Life at Essex

Accommodation at Essex is more than just a room. It’s your place to connect, thrive and make friends for life.

Where you live is a very important part of your experience here at Essex, and with our wide range of options within walking distance of campus facilities, you have plenty to choose from. Bills are included in your rent including wifi, heating, hot water, contents insurance, electricity and the cleaning of communal areas. Plus, living on campus you also receive an Essex Sport gym membership.

Accommodation options

Our accommodation choices include single en-suite rooms in self-catering flats or houses, with a shared fully-equipped kitchen. It is possible to request a room in a single-sex flat or house. If you would prefer this, please tick the relevant box on the form that we send you. We also have adapted rooms and shared accommodation available. You'll be able to find the perfect place for you.

Have a look at our accommodation options.

How to apply

You don't need to apply through the main accommodation system, we'll send you an accommodation application form when you are accepted on the programme. Any preferences expressed on your application will be met where possible.

The Students' Union provides a property finding service, SU Homes, which specialises in helping students secure local, private accommodation. All the properties they work with in Colchester are accredited by Colchester Borough Council. Options range from rooms in shared houses to living with host families to letting an entire house.

Essex Abroad incoming team

The Essex Abroad team is here to help you if you need some information, advice or support.

We'll try our best to help you with whatever your issue is. If we're not able to help, we'll point you in the direction of those who can. If you need to contact us, our working hours are Tuesday 12-1pm and 2-3pm, Thursday 11am-1pm and 2-3pm. You can contact us in person, via email at incomingexchange@essex.ac.uk, or you can book an online call.

Student Services Hub

Our Student Services Hub also offers advice and general information, no matter what the issue is. You can talk to them about health and well-being, accommodation, exam stress and much more.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. To help you fulfil your potential, we offer student community support to individuals and groups of students who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities. 

Our professional advice teams within the Student Services Hub and the Students' Union are here at every turn. We provide support on issues concerning mental and emotional health, including assessment and referral for counselling or mentoring, as well as specialist disability advisers to provide you with advice and guidance on a range of disability support services.

Academic support

If you have questions about your modules, timetable, credit load, or have a query related to your stay at Essex, contact Essex Abroad.

If you have specific questions you'd like to ask about modules, before or after you arrive at Essex, you can contact your Department Study Abroad Officer. For example, getting advice about choosing between several modules, or about which modules might be most suitable for you, or if your selected modules are rejected and would like to appeal.

If you have questions specific to your assignments or class content, the member of staff teaching your module is the best person to speak to.

Immigration or visa questions

Please contact the International Services Team. The International Services Team is located in the Student Services Hub. Immigration advice and services are regulated by the UK Government. The Essex Abroad team are unable to provide visa and immigration advice.

In an emergency

Make sure you read the below thoroughly, and add any contact information to your phone.

If you are on campus, please call the emergency number 01206 872222. Do not call 999 yourself . Patrol Officers, who are trained first aiders, are available 24 hours. They will assess the situation and arrange attendance of emergency services where required. Campus Patrol or Security Officers will direct the emergency services to the exact site of the emergency without delay.

If you are outside campus, dial 999 for emergency services in the UK.

More emergency contact information.

If you're looking to develop your academic skills, our Skills for Success team can support you.

They'll help you identify your talents and strengthen those areas you need to develop. You'll find support and resources to improve your writing, maths, research, study skills and English language, no matter what level you are at, or what department you study in.

Our Employability and Careers Centre provides you with help and advice, as well as the chance to develop your employability through some fantastic and unique experiences and opportunities.

Essex is proud of its vibrant and diverse multicultural community and recognises the importance that faith, belief and spirituality play in the lives of many people.

The Faith Centre represents a range of different faiths. If your faith isn't represented the Chaplaincy team supports all University members and can provide guidance about local places of worship and try to put you in touch with other faith leaders, where available within the local community.

When you become a student at the University of Essex, you automatically become a member of the Students' Union.

As a member of the Students' Union you are entitled to:

• free advice and support
• access to different student sports clubs and societies
• full use of all the shops, bars venues and food outlets on campus
• independent academic support from dedicated student representatives on your course, and in your department
• training and support to help you realise your employability potential
• volunteering opportunities to give you valuable experience and make a positive difference to other people’s lives
• access to a student-focused entertainments programme packed with events to cater for every taste

You won't be bored at Essex. We have something for everyone! This is your time to try something new, rediscover an old hobby or find your voice. You can meet like-minded people or try out something new with the Students' Union's many sports clubs and societies.

