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 city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded town. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

There's so much to see and do while you're here - from arts and culture to water sports, Colchester Zoo, vintage shopping to high tea in country estates, and the hottest gigs to ghost walks - the hardest bit will be fitting it all in.

The campus squares are always buzzing with life. With shops, a bustling street market, restaurants, bars, a theatre, a cinema, 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.

Southend is renowned for its landmark pier – the longest of its kind in the world, its award-winning beaches, and its illuminated nightlife. With over 300 places to eat, award-winning nightlife, a theme park, museums, sporting opportunities, and even an international airport, we think you’ll discover there’s much more besides the seaside in Southend.

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 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 165 sports clubs and societies.

University accommodation is guaranteed for study abroad students at Essex.

University accommodation

If you are looking for the best university accommodation for you, then look no further. We offer a variety of exciting and comfortable accommodation choices, such as single en-suite rooms, iconic Towers, and Townhouses to suit all your needs. All this as well as a vibrant, inclusive campus for living and learning.

If you are offered accommodation, it will be in single study-bedroom which will normally be on-campus. The majority of the accommodation provided is in flats or houses, with shared kitchen facilities and the option of en-suite or shared bathrooms. It is possible to request a room in a single-sex flat or house and if you would prefer this, please tick the relevant box on the form that we send you.

Discover more about our student accommodation.

*Gap year students are required to live in University accommodation.

Off-campus (private) accommodation

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.

Full-year exchange

If you study abroad at Essex for a full academic year, you are eligible for University accommodation providing you apply by the accommodation deadline.

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, but cannot be guaranteed.

Term-only exchange

You may be eligible for University accommodation, however, spaces are very limited. Most applicants are required to find off-campus accommodation.

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:

• Academic skills - 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.
• 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.
• Visa and immigration support

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.

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 A&E 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.

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.

Please continue to check the GOV.UK and Essex websites for updates and guidance for European nationals in the UK post-Brexit.

Students studying in the UK for less than 3 months may not be able to register at a 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 at a 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).

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.

Please continue to check the GOV.UK and Essex websites for updates and guidance for European nationals in the UK post-Brexit.

One of the first things you must do during orientation is register with a GP. 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 GP. 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).

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 GP. 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.

For minor illnesses and injuries, your GP is your first point of call.

Visit a walk-in centre, minor injuries unit or urgent care centre if you have a minor illness or injury and it cannot wait until your GP 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 emergency number for your campus. Make sure you know who to contact in an emergency.