Welcome New Students

Getting here and arrivals 

Student in Southend in front of sign saying Some things are a Dream

The time to join us has finally come! We're excited to meet you and welcome you to Essex. Find out all about what to do on arrivals weekend and how to get here.  

Before you set off

One of your first tasks will be to complete your Essex IT account setup and then your Online Pre-Registration. Once you've completed this step, you’ll have access to our online Welcome portal where you can start exploring where you’ll be studying for the next few years and meet your department.

Also before you go, check out all our essential pre-arrival information.

When you arrive

Register in-person

Once you’ve completed your Essex IT account setup and your Online Pre-Registration, you’ll also need to attend an In-Person Registration appointment on campus.

This will include completing a Right to Study check, registering you as a student and issuing your Student Registration Card. The appointments will take place at specific Registration Hubs located on each of our campuses and appointments will usually be managed by a booking system that you will be given access to once you have completed Online Pre-Registration.

Move into your accommodation

If you're living on our Colchester Campus, one of the first things you’ll probably want to do when you arrive is get settled into your home. Here's what you need to do get your accommodation key:

  1. print off your arrivals pass (which is available at the end of your e-induction)
  2. have some ID handy as you'll need this to collect your key
  3. take your arrivals pass to one of our key collection offices.

The earliest date you can move into your accommodation is the date specified on your letter of allocation.

Find out more about collecting your key, luggage, parking and moving into your new accommodation

Aerial shot of the University of Essex's Colchester Campus
Virtual campus tour

Explore our Colchester Campus and its facilities. You can also get a feel for our accommodation using our virtual tour tool.

Take a look around

Register with a doctor

As a student studying on a course for more than six months, you're required to register with a local doctor throughout your period of study if you live on campus or in the local surrounding area.

Register as soon as possible after you arrive, in case you should suddenly need medical treatment.

Starting at East 15

Take a look at our information for new East 15 students to find out about everything else you need to know about getting started with us.

Student at graduation with her family
Family member of a new student?

Are you a parent, guardian or family member? Here's some helpful information to put your minds at rest.