The National Health Service (or "NHS") is the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. Most services are free at the point of use, and temporary visitors to the UK may be able to access free NHS services.

If you are not able to access NHS care, there are still some services that are free to all. These include accident and emergency services, family planning services, treatment for most infectious diseases, and treatment for victims of violence. Check the NHS website for more information, and some exemptions to the above.

UKCISA have some useful resources about health and healthcare in the UK, and make sure you read our University guidance on medical support and healthcare.

Studying at Essex less than six months

EU/EEA students

You should be able to access NHS care for whilst you are in the UK as a student. You need to apply for a European Health Insurance (“EHIC”) Card from your home country before you travel to the UK - make sure you familiarise yourself with the type of EHIC Card you need and EU guidance on how to use your EHIC card abroad.

Students studying in the UK for less than 3 months may not be able to register with a doctor, known as a General Practitioner (GP), and may be referred to the local walk-in centre for treatment as a doctor is not obliged to see you (unless deemed a medical emergency).

Short-term study visa students

It is unlikely you will be able to access NHS health care for free. You will be treated as a private patient and may have to pay for healthcare in the UK.

Please make sure you make arrangements and purchase private health insurance for your time in the UK. Contact Essex Abroad if you have questions relating to your individual circumstances, or have any questions about obtaining health insurance for your time in the UK.

Students studying in the UK for less than 3 months may not be able to register with a doctor, known as a General Practitioner (GP), and may be referred to the local walk-in centre for treatment as a doctor is not obliged to see you (unless deemed a medical emergency).

Studying at Essex over six months

EU/EEA students

You should be able to access NHS care for whilst you are in the UK as a student. You need to apply for a European Health Insurance (“EHIC”) Card from your home country before you travel to the UK - make sure you familiarise yourself with the type of EHIC Card you need and EU guidance on how to use your EHIC card abroad.

One of the first things you must do during orientation is register with a doctor (known as a GP - General Practitioner). If you are not registered with a GP, you may be referred to the local walk-in centre for treatment as a doctor is not obliged to see you (unless deemed a medical emergency).

Tier 4 students

As part of your immigration application, you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge. This means you are entitled to NHS treatment from the time of your arrival in the UK. Check GOV.UK for guidance on how to access NHS services.

One of the first things you must do during orientation is register with a doctor (known as a GP - General Practitioner). If you are not registered with a GP, you may be referred to the local walk-in centre for treatment as a doctor is not obliged to see you (unless deemed a medical emergency).

Healthcare on campus

Our Colchester Campus has its own health centre offering NHS services.

If you are living off-campus, this may not be your closest local doctor (known as a General Practitioner, or “GP”). Find your nearest GP using the NHS website.

If you are studying at Essex for more than six months, you must register with a doctor. If you are not registered, you may be referred to the local walk-in centre for treatment as a doctor is not obliged to see you (unless deemed a medical emergency).

If you are at Essex for less than six months, it is unlikely you will be able to register with an NHS doctor and we strongly recommend you purchase private health insurance. Please contact Essex Abroad for information specific to your circumstances.

If you have prescription medicine, please check with your doctor before you travel to ensure you can access your medicine while you are abroad. You may have to bring a prescription with you in order to access your medicine while in the UK, or your doctor may advise you to stock-up and bring enough medicine with you to last your time abroad.

Familiarise yourself with the UK Government’s guidance for travelling with medicine containing a controlled drug, and please ensure you carry a prescription in your name for any prescription medicine you travel with.

Who to contact

For minor illnesses and injuries, your doctor (GP) is your first point of call. Visit an urgent treatment centre, if you have a minor illness or injury and it cannot wait until your doctor's surgery is open.

Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation. You can also call 111 if you're not sure which NHS service you need.

Call 999* if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

*If you are on campus, please call the University emergency number 01206 872222. Make sure you know who to contact in an emergency.

