Straight to Second Round in JPT.
The bye means that the U's would need to win just four games to reach a dream day out at Wembley in the lower league competition.
Also given a bye in the Southern Section are Barnet, Brentford, Cheltenham Town, Leyton Orient, Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United and Wycombe Wanderers.
They will then be paired with one of the eight winners to progress through from that opening set of games, which are due to be played on the week commencing September 3rd.
The U's are one of eight teams in the Southern Section to be given an automatic pass through the First Round.
Colchester United will enter the Johnstone's Paints Trophy at the Second Round stage this season, after receiving a bye ahead of the draw on August 18th.