Your lecture finishes at 3pm, but there’s an event you’d like to go to at 5pm, but you don’t know what to do with those 2 hours... here’s how and where you can fill them!

The Greenhouse Cafe

If you’re one of those people who like to study in a busy environment, this is your place to go.

If you just fancy chilling out, grab one of the sofas, plug your headphones in and catch up on Netflix.

The seats are set up deliberately so that you can sit with others and chat. So it’s a great place to bump into new people and get talking.

Find out more about The Greenhouse Cafe.

The Atrium

This is a bright and airy space used for a wide range of events.

The Atrium offers a regular event 'The Hangout' where they open for exactly that - a place where you can hangout in whatever capacity you need.

Find out more about The Atrium.

The Lakes

Love being outside? Head to The Lakes to take in our beautiful campus.

There are loads of benches starting outside The Silberrad, all the way round The Lake. Or, bring a long a blanket and set yourself up on the hill. There's both sunny and shady areas - take your pick!

Listen to music, get lost in a book, or start up a conversation with another nature lover 🌳

SU Bar

This is a great place to catch up with friends during the daytime. As you can imagine, it gets a bit louder in the evenings with live sport, karaoke and other events.

There's loads of seating to choose from - high tables, sofas, armcharis and more.

SU Bar is open every day during term time from 11:00. Find SU Bar just off Square 3.

Find out more about SU Bar.

Top Bar

Top Bar is tucked away above Square 4, weekdays during term time from 12:00. If you're looking for somewhere a bit more chilled than SU Bar, Top Bar is your place to go. Come alone and nurse your cocktail, or bring friends to challenge to darts or pool.

Another bonus? You can also order food from Fusion to be delivered to your table in Top Bar.

Find out more about Top Bar.

The Gym

An Essex Sport Silver membership is included for all students living on the University’s Colchester Campus in 2024-25. This gives you off-peak access (before 3pm on weekdays) to the Essex Sport Gym and fitness classes, as well as anytime access to sports facilities, such as badminton, basketball and the climbing wall.

But don't worry if you're living off-campus, the membership prices are super affordable starting at £13.99 per month. 

Find out more about the Essex Sport Gym here.