look for a place that doesn’t feel boxed in. Some layouts work fine on paper but can feel tight when you’re in them for hours.
• Ask how much you’re allowed to change. Being able to hang photos, bring in cushions, or put up a soft lamp can help the space feel more like yours.
• If you’re sensitive to noise, find out how well the flat blocks sound, especially if you’re near a main road or shared space.
It’s harder to settle into a place that doesn’t feel like it fits you, no matter how close it is to campus.
Little freedoms, such as moving furniture or being allowed a few extra plants, can go a long way in making your space your own. Sometimes just knowing you can shape the area a bit makes a new flat feel much less intimidating.
Stay Practical About Heating and Maintenance
January can feel mild one week and then dip into frost the next in Colchester, and not every student flat handles it well. What feels warm now could get drafty before term ends.
• Ask how the flat holds heat. Not all buildings do well in colder months, especially if they’re older or on the top floor.
• Try to get a clear idea of what average heating costs are like. No one wants to spend half their food budget trying to stay warm.
• Ask what the steps are if something breaks. A slow tap leak or broken heater can ruin your day quickly if it takes ages to fix.
Comfort doesn’t just come from soft cushions, it lives in heating that works and windows that don’t let cold air sneak in overnight.
If you have a chance, test radiators and windows during a viewing. Ask past tenants or current ones about how repairs are handled. These little checks can help you figure out if the property’s suitable not just today, but for how you’ll feel after a long, cold day on campus.
Don’t Forget the Little Things That Add Up
Some of the biggest annoyances aren’t obvious at first. You may not even think to check until you’ve already moved in and it’s too late.
• Where are the outdoor bins? If they’re in a strange spot or hard to reach, you’ll notice quickly.
• Do you need bike storage or a space to keep a few tools? These extras don’t seem big at first but can make your day better when you actually use them.
• Try to visit the flat when there’s still daylight. You’ll see how much natural light the place really gets, which is harder to spot in photos.
• Look out for hidden signs of damage. Peeling paint, mould in corners, or warped flooring can mean poor upkeep in other areas too.
Small problems get bigger when you’re rushing between classes and just want to relax at home.
Having simple things sorted, like a handy place to store your bike, can prevent a lot of daily hassle. Spotting damp or marks before you sign the contract can save you headaches with maintenance or deposits when you move out. These practical checks may seem minor, but they play a big part in how smooth your term goes.
Make the Right Flat Work for You
The best 1 bedroom student apartments won’t be perfect, but they will feel simple and safe. You don’t need the biggest space or the fanciest layout, you need a spot that works well with how you live and helps you focus without distractions.
Choosing the right place early means less stress when term starts. You’ll have time to settle in, find your rhythm, and know that your flat supports your routine without getting in the way. A good place should help you sleep well, study comfortably, and feel calm when you come back after long days on campus. That’s what really makes a flat feel like the right fit.
The confidence you get from sorting out your living space ahead of the busy term is huge. It allows you to focus on studies, hobbies, or work without worrying about whether home will feel comfortable, warm, or private enough.
Why Choose FabDiggs for 1 Bedroom Student Flats in Colchester?
At FabDiggs, you can find student accommodation in Colchester with all-inclusive bills, WiFi as standard, and options ideal for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Our listings include purpose-built student flats close to the University of Essex, as well as shared houses, for different preferences and budgets. We take pride in providing safe, convenient homes that reflect what students really need.
Finding the right place to call home as a student can be challenging, but at FabDiggs, we’re here to help you prioritise what matters most. With our experience helping students balance study, work, and rest, we know that focusing on what you need makes the search easier. Explore the 1 bedroom student apartments available in Colchester to see what could suit your lifestyle. Reach out to us if you’d like more information or want to talk through your options.