Enso is a state-of-the-art student accommodation on Hawkins Road, Colchester CO2 8LH, operated by CRM Students and rated the number 1 property in Colchester for 2025 by the StudentCrowd Student Voice Awards. Offering en-suite rooms in 5-, 6-, and 8-bed cluster flats alongside spacious self-contained studios, with a free on-site gym, games room, TV lounge, landscaped courtyard, and dedicated study spaces, Enso combines modern design with genuine sustainability (built using recycled and reclaimed materials where possible). The University of Essex Colchester Campus is about a 12-18 minute walk, and University Centre Colchester (Colchester Institute) is about a 14-minute cycle ride. With 76 positive reviews on StudentCrowd and all-inclusive billing, this is Colchester’s highest-rated student hall. This guide covers the rooms, amenities, location, reviews, and the honest picture.
Enso Colchester rooms and prices
| Room type | Size | Key features |
| Classic En-Suite | ~13.5-15.2 sqm | Private bathroom, shared kitchen/lounge (6-bed flat) |
| Premium En-Suite | ~15.0-15.7 sqm | Larger room, private bathroom, shared kitchen (5/6-bed flat) |
| Premium Plus En-Suite | Larger | Enhanced features |
| Studio | ~21.9-23.0 sqm | Self-contained, private kitchen and bathroom, dual occupancy available |
All rooms are fully furnished with beds, study desks, chairs, wardrobes, and private en-suite bathrooms. Shared kitchens include a lounge area with a coffee table and TV, a fridge/freezer, a hob and oven, a dining table, and seating. Rent is all-inclusive, covering Wi-Fi and broadband (Platinum Wired Score rated), all utilities, and contents insurance. Studios offer dual occupancy at an additional 35 pounds per week surcharge, making them a viable option for couples. CRM Students offers No Visa, No Pay and No University, No Pay cancellation policies. An up to 510-pound cashback offer was available for 2026/27 bookings.
How far is Enso from the University of Essex?
Enso is about a 12-18 minute walk from the University of Essex's Colchester Campus (sources vary slightly). University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute is about a 14-minute cycle. Hythe Railway Station is approximately 8-10 minutes’ walk, with regular connections across the region. Colchester High Street and the city center are close by. My tip: the walk to the University of Essex is straightforward and flat, and at 12-18 minutes it is a comfortable daily commute that most students end up appreciating for the exercise and fresh air.
Enso Colchester amenities
Enso offers a genuinely strong amenity set: a free fully equipped on-site gym; a games room with a pool table and gaming facilities; a TV lounge; a club lounge; an entertainment area; a landscaped courtyard for outdoor socializing; dedicated study spaces for focused work; Platinum Wired Score rated Wi-Fi and broadband throughout; on-site laundry; secure bike storage; parking available; 24/7 CCTV and secure entry; an on-site management and maintenance team; and free contents insurance. The building is designed with sustainability in mind, using recycled and reclaimed materials where possible.
The honest review picture
Enso has 76 reviews on StudentCrowd and was rated the number 1 property in Colchester for 2025 at the StudentCrowd Student Voice Awards and was also featured on uhomes’ Must Stay List for 2025. Residents consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff (Henry, Rachael, Phill, and Richard are named in multiple reviews); the clean, modern, spacious rooms; the well-equipped gym; and the value for money. One resident wrote that living at Enso was “one of the best parts of my university life.” The honest counterpoints: the 12-18 minute walk to the University of Essex is longer than Elmstead Place’s 5 minutes, so students who prioritize campus adjacency should compare; and Hawkins Road is not right in the town center, so nightlife and shopping require a short journey. These are minor trade-offs for what is genuinely Colchester’s highest-rated student accommodation.
Conclusion
Enso is Colchester’s highest-rated student accommodation, combining a number 1 StudentCrowd ranking, a strong gym and amenity set, sustainable design, and consistently glowing reviews into a genuinely exceptional student living experience. For University of Essex students who want the best-reviewed accommodation in the city with modern rooms, a free gym, and all-inclusive billing, Enso is the clear first choice. For a campus-adjacent alternative, see our guide to Elmstead Place at CO4 3GD. For a quieter, cinema-equipped option, see The Maltings at CO2 8FU.
FAQs
Where is Enso in Colchester?
On Hawkins Road, Colchester CO2 8LH, it is about a 12-18 minute walk from the University of Essex and close to Colchester High Street.
Is Enso the best student accommodation in Colchester?
Yes, Enso was rated the number 1 property in Colchester for 2025 by StudentCrowd and has 76 positive reviews.
What amenities does Enso have?
A free gym, games room, TV lounge, club lounge, entertainment area, landscaped courtyard, study spaces, Platinum Wired Score Wi-Fi, and 24/7 CCTV.
Are bills included at Enso?
Yes, all-inclusive, covering Wi-Fi, all utilities, and contents insurance.
Can couples live at Enso?
Yes, studios offer dual occupancy at an additional 35 pounds per week surcharge.
Is Enso sustainable?
Yes, Enso is built using recycled and reclaimed materials where possible, with a focus on balanced, sustainable living.
