Welcome, Freshers!

Information for Your First Week

Welcome to the Freshers' Week webpages where you'll find all the information you need to help you get settled on your arrival at Essex. Scroll down for the latest updates where you see this symbol!

Please select your campus

Colchester Campus edition of the Freshers' handbook (PDF)

Southend Campus edition of the Freshers' handbook (PDF)

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - freshers' village

Come over to Squares 4 and 5 from 12 noon until 4pm on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Freshers' Week and say hello to University support staff and student helpers. We'll be on-hand to answer any kind of questions you may have - from finance to cycling to getting a job while you study. 

Saturday - freshers' fair 

Choose which clubs or societies you want to join if you're based at Colchester Campus - from Archery to Volleyball! Organised by the Students' Union, Freshers' Fair is one of the social highlights of the week and takes place from 12 noon - 4pm, on Squares 2-5.

Please stay safe while crossing

It won’t be long before there is a great new pedestrian crossing to get across the A133 Clingoe Hill onto campus should you need to - but until it's ready please use the zebra crossings near the main roundabout, and avoid taking unnecessary risks to stay safe during Freshers' Week.

Plan your week wisely

Have you planned your first week? Don’t forget to timetable the things you have to do before thinking about the things you’d like to do during Freshers' Week. The number of things you have to do will depend on whether you are a UK, EEA or International Student. If you need any help building your timetable come and see the staff at our Information Point on Square 4 – they will be there Sunday 2 October to Friday 7 October from 9am to 5pm and greet you with a smile! 

Wise words from former students

We've collected together some words of wisdom from former students, on what to know before you get here - and what to know once you've arrive. Download the Word doc here!

Get connected

Go to 'myEssex for applicants' to set up your University online account for e-mail, coursework submission and more.

Immigration and visas

Are you coming to Essex from overseas? Then be sure to read all the important information about immigration, visas, finance and more here.

Meet freshers' on Facebook

Our Freshers' 2011 Facebook page is buzzing with news and views from other new students preparing to study at Colchester and Southend Campuses - take a look!