Colchester Campus events

Below are listed the essential and non-essential (but highly recommended) day-to-day events that have been organised to help you settle in during Welcome Week. Make sure you know where to go, and what time you need to be there - don't miss out!

Registration, English Language Assessments and Police Registration (if you need to) are all compulsory events taking place during the week - so make sure you know when you need to attend by referring to Your First Week. Don't forget to read updated info where you see this symbol!

Monday 30 September

Welcome Talk

Essential and compulsory induction talk that all new Essex students must attend. Includes a lively panel discussion with University staff and the President of our Students' Union - and a chance for you to ask questions.

Date: Monday 30 September 2013
Time: 11am, 1pm, 3pm - please attend the session for your department - see the Your First Week booklet for details that will be sent to you during August/September.
Venue: Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall (the large silver building off Square 5)
Location: Find this venue on our online interactive map

International Welcome Talk

Essential and compulsory induction talk that all new international students must attend. Includes useful via guidance, a lively panel discussion with University staff and the President of our Students' Union - and a chance for you to ask questions.

Date: Monday 30 September 2013
Time: 4.15pm
Venue: Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall (the large silver building off Square 5)
Location: Find this venue on our online interactive map

Reception for students not living in University-provided accommodation

Living off campus as a new student? Then make sure you come along to this event, the official welcome event for all new students living away from our Colchester Campus. This is your chance to meet other students who will be living off-campus, and find out how our University and Students’ Union can help you get the most out of your time at Essex. Please note the change of venue!

Date: Monday 30 September 2013
Time: 5.30pm - 7pm
Venue: Level 2 to Top Bar, Square 4 (floor 6, above Barclays Bank)
Location: Find this venue on our online interactive map

Postgrad Mixer

The perfect chance for Postgraduate students to mingle with other Postgrads. You'll be able to ask any questions of your Students’ Union and other departments, or simply come to find out about lots of exciting things the SU offers! Free nibbles and drinks are also on offer - so come along! If you'd like any further information, please e-mail Becky Newbury,Vice-President for Services and Communication, University of Essex Students' Union.

Date: Monday 30 September 2013
Time: 4pm - 7pm
Venue: Top Bar, Square 4 (floor 6, above Barclays Bank)
Location: Find this venue on our online interactive map

Frisky or Risky?

A sexual health and alcohol discussion with loads of freebies, organised by your Students' Union.

Time: 12-2pm
Venue: LTB
Location: Find this venue on our online interactive map

Monday 30 September to Friday 4 October

Departmental welcome events

There is a full programme of Welcome events organised by your academic department, school or centre. Make sure you know which one to attend as these events are compulsory. Also make sure you know how to find your way there - and arrive on time! This is a great opportunity for you to meet fellow new students with the same interests as you, some of your lecturers and departmental support staff, and get a feel for your subject as you start your studies at Essex. This year these events are going to be better than ever - so don't miss yours!

Sunday 29 September to Sunday 6 October

Choose Your Adventure

From arts to zumba and everything in between, this guide embraces everything that's on during Welcome Week outside of your compulsory and optional departmental, academic and central welcome events. Have good read - then come and join in. There really is something for everyone!

Monday 30 September to Wednesday 2 October

Welcome Village

Outdoor market stalls on Square 4 offering guidance, information and a little entertainment, to help you settle into life at Essex, organised by volunteer students and helpful University staff. Welcome Village has grown each year - this is the place to ask all those questions - and get answers! Recommended.

Date: Monday 30 September 11am-6pm, Tuesday 1 October and Wednesday 2 October 12 noon-3pm
Venue: Square 4, Colchester Campus

Tuesday 1 October

Mature Students' Reception

Meet other mature students at this informal get-together, ask us any questions, and make some useful new contacts. Refreshments too!

Date: Tuesday 1 October
Time: 10.30-11.30am
Venue: 4S.6.28
Location: Find this venue on our online interactive map

Speed Mating

Come along, have some fun and make new friends in a hurry! Organised by your Students' Union.

Date: Tuesday 1 October
Time: 12-2pm
Venue: Sub-Zero
Location: Find this venue on our online interactive map

Wednesday 2 October

Chaplaincy Buffet

Whatever your faith, there's a warm welcome awaiting you at the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Centre on our Colchester Campus. Come along, say hello, grab a bite to eat and meet new friends at our welcome buffet.

Date: Wednesday 2 October
Time: 6-8pm
Venue: Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Centre, Colchester Campus
Location: Find this venue on our online interactive map

Saturday 5 October

Freshers' Fair

The legendary Freshers' Fair is organised by our award-winning Students' Union, with more than 150 student clubs and societies taking part, and filling all five squares on the campus. This is your chance to join-up, make new friends, and really get the most out of living and learning at Essex. Highly recommended!

Date: Saturday 5 October 2013
Time: 12 noon - 4pm
Venue: Squares 1 to 5, Colchester Campus

Wednesday 9 October

THINK! Seminar series begins

This first in a series of seminars for all first-year students debates controversial and critical issues of the day, giving you the chance to learn how to argue along with your fellow students. Join our first debate, FOR or AGAINST 'Britain should shut its borders now', chaired by Dr Jeff Howard with guest speaker David Goodhart, Director of Demos think-tank. Coordinated by Dr Jeff Howard and the Faculty of Social Sciences, each seminar will debate a new topic on Wednesday afternoons of the autumn and spring terms. Find out more about the THINK! Seminar series.

Date: Wednesday 9 October 2013
Time: 2.30-3.30pm
Location: Senate room, 4.722 in the Psychology building - you can find this venue on our online interactive map or the teaching rooms map (.pdf)