You'll never be bored in Southend

When you arrive in Southend, there will be a wide range of University, Students' Union and local events that you can get stuck into, including Farmer's Markets and things for foodies, folk festivals and plenty for music lovers, water sports down by the beach, and even performances in our own Clifftown Theatre. 

Impatient to get involved?

Because you'll be living and learning in the heart of the vibrant city of Southend-on-Sea, there is always so much to be doing. Check out the Visit Southend website for more information on all of the upcoming events in Southend and in the local area. From music to crafts, exhibitions to markets, bus tours to festivals, Southend has it all.

We’ve listed some of our favourite Southend events and activities as well as all the bits and bobs our wonderful SU have to offer so you can get an idea of just some of the things you can get up to on your days off.

Southend's Students' Union

SU Events

At Essex we've always got events going on to keep you busy. From pub quiz nights to book clubs, game tournaments to yoga, our SU has it all. 

 Take a look at what we've got going on.

SU Lounge

Our SU's new social venue, the SU Lounge, is fully run and owned by students and is the ideal place to catch up with friends. This is your home-from-home, for studying, grabbing a coffee and a snack, playing Xbox or Playstation, or just hanging out between classes.

Southend has been awarded a prestigious purple flag award for our amazing nights out. With great comedy nights, seafront pubs, shows, bars and clubs; the Southend nightlife is hard to beat.

Student Societies

This is your chance to pursue your passions with like-minded people or try out something new with our Students' Union's Southend societies. And one of the great things is, if we don't already have a society for you, then you can create one from scratch!

Sport at Southend

As a student at our Southend Campus, you're bang in the centre of Southend with access to a vast range of activities. Kite-surfing and swimming are a stone's throw away if you can brave the cold! 

Southend's Events and Activities

Free Events

On a budget? Don’t worry! Southend has lots of free events to attend such as the annual Classic Cars on the Beach, Music in the Park and Fireworks on the seafront. What’s more, Southend hosts movie nights at The Forum showing classic family movies on the Big Screen!

Exhibitions

Southend has a massive variety of history spots and galleries showing exhibitions and artifacts from all over the world. Why not have a look at what’s going on

Seafront Open Top Bus Tour

Enjoy touring Southend Seafront and travel in style from Southend Pier to Leigh on Sea. You can hop on and hop off the bus as you please, making it a great way to explore the coastline! 

Live Music

Southend is home to some amazing music venues and events. From spending an afternoon of jazz on a Sunday at The Jazz Centre UK or your Friday evening at Chinnerys to singing along at the Cliffs Pavilion to your favourite musical. Southend has it all. 

Southend Cruises

Did someone say cruise? You can explore the river Thames from Southwold Pier by taking a Southend Cruise from Jet Stream Tours. For information on pricing and availability, click here.

Everything else!

There is so much to do in and around Southend, we couldn't possibly list it all here.

So, why not take a look at Visit Southend's website for all the latest events and things you can do?

Performers playing table tennis
Join the family

Our Students' Union is on a mission to be the most student centred organisation in the world. From sport to science and nights out to movie nights in, the Southend SU is there for you.

Find out more