Before you start

It may sound obvious, but if you’re moving to Essex you’ll need to find somewhere to live. It’s best not to leave this to the last minute.

Applications for new students are now open and can be made via the My Essex Applicant Portal.

We have a range of range of accommodation options at our Colchester and Southend campuses to suit different needs, preferences and budgets, all within walking distance of the academic departments and campus facilities.

We’re aiming to be as flexible as possible so if things change you can change your pathway any time. You can live and study with us on campus full-time, you can do some parts online and others in person or mix and match. Whatever you choose we want to ensure you are able to continue your studies where you feel safest.

If you’re contracted to stay in university accommodation, you’ll be able to quarantine on our Colchester and Southend campuses for 14 days if you are arriving from outside the UK.

If restrictions are in place which mean you are required to self-isolate on arrival in the UK, we will supply up to two weeks’ of accommodation to new students, free-of-charge. Your self-isolating accommodation will consist of a single bedroom within a cluster flat, where some facilities will be shared with other students in your household.

Alternatively, you may wish to find off-campus accommodation in the local area through SU Homes.

Make sure you take a look at our fees and funding pages to ensure you’re financially prepared for life at Essex.

Your course is likely to have a mix of compulsory and optional modules. You can select any optional modules for your course with our online eNROL system.

Once you’ve chosen all your modules and they’ve been confirmed, they’ll appear on your online timetable.

If you're living in campus accommodation, take a look at what's included in your accommodation and what you'll need to bring so you pack the right things..

If you're coming to our Colchester or Southend campuses, and packing really isn't your thing, then you can order stuff before you arrive and it will be delivered to your room.

Alternatively, there are large supermarkets near to all of our campuses, so you can stock up on household essentials when you get here. If you plan to do this, then it is worth checking beforehand to see which shops and supermarkets will be open nearby when you arrive, particularly as most will have reduced opening hours on Sundays.

Plan your journey here:

• How to get to our Colchester Campus
• How to get to our Southend Campus
• How to get to our Loughton Campus

We can't wait to see you soon! 

Pocket Essex is our official mobile app for students. It gives you instant access to events, timetables, modules and marks, library loans, contact details and much more. Search your app store for Pocket Essex.

All students should have their MMR jabs and be vaccinated against meningitis. If you're not sure if you're vaccinated, check with your doctor now. 

Take a look at our support and advice to help you stay healthy.

Starting university can be a wonderful and exciting experience, but it can also bring its own unique challenges. It’s natural to feel nervous or overwhelmed during the first few weeks and it can be a while before you feel like you’ve found your feet.  Take a look at the Student Minds ‘Know Before You Go' University of Essex guide (.pdf) for information and tips.

We also have a range of talks and tasters introducing our applicants to the courses their be studying this year.

If you have a disability, specific learning difficulty, long term medical condition or mental health condition you can register with our Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Team before you arrive so that we can consider your support needs. Find further information on what is available:

• Access and disability
• Mental and emotional health

We’ll be ensuring support specific to an individual’s needs will be offered to students across all stages of protection through our existing Occupational Health and Student Wellbeing policies and practices.