Whilst you are here

Settling in to 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. 

Autumn term entry 2020

Arrivals days: Please see your Accommodation Allocation letter for your specified arrival date.

Orientation: Monday 05 October - Friday 9 October 2020

First day of classes: Monday 13 October 2020

Spring term entry 2020

Arrivals day: Wednesday 13 January 2021 (TBC)

Orientation: Thursday 14 and Friday 15 January 2021

First day of classes: Monday 18 January 2021

Orientation 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 orientation programme will be shared with you around one month before your start date, but it usually includes:

• Welcome talk
• Registration
• Campus tour
• Module changing period
• Introduction to academic integrity and studying in the UK
• English language assessment
• Social events

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

After orientation, we'll keep in touch with you through a regular newsletter to your Essex account and events organised by the Essex Abroad team. If you need to contact us, our working hours are Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm and we are always here for you whether in person, via email or zoom. 

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

We monitor your attendance at teaching sessions using your student card and an electronic recording system called Count-Me-In. You must “tap in” to your classes using your student card. 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 Tier 4 sponsor our University is required to monitor the attendance, engagement and progress on their course for all our Tier 4 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 If your attendance, engagement or progress is not satisfactory you may be withdrawn from your course.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 Tier 4 student can be found on our immigration website.

We know that being far away from home isn't easy, we've been in your shoes before. Essex will be different to your home university, and it takes time to adjust to a new environment. We all experience some form of culture shock no matter how big or small. You might be able to overcome the differences and adapt to your new life without the need of our help, but if you find yourself struggling we're here.

We have a range of help and support services available to help whatever the circumstances and your first port of call is us, Essex Abroad. We are available Monday - Friday and 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. You can contact us in person, via email or via Zoom.

Academic

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 questions specific to your assignments or class content, the teaching staff for the 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 at the Colchester Campus.

Immigration advice and services are regulated by the UK Government. Essex Abroad is 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.

• Colchester Campus emergency contacts
• Southend Campus emergency contacts

999 is the number of the emergency services in the UK.

If you are on campus, please call the emergency numbers for the campus you are on. 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.