Student Community

We have more than 120 societies to choose from covering a wide range of themes.

Whether you’re looking for members of your faith or cultural background, searching for others in your department or just want to hang out, you'll find your community through the SU.

If you're looking to meet new people who share the same interests such as arts, music, culture, politics, or even something a little more weird and wonderful, chances are there's an SU society at Essex for you.

And even if you can't find something that floats your boat, then you can even set up a brand new society. The possibilities are endless at Essex!

The SU is also home to 40+ sports clubs run under the collective name of the Essex Blades.

Whether you’re into solo or group, indoor or outdoor, water or land, competitive or recreational sports, we've got it covered. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned pro athlete, want to have a go at something new, or just want to keep fit, you are sure to find something that you'll love. 

Essex Students' Union is home to VTeam (Volunteering at Essex). We’ve got something for everyone to get involved with, no matter your ability.

Do you want to make a difference, make enduring connections and build skills that will boost your future career, while also doing good for the local community?  That's what the VTeam is all about. Come along, do something you enjoy and help make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

We are the proud home of ESCALA, a world-renowned Latin American art collection. We also offer opportunities for students to hone their creative skills at our Art Exchange gallery. 

Our Lakeside Theatre also hosts internationally acclaimed plays, live music, performances by our own (incredibly talented) drama students, and you can get involved through the regular open mic nights, show auditions and creative workshops. 

For more information, check out our arts and culture facilities across our Colchester, Southend and Loughton campuses.

Rebel is your platform to create, debate, educate, and entertain over 16,000 students at Essex, and gain valuable experience and meet new people while you're at it.

The Rebel team is made up of all kinds of creative types: Writers, photographers, videographers, presenters, producers, technical geniuses, web specialists, and so much more. But you dont need to have expertise to join us. If you’ve got something you’d like to learn or share then let’s work together to create something exciting.

Oh, and it doesn’t end there - get ready for some epic events throughout the year: From big nights out, escape rooms, games and bingo to cultural celebrations, firework displays, and festivals to name a few. Trust us, there's always something exciting happening here, so get involved, live your best life, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

• See what's happening at Colchester Campus
• See what's happening at Southend Campus
• See what's happening at Loughton Campus

We are here to create a positive and supportive campus environment that you can call home. Get free, confidential help and advice without judgement, whenever you need it at SU Advice.

We can give you support with appeals, academic queries, immigration, student conduct, accommodation, personal welfare, health and wellbeing, money and so much more.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed or just want to chat to someone? Whatever it is you are dealing with, let’s conquer this together! We will help you to navigate through any challenges you may be having and guide you through finding a solution that’s right for you, just drop in or give us a call on 01206 863211.

You'll find us on each campus:

Colchester: Our reception is off Square 3

Southend: Our SU Advice office is on Elmer Approach next to the Mezz in the SU Lounge

Loughton: Get in touch with an adviser via email at suaclou@essex.ac.uk

Need to find somewhere to live while studying at Essex? SUHomes are here for you. With a range of properties available; including shared houses, resident landlords, family friendly housing, entire houses, and purpose built student accommodation; short and fixed term tenancies, we will help you find the perfect place.

We are on a mission to be the worlds’ most student-centred organisation, and we’d love for you to join us in achieving this. Most of the staff at the SU are students and we’ve got lots of roles available. If you are looking for a job while studying at Essex, why not come and work for the biggest student employer on campus?

Working for the SU is a great opportunity learn new skills to boost your CV, expand your social circle, make a positive impact on the life of other students, and earn yourself some money at the same time.

Every Friday night, the Lakeside Theatre hosts Open Mic night, so you can share any talent or thought you have in the cosy and friendly atmosphere of the Theatre Cafe. The mic and stage are yours, so you can show off whatever you like; from singing to playing an instrument, to dancing, to reading a poem or a manifesto, to doing a magic trick.

The Paternoster list in the Library at our Colchester Campus amazes everyone when they see it for the first time because it never stops. You step into it while it's moving and step out while it's moving too, and it just goes round and round. The rules do say you shouldn't do a full circle with the lifts, so don't do it... ever...

SubZero is the nightclub at our Colchester Campus. Some people say it's awesome, some people say it's not quite so. You have to give it a try at least once!

The likelihood is, you'll only get one chance in your life to do this, so get out of your comfort zone and step into the unknown. Living in a new place and in a different culture is destined to be a life-changing experience, so don't miss out!

Find out more with Essex Abroad.

The place where exhibitions, talks with artists and art classes happen, is on our Colchester Campus and it's free for students. Have a break and just show up at the Art Exchange or get involved with one of the art sessions. Get those creative juices flowing; shake your booty in a dance class, free your energy in African drumming or capture a naked yogi with some chalk and paper with life drawing.

Gather your friends, bring some food to share with everyone, some instruments, games and just enjoy a chilled afternoon by the lakes with the ducks, rabbits and squirrels. 

Make some noise for the right cause. Become an activist and support any project you think is right and worth shouting about. At Essex you have a chance to express your views and not be criticised for it. With such a multi-cultural community on campus, you'll always find people that share your views and want to unite for a good cause. Even the smallest change is a step forward, so find your voice and use it!

It's not quite the Lock Bridge in Paris, but what better way to leave your mark on Essex forever by writing your initials on a padlock and locking yourself to campus (not literally of course!)