Fancy a trip down memory lane?
This August we’re welcoming alumni back to Colchester for a weekend of fun where you can reconnect with your classmates and friends, relive your student days, and even stay overnight in student accommodation (or take advantage of a 25% alumni discount for stays at on-campus Wivenhoe House Hotel).
Weekend itinerary
Saturday 15 August
| Time |
Activity |
| 11am onwards |
Arrive and register. Free parking is available on campus.
|
| 11am-1pm |
Free time. Drop your bags off to your accommodation if you're staying the night, otherwise have a wander around campus, grab some lunch at one of the food outlets, and let the memories come flooding back!
|
| 1pm |
Welcome speech. We'll provide tea, coffee and biscuits while our Director of Advancement gives you a warm welcome. You can get to know fellow alumni and purchase alumni merchandise.
|
| 1.30pm-4.30pm |
Afternoon activities. A range of activities taking place for you to pick from. For those looking for a special experience, we're hosting a wine tasting and tour at Wivenhoe House Hotel for £35 per person from 1.45-3.15pm.
Free activities include: frisbee golf, immersive lantern-lit storytelling, meeting Essex academics, sport taster sessions and arena tour and a library visit to see our archive displays.
|
| 3.30pm-4.30pm |
Tours. Choose from a Wivenhoe Park nature tour*, campus architecture tour* or a general campus tour. Each tour lasts approximately one hour. Alternatively, you can have some free time.
*places are limited, first come first served.
|
| 4.30pm |
Drinks reception. Refreshments provided. This is an opportunity to hear from our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Frances Bowen, purchase merchandise and connect with fellow graduates.
|
| 6pm |
Barbecue dinner. Dine al-fresco, a paid bar will also be available (card only).
|
| 7.30pm |
Cinema showing with popcorn and drinks. Perfect for those wanting a quieter evening.
|
| 8pm-1am |
Evening entertainment in the Students' Union bar. Get ready for a pub quiz and karaoke!
|
Sunday 16 August (overnight guests only)
| Time |
Activity |
| 7.45am-9am |
Breakfast at Buffalo Joe's, Square 3. Included in the cost of your overnight ticket, use your key fob to pay.
|
| 9.30am |
Checkout and key drop.
|
| 10am onwards |
Wivenhoe Walk with Andy Byford. Thanks to alumnus Andy for offering to host this walk for the third year. You'll get 10% off lunch at Rose & Crown with your alumni ID and hopefully a visit across the river to Rowhedge on the foot ferry (weather dependent).
|
The cost of the full reunion package is £120 per person and includes one night’s accommodation on Saturday 15 August, activities throughout the afternoon on campus, drinks reception at the end of the afternoon, an evening barbecue, entertainment in the SU bar until late or cinema, breakfast vouchers for use at Essex Food Outlets and free parking.
The cost of the day package is £55 per person and includes activities throughout the afternoon on campus, drinks reception at the end of the afternoon, evening barbecue, entertainment in the SU bar until late or cinema, and free parking.
Booking in advance is essential, and we will be unable to process additional bookings on the day.
Please note that all food and drink outlets on campus, including the SU Bar, operate on a cashless basis.
An online guest list will be published weekly. When booking, you will be given the option of whether you want your name to be included.
Overnight accommodation is provided in The Houses as single, en-suite bedrooms within self-contained flats of six bedrooms. The following are included and complimentary: Bedding with full linen, 1 medium-sized bath towel and 1 hand towel, small bar of soap and toilet roll. There is use per floor of a shared kitchen with access to a fridge and kettle.
If you’re interested in staying an extra night on Friday 14 or Sunday 16 August, you can make a booking directly through our accommodation office, Event Essex. When booking your tickets, select that you are interested in staying additional nights and the link to book will be in your confirmation email.
Alternative accommodation
If you don't fancy reliving your student days in accommodation, you can book a day ticket and arrange your own accommodation. Wivenhoe House Hotel is located on our Colchester Campus and, as alumni, you can take advantage of a special discount for this event of up to 25% off and complimentary upgrade (subject to availability). Just quote 'alumni discount' when booking via telephone on 01206 863666.
Group bookings
To book as a group and be allocated the same flat, there are two options. One person can book on behalf of everyone and pay for the entire group, or individual bookings can be made referencing the names of those in your group. This will ensure you are all in the same accommodation.
If you have made a group booking, the lead booker is responsible for checking all party members have seen and agreed to the above terms, conditions and code of conduct.
If you wish to book for a group of more than 10 people, email us for instructions.
During Saturday afternoon, guests will be able to enjoy a range of optional activities as part of the 2026 reunion programme.
Take a tour of Wivenhoe House Hotel and indulge in a wine tasting session from 1.45pm–3.15pm for £35pp. You can book this when purchasing your reunion event ticket.
Join a lantern-lit storytelling event taking place from 2pm-3pm, exploring the eerie side of campus life. From a red‑eyed spectral deer to dancing bears, the University has its fair share of uncanny tales. Join storyteller Bethan Briggs-Miller, co-director of the East Anglian Folklore Centre and co-host of the Eerie Essex podcast, for an immersive experience set within a curated soundscape. Bethan is currently completing an MA in Wild Writing at Essex.
Three different walking tours will take place from 3.30pm-4.30pm. As part of your booking you will be prompted to select either a nature walk around Wivenhoe Park, an architectural tour, or a campus tour. Please note that both the nature walk and architectural tour have limited capacity and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once these are full, the remaining options will be a campus tour or free time. Tours will cover a considerable distance across varied terrains, so sensible footwear is recommended. Stairs may be involved, though lift access will be available for those who require it.
Terms and conditions
Booking closes on Monday 3 August at If you are unable to attend, requests for refunds can be made before Monday 3 August. We are unable to process additional bookings on the day.
Proposed itinerary is a guide and may be subject to change.
Booking page
Our booking form includes the option to make a donation to the Essex Futures scholarship fund. We are so grateful for any gift that will support students at Essex.