[HDNG]IN COLLEGE:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A2[EGRPH][STAT][BULL] Self-catering: 54% [BULL] Cost: ú34-37 (39wks)[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Availability:[EBOLD] There are 6 towers blocks on campus which are the highest brick buildings in the whole of Essex. Evidently, the architect was a bit eccentric and based the campus design on an Italian hill town. Also, a low-level court, 276 rooms in houses, 360 places in off-campus halls and flats, and 3 houses off-campus for overseas postgrads. [ITAL]Not a bad selection[EITAL], meaning that the University is able to guarantee accommodation (usually on the campus) to all 1st years who apply in time. There is also room for 16% of finalists to live in too. All rooms are single, mostly in shared flats for between 4 and 6 students. [ITAL]Many are quite spacious and well-equipped, but the room numbering system is quite incomprehensible.[EITAL] Most flats are mixed, although some single sex flats are available. No loud music is allowed after midnight. The 39-week rentals have the advantage that students aren't required to move their lives out of their rooms at the end of every term, but on the down side, it stretches the cost through the 2 short vacations.[PARA][BOLD]Car parking:[EBOLD] Permit needed, but free[ITAL].[EITAL][HDNG]EXTERNALLY:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A2[EGRPH][STAT][BULL] Renting: 45% [BULL] Ave rent: ú36[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Availability:[EBOLD] The University runs a contract housing scheme where it rents from private landlords and then sublets to students on [ITAL]favourable [EITAL]terms. In this way it currently provides space for 444 students. [ITAL]But anyway, finding suitable accommodation in Colchester, Wivenhoe or other surrounding villages presents few problems. Students should avoid St Anne's for safety reasons and Tollgate is just too far. If living out, a car is handy, but the cost of parking should be brought into the reckoning. [EITAL][PARA][BOLD]Housing help:[EBOLD] The University Accommodation Office, apart from running their own contract housing scheme and providing general help, approves some houses and flats and can fix students up in lodgings (with live-in landlord/lady).[PARA][PARA]