Campus Information

Computing Facilities

Most Summer School courses use computers for practical work. The machines are supported by an extensive range of computer programs and a large library of data files. Several well-equipped computer labs on campus are available to participants from 07.00 - 23.00 hrs daily.

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Computing Knowledge Requirements:

Basic knowledge of computing is essential. course descriptions indicate any specialized requirements; a summary of these requirements is set out in the Background Requirements for the courses in each session.

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Computing Environment:

Summer School courses use a wide range of computing packages. Each year, the Summer School Program Library typically includes Stata, MLwiN, UCINET, Limdep, EViews, Latent Gold, RATS, and R. Summer School courses also use many "stand-alone" computer programs designed for specific course needs. Documentation on software packages is available in the Summer School Library.

Besides computing programs, the Summer School maintains a large library of computer-readable datasets, which are of substantive and analytic interest. Most courses use one or more of these files. For this reason, participants need not bring their own data sets with them unless a course specifically suggests they do. Anyone who wishes to bring their own data must contact the Summer School's Computing Director for advice about formats and feasibility.

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Library Facilities

A specialist Summer School Library is available, together with access to the University's large Albert Sloman Library and the Institute for Social and Economic Research's Resource Library.

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Childcare Facilities:

The Day Nursery offers a limited number of places during the summer. If you are interested, you should contact the Nursery direct to enquire whether a place is available:

Elaine Dixon
Essex Day Nursery
University of Essex
Colchester CO4 3SQ.
Tel: +44 (0)1206 873224
Email:edixon@essex.ac.uk

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Catering

Because of participants' varied requirements, the Summer School cannot make any special catering arrangements. Campus eating facilities will be open and these offer low and medium-cost dishes throughout weekdays. Each university flat has its own kitchen in which participants can prepare their own meals. There is a food store on campus and a large supermarket within walking distance.

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Medical treatment for overseas visitors

There is a Health Centre on campus. Overseas (non-EU) participants are advised to take out their own medical insurance before coming to the United Kingdom. Participants from an EU country should bring a completed E111 form, so they can claim back any expenses incurred when they return home. Non-UK participants will be charged for medical treatment.

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Social and Sports Facilities

A variety of social events is organised during the Summer School, including excursions to London and Cambridge; "pub crawls" to the pubs of Wivenhoe; football matches, discos, film shows, and BBQs (weather permitting).

At present some 40 acres of Wivenhoe Park are available for cricket, football, hockey, netball, and rugby. In addition, tennis courts, a grass athletic track, and a full-sized, floodlit, all-weather playing surface are available. There is a Sports Centre situated on campus with a fitness centre, daily aerobics classes, squash courts, a gymnasium, and climbing wall, with facilities for table-tennis and basket ball. Participants benefit from a discounted rate however should bring their own sports equipment.

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Colchester and its Surroundings:

Colchester, once the capital of Roman Britain, is the oldest recorded town in Britain. Situated in north-east Essex eight miles from the sea on the River Colne, Colchester has developed over recent years from a small market town into a rapidly expanding regional centre of commerce, light industry, and high technology with a population of about 150,000. The town serves a wide rural area and has good shopping facilities, an art gallery, and particularly fine museums. Colchester also has a repertory theatre, which presents a wide variety of plays, together with night clubs, and cinemas. Along the coast and estuaries, which are within easy reach of the University, there are numerous seaside resorts. Further information can be obtained from:

The Visitor Information Centre
1 Queen Street
Colchester CO1 2PG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1206 282920
Fax: +44 (0) 1206 282924
http://www.visitcolchester.com

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Individuals with Disabilities

These individuals who plan to attend the Summer School are requested to contact the Summer School by email to ensure that appropriate arrangements will be made for accommodation, building and equipment access.

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