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University of Essex

Colchester

  • Location: City, Rural

Student life

What’s life like as an Essex student? You’ll automatically become part of the Students’ Union which gives you access to societies, clubs and events to keep you busy all year round. If you can’t find the right society for you, get a group of likeminded people and create it - Essex is yours to shape!

Our Colchester Campus is located within easy reach of quiet countryside and Essex coastline, but only minutes from Colchester city centre and all that has to offer; from shops and boutiques aplenty to restaurants, pubs and bars. When it comes to things to do, there’s something for everyone – a spa, bowling alley, escape rooms, the zoo or even axe throwing if that’s your thing?

Our Southend Campus is right in the middle of the city with coffee shops, big brands and everything else you might expect from a city centre location. The 7-mile beach and pier might be more of a surprise.

For East 15 students, our Loughton Campus is positioned on the central line so London is yours to explore!

What's it like to live in East of England?
Check out our region guide

The East of England is made up of five counties and cities like Luton, Norwich, and Cambridge. Made famous by its namesake university, picturesque Cambridge attracts droves of visitors, with graduates including Stephen Hawking and Emma Thompson.

Branch out and you’ll find Europe’s equivalent to Silicon Valley – Silicon Fen – a burgeoning hub for big tech players and software start-ups.

This corner of England has a star-studded history, too. Iconic movies like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and The Shining were shot at Elstree Studios in Essex. Meanwhile, the University of East Anglia served as Avengers HQ in multiple Marvel movies.

Learn more

What's it like to live in Colchester?
Check out our city guide

Britain’s oldest recorded town – with the ruins and architecture to prove it – Colchester may ‘tell Britain's story’ better than anywhere else.

Learn more

Campus and facilities

Colchester Campus is home to most of our courses and students. A mix of brutalist architecture and modern buildings create the unique Essex feel. Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland and with 2 lakes there’s plenty of natural beauty too.

You’ll find various cafes and food outlets covering everything from a classic fry up to burritos, plus the Thursday market offers pop-up street food and local produce weekly. There are 2 student bars, Sub-Zero (our on-campus nightclub) and even an underground theatre all just moments away from your accommodation.

What about study space? Our Albert Sloman Library is open 24/7 and we also have the Silberrad Student Centre which is home to private and group work spaces, IT labs and our student services hub.

We also have a wide range of Department facilities including mock wards for our Healthcare students, translation and interpreting booths for Language and Linguistics, a mock trading floor for Business students, and a Life Sciences wet lab.

Course locations

East 15 Acting School, Loughton

Hatfields, Loughton, IG10 3RY

Southend Campus

10 Elmer Approach, Southend, SS1 1LW

Main Site

Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ

Colchester Campus

University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ

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  • Evangelia

    University of Essex
    Philosophy
    Hey! My name is Eva, and I am a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Essex studying PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics). I am originally from Indonesia, so I spent my entire life there, where I completed the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) program before moving here. As an international student, I understand how important it is to be able to survive alone in a foreign country where there are thousands of differences faced. Hence, if you are an international student and you do have any questions about moving to the UK, do not hesitate to ask me! I am also happy to assist anyone who has questions about joining clubs/societies, the IB Diploma, academic life at Essex, or even about making friends, and anything about the hobbies and interests we might share (Asian food? Cooking? Traveling? Top reads? Music? Best Kdramas? You are very welcome to ask). Feel free to let me know. : )

  • Dani

    University of Essex
    Criminology
    I am a criminology student from the north of england who is hoping to progress and grow during my last year at Essex. I enjoy spending time with friends and listening to music. I’d say I’m very social and happy to meet new people. In terms of career plans, I haven’t 100% decided on what I’d like to do after graduating.

  • Emma

    University of Essex
    Literature
    Hi! I am always happy to help you with questions about university life. In my first year I lived on campus in South Courts accommodation, and I am currenting living in student flats off campus for my second year. My interests include going to the gym, listening to music, reading, spending time with my friends and cooking. In my first year I was part of the feminist society and I am deeply passionate about ensuring equality and safety for all. My favourite thing about the university of Essex is the amount of leisure activities, food outlets and shops both on campus and in the town centre near by and I enjoy making use of these, both by myself in-between classes and studying, or to catch up friends.

  • Alice

    University of Essex
    Speech and Language Therapy
    I'm a 3rd year student at the University of Essex. I came straight from Sixth Form, and although it has been a big step, I have really enjoyