Information for parents and guardians

We recommend beginning your research during Spring time if you are planning on joining the University in October of the following year. You should ensure you explore all the courses available in as much detail as possible, as in many cases some University's may offer courses you might never have thought of before.

If you are applying through UCAS, applications can be submitted between September - January. Applying then, ensures your application will be given the best consideration by the University. If you miss this date, some University courses may close, but you can still submit your application and many courses will still be open and taking applications still.

Our 'how to apply' page provides all the information you might need to make your application and goes through the steps and considerations you might need to make.

We know that students get the most out of their experience at university when they feel settled and supported. We also understand how nerve wracking this time can be for you as a parent or guardian of a young person starting university. To help appease these fears, here’s a round-up of some of the ways we ensure our students are supported and cared for during their time with us.

Mental health and wellbeing support

Our Wellbeing Assessors provide a welcoming and friendly space for your young person to talk through any challenges they may be facing. These sessions are short-term, designed to guide students to the next steps. For longer-term support, we provide referrals to external health and wellbeing services.

In addition, students can contact the 24-hour Student Wellbeing Support Line (0800 028 3766) and Togetherall, a digital peer support mental health platform. Students can also request counselling.

Supporting new students away from home

University may be your young person's first time living away from home, and our Residence Life programme is here to help them settle in. Residence Assistants, who are returning students, offer support and guidance from day one, helping new students feel part of the community. They are trained to offer advice and direct students to further support when needed.

Your young person can also benefit from our peer mentor scheme to meet others in their course or to help them join clubs and societies. If they are unsure who their peer mentor is, they can contact their Department or email peermentor@essex.ac.uk.

Making friends at university

Welcome Week is the perfect opportunity for your young person to immerse themselves in university life, meet new people, and form friendships from day one. Beyond classmates and roommates, students can join societies and clubs run by the Students' Union to meet others with similar interests.

Support for students with additional learning needs

When your young person applies to Essex, they can note any additional learning needs. Our Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) Team will contact them to offer tailored support in various areas, including financial, academic, and accommodation needs.

Support for Diabetic students

If your young person has diabetes, we offer a range of support options:

Support for students with physical disabilities

Students with physical disabilities will be assigned a named Accessibility and Wellbeing Advisor who offers personalized support and advice. Our Inclusion Learning Advisers provide study skills reviews and one-on-one tutorials. Each academic Department has a disability liaison officer to assist as well. A full range of online support is also available.

Campus security

Our Security Team in Colchester is available 24/7 to provide support, whether in person or over the phone. They handle security matters, lockouts, lost property, out-of-hours faults, and liaising with emergency services. On-campus accommodation is regularly patrolled by 24-hour security. Each accommodation site has a Security/Reception Office where students can contact security for any in-person issues. The Security and Campus Safety Team are based on Square 3 of the Colchester Campus. They can be reached via email at  patrol@essex.ac.uk or by phone at 01206 872125 / 873148 (for non-emergencies). 

One of the biggest concerns for both parents and students is the cost of going to University, but two things are definitely true: firstly, university is worth it – we provide our students with a transformational experience that will benefit them for the rest of their lives; and secondly, there’s loads of financial support available – many of our students have access to loans, bursaries, scholarships and discounts which will help them pay for their education at Essex.

Bursaries and scholarships available to support young people

Government loans to support young people at university

Undergraduate students from the UK are entitled to apply for a Government-backed loan to cover their tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their studies with us. 

University support with the cost of living 

Our Student Union is also here to provide a range of support and guidance to help students deal with their finances and the cost of living, including how to manage their money and more general support and guidance. 

For many parents, university is the first time your young person has moved out of the family home and we know you probably have a lot of queries about what living at university will be like for them.

On-Campus Accommodation Guarantee

All first-year students at our Colchester and Southend Campuses are guaranteed on-campus accommodation. This guarantee extends throughout the course for international students. While UK/Home students are not guaranteed on-campus housing beyond the first year, accommodation is available for the duration of their course.

Furnished rooms and kitchen amenities

All rooms are furnished with essential items such as a bed, desk, chair, and wardrobe. Students will need to bring their own bedding and any additional furnishings they require. Communal kitchens come equipped with a hob, oven, fridge, freezer, kettle, and microwave. Each flat also has access to an ironing board and vacuum cleaner for shared use.

No additional bills

Rent covers energy, water bills, internet access, contents insurance, 24/7 security, and support from our wellbeing teams. For Colchester Campus students, an Essex Sport gym membership is also included. However, a TV license is required if your young person intends to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, which is not included in the rent.

Cleaning of accommodation

Professional cleaners maintain communal areas, with the frequency of cleaning depending on the accommodation. Students are responsible for cleaning their own bedrooms and en-suites. Please note that communal cleaning is not available in the Pastures accommodation.

Accommodation for physically disabled students

We offer a range of adapted rooms to meet individual needs, including wheelchair access, hearing impairment accommodations, automated doors, and adapted shower rooms.

Staying with your young person on campus

Students are welcome to have a guest stay occasionally. Alternatively to staying with them, if you'd like to visit your young person, you can book accommodation through Event Essex for a comfortable stay on campus.

Changing accommodation

If your young person wishes to change accommodation, they can request to exchange rooms with another student or move to a vacant room when applications open in November each year.

Number of flatmates

The number of flatmates varies by accommodation type, ranging from 4 to 16 people. While your young person can note preferences in the 'additional notes' section of their accommodation application, we cannot guarantee a specific number of flatmates.

LGBTQ+ specific accommodation

We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, which is why we offer dedicated accommodation for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Please note, LGBTQ+ accommodation is not available to allies.

Accommodation during holidays

Your young person's accommodation will remain theirs for the entire academic year, including the Christmas and Easter breaks. They do not need to empty their room during these holidays. Additionally, summer vacation bookings are available.

One of the big benefits of going to university is the prospect of getting a graduate-level job once students have completed their degree – and this is no different at Essex. We focus on helping students improve their employability by gaining new skills and having new experiences during their time with us.

Career options after studying

Often, students will know what they want to study but you and they might have questions about what type of career their course might lead to. Our course pages have details about different careers available after graduating. 

Careers support available at Essex

Your young person will benefit from the support of our student careers service who will provide advice and guidance on how to develop a career plan, write a CV and find a job. We also offer career mentoring programmes for students, so they can learn from the experience of others who can guide and help students make the right decisions. 

Part time jobs 

We have a wide range of jobs and internships available at Essex, and we have expanded the jobs available on campus to support students with their university living costs. All of our on campus jobs are paid at least the Voluntary Living Wage, to support your young person during your time with us. 

Boosting your young person’s career prospects

If your young person wants to gain work experience in a particular sector, they can add a work placement to their degree, or they can choose to study, work or volunteer abroad. Students can also choose from a range of Extra-curricular learning opportunities, such as learning a new language or data science skills. 

Essex Startups is also available to provide training, support and funding opportunities to any students who are wanting to start their own business. 

Careers support available for life

All of our graduates can continue to access careers support for life! Support available includes one to one support for updating CVs, job hunting and making job applications, as well as tailored events, online resources and start-up support for businesses.