Life at Essex

Our Colchester Campus is the largest of our three sites, and one of the most internationally diverse campuses on the planet - we like to think of ourselves as the world in one place. The campus is set within 200 acres of beautiful parkland, located two miles from the historic town centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded town. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

The campus squares are always buzzing with life. With shops, a bustling street market, restaurants, bars, a theatre, a cinema, a hairdressers, and even a nightclub; it's possible to survive your time at Essex without ever actually leaving campus (not something we recommend, but you get the idea...).

Our Southend  campus is based in the heart of this vibrant and modern seaside town. With its lively, state-of-the-art facilities and a close-knit international community, Southend is the perfect environment for living and learning.

If you're joining our East 15 Acting School or Essex Business School, you may well be studying at our Southend Campus.

Famous for its beach resort and pier, Southend-on-Sea stretches along seven miles of award-winning coastline, providing plenty of opportunities for a wide range of water sports and leisure activities.

The University of Essex Students' Union is a group of over 15,000 students on a mission, an adventure to become the world’s most student-centred organisation. When you become a student at 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 over 150 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

Moving to a new country to study abroad can bring up all kinds of concerns and questions - the Essex Abroad team is here to help you if you need some information, advice or support.

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. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student member who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities - to help you fulfil your potential.

Whether you're here for a term or a full year, we want you to make the most out of your time at Essex. We have a range of services geared up to guide you through your study abroad journey:

• 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.
• Languages for All - our award-winning programme gives Essex students the opportunity to learn a language alongside their studies at Essex, at no extra cost, for one year.
• Visa and immigration support
• Talent Development Centre - helps you identify your talents and strengthen those areas you need to develop, offering support and resources to improve your writing, maths, research, study skills and English language.

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 our Students' Union's 165 sports clubs and societies.

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 Multi-Faith Chaplaincy 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.