You might need a visa to study at Essex. The type of visa you may need will depend on your circumstances including the length of your studies at Essex and where you are applying from. After you officially accept our offer to study at Essex, we will give you further details about how to enter the UK.

Full Year students (over 6 months) EU/EEA and NON-EU

• Need to apply for Student Visa.
• Can apply for visa up to 6 months before course starts, decisions are usually made within approximately 3 weeks.
• Visa fee from outside the UK can be found on the UK Government webpages..
• The student may be able to work.
• Student will be required to pay Healthcare surcharge.
• Essex will provide student with CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) in order to apply for Student Visa.

Term only students (under 6 months)

EU/EEA

• Do not need to apply for a visa
• Student will be provided with proof of acceptance by Essex Abroad
• Not allowed to work including volunteering
• Health surcharge not required – if students are eligible under the government healthcare rules. If not eligible, any NHS treatment will payable unless it’s a free service.

Non-EU

• Students MUST check the UK Government webpages if they need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Not all Non-EU/EEA students will require a visa.
• Student will be provided with proof of acceptance by Essex Abroad
• Not allowed to work including volunteering
• Health surcharge not required but the student will need to pay for any NHS care they get at the point they use it - unless it’s a free service. Please ensure you have adequate health cover.

Please refer to the University of Essex immigration webpages and the UK Government webpages for up to date guidance.

Settling into a new environment can seem daunting, especially when you're far from home. Your first few days will be busy, with lots of new information and loads of new faces.

Welcome is an essential introduction to life as an exchange student at Essex. It's really important you attend so you don't miss out on important information.

The full Welcome programme will be shared with you around one month before your start date, but it usually includes:

• Welcome sessions
• registration
• campus tours
• social events

The Students' Union also host events and activities for you to get involved with.

After Welcome, we'll keep in touch with you through a regular newsletter to your Essex account and events organised by the Essex Abroad team.

Attendance

You’re expected to attend all of your lectures, seminars, labs and other sessions on your timetable while studying at Essex.

We monitor your engagement with your studies and your attendance as displayed on your LEAP (Learner Engagement Activity Portal). We use engagement data to help identify students who may be experiencing problems so that we can offer support and advice. You must “tap in” to your classes using your student card or log in to online classes with the Zoom links provided. If you have missed or will miss one or more teaching events or tests, you must report you absence in your MyEssex portal. Familiarise yourself with our attendance page, and find out more about our attendance policies.

As a Student Visa sponsor, our University is required to monitor the attendance, engagement and progress on their course for all our Student Visa students and report those who do not attend or engage as required. Therefore, even if an absence is authorised, you could be required to attend a meeting with the International Services Team. If your attendance, engagement or progress is not satisfactory you may be withdrawn from your course. For more information about your responsibilities as a Student Visa student can be found within our immigration information.

Exams

For students studying with us for the Autumn Term only, in-person exams take place during the first week of the Christmas vacation period in December. Online exams are held in early January and you can take them from your home country.

For students studying with us for the full academic year, or for Spring and Summer Terms only, your exams will take place between mid May and early June.

Some students may be offered the option of voluntary reassessment if they have failed one / some of their modules. This will be offered at the point when the final marks are released. Reassessment for all incoming exchange students (including Autumn Term students) will take place in August for coursework and September for exams. Please note that the exams may take place in-person or virtually.

Extenuating circumstances

If there are circumstances out of your control which affect your performance on assessed work (coursework or exam), you may wish to consider applying for extenuating circumstances.

Late submission policy

If you miss your coursework deadline and believe that circumstances have affected your ability to submit on time, you should submit an extenuating circumstances form. Select 'late submission' as the claim type and submit it within seven calendar days (including weekends and holidays) of the deadline, explaining your circumstances and providing relevant evidence. You must also submit your coursework so it can be marked if your claim is accepted.

The relevant academic department has the discretion to accept or reject your claim. If you are concerned about your deadline, contact them for support and advice.

Results and transcripts

All coursework and exam marks are ratified by a Board of Examiners. Once the marks have been ratified, your results will be available on your MyEssex portal. Your transcript will then be sent electronically both to you and your home university.

If you studied with us in the Autumn Term only, you will receive your results and transcript in mid February.

If you studied with us for the full year, or Spring and Summer Terms only, you will receive your results and transcript in mid July.