Nestled in the heart of Essex, Chelmsford is one of the UK’s newest cities, but don’t mistake “new” for inexperienced. This place has the vibe of a village, the brain of a university town, and the convenience of being just 35 minutes from London.
It’s compact, easy to navigate, and full of personality. Think riverside strolls, live music nights, quaint coffee shops, and one seriously cool cathedral. Yet, just when you think you’ve seen it all, Chelmsford surprises you. with its growing creative scene, buzzing shopping district, and tight-knit student community.
What stands out most? The balance. Students here get London-level education and city connectivity without the congestion or the price tag. It’s big enough to explore freely, but small enough that you’ll never feel lost in a crowd.
So, if you’re looking to study in Chelmsford, expect lifestyle perks, academic excellence, and comfort all wrapped into one perfectly walkable cityscape.
🌍 Why International Students Are Saying Yes to Chelmsford
Alright, let’s break it down. International students are no longer just heading to London and calling it a day. Places like Chelmsford are becoming the smart choice, and here’s why.
1. World-Class Education, Without the Chaos
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has one of its largest and most sophisticated campuses right here in Chelmsford. Focus areas include health sciences, business, psychology, education, and engineering. Classes are smaller, facilities are top-tier, and you won’t be lost among thousands.
2. Affordable Living Just 30 Mins From London
Living in London can feel like burning money. In Chelmsford, you’ll spend 30–40% less on rent, food, and transportation, but still be one train ride away from the capital. It’s the classic win-win.
3. A City That Welcomes You In
Chelmsford isn’t too big or too touristy. That makes it easy to make friends, get involved in student clubs, and find part-time work. Locals are friendly, and the city loves its students, whether you’re grabbing coffee downtown or heading to a live gig at the Civic.
4. Green Spaces = Study Breaks Done Right
With Hylands Park, the River Chelmer, and tree-lined walking paths throughout the city, Chelmsford makes it easy to recharge.
5. Safe, Calm, and Surprisingly Cool
Chelmsford ranks high on the UK’s urban safety scale. Add in stylish cafés, studios, a big student nightclub scene, and you’ve got the formula for a student life filled with balance.
To study in Chelmsford is to access quality education, community, and a real chance to enjoy your time abroad, not just survive it.
🎓 Top 10 Universities and Colleges in or Near Chelmsford
Chelmsford may not be packed with universities, but what it lacks in volume, it makes up for in quality. Here are the top places you’ll want to know about:
1. Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) – Chelmsford Campus
The heart of higher education in the city and a rising star in UK academia. Strong in Nursing, Biomedical Science, Engineering, Business, and Social Sciences. Hosts a large international student population and offers newly built labs and innovation hubs.
2. Writtle University College
Known for land-based, environmental, and animal sciences. Offers unique programs in horticulture, equine studies, animal welfare, and landscape architecture. Quiet rural setting, but just a bus ride from central Chelmsford.
3. Chelmsford College
A big player in vocational and further education. Offers foundation courses, A-levels, and apprenticeships in everything from digital marketing to construction tech.
4. ARU School of Medicine (Chelmsford Campus)
Opened in recent years, this is one of the UK’s newest med schools and the first new medical school in Essex in over 100 years. Exceptional facilities and focused attention from faculty.
5. University of Essex (Southend Campus)
Not in Chelmsford, but under an hour away. Known for international outlook and programs in business, law, and human rights.
6. Brentwood School of Management
Popular with mature and postgrad students. Offers MBA and business diplomas targeted at international students.
7. South Essex College
With campuses nearby, good for access to nursing and early education degrees, often followed by ARU progression.
8. Open University (Essex Network)
Flexible learning with occasional workshops held in Chelmsford locations. Great for part-time or distance learners.
9. Canterbury Christ Church University (Medway)
An hour drive away, good for nursing, teaching, and social care courses. Students often live in Chelmsford and commute for weekend sessions.
10. Moulsham Learning Partnership (Adult Learning)
Not a university, but worth knowing for English language and prep support for international students.
🏠 Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Chelmsford
Looking for student housing that’s budget-friendly and close to class? Here are Chelmsford’s top-rated student accommodations:
- Student Village – ARU Campus
- The Railyard – Close to station and city centre
- Saxon Court – Compact en-suites, great student hub
- West End Hall – Independent, modern flats
- Watson Heights Studios – Stylish with great views
- Arbour Lane Student Rooms – Great for postgrads
- Writtle College Halls – Writtle students only
- Brook End Road North – Affordable house shares
- Regents Court – Used by ARU & WUC students
- New London Road Apartments – Central, sociable spot
🧭 10 Best Student Areas in Chelmsford – Where to Live and Why It Works
Every student’s experience starts with their postcode. Let’s explore the top neighbourhoods for student life in Chelmsford.
1. City Centre
- Nearby: Everything. Shops, ARU, train station
- Properties: The Railyard, Saxon Court
- Vibe: Buzzing with cafés and energy. Perfect if you like to walk everywhere and don’t mind a bit of noise.
2. Anglia Ruskin Campus Area
- Nearby: Literally across the road from lecture halls
- Properties: Student Village, Watson Heights
- Vibe: The convenience king. Great for first-years and anyone who values a five-minute walk to class.
3. Writtle
- Nearby: Writtle University College
- Properties: Writtle Halls, House shares
- Vibe: Quiet countryside energy, best suited for animal and environmental students who crave green space.
4. Moulsham Street
- Nearby: 10 mins from ARU
- Properties: New London Road Apartments
- Vibe: Trendy, independent cafés, fewer crowds. Ideal balance of peace and personality.
5. Springfield
- Nearby: 15–20 mins by bike to uni
- Properties: Semi-detached rentals and shared houses
- Vibe: Residential, peaceful, budget-friendly. Close to parks, great for productivity lovers.
6. Old Moulsham
- Nearby: 10–15 mins to campus
- Properties: Older but charming housing stock
- Vibe: Period properties, artisanal bakeries. A hit with mature students looking for calm.
7. Chelmer Village
- Nearby: Buses to ARU take 20 mins
- Properties: Budget house shares
- Vibe: Very local, very affordable. Best for longer-term students or those on tight budgets.
8. Broomfield
- Nearby: Close to the hospital and ARU Medical School
- Properties: House shares, studios
- Vibe: Calm, green, and mostly healthcare students. Best for medics and postgrads.
9. Great Baddow
- Nearby: Direct bus to uni
- Properties: Family housing turned student lets
- Vibe: Quiet, easy-going. Ideal for students seeking a home-not-dorm feel.
10. Westlands Estate
- Nearby: Approx. 15 mins to town centre
- Properties: House shares, independent living
- Vibe: Local culture, late-night corner shops, multicultural. Super value for money.
✍️ Final Thoughts: Should You Study in Chelmsford?
Absolutely.
To study in Chelmsford is to unlock the kind of student experience most people don’t realise exists, affordable, well-connected, student-friendly, and perfectly balanced between lively and low-stress.
With a major UK university campus, quality housing options, and a supportive international atmosphere, Chelmsford delivers everything you need, without asking you to sacrifice comfort or cash.
From riverside walks after class to affordable housing, from day trips to London to peaceful study sessions at the park, your academic journey in Chelmsford won’t just make sense… it’ll make memories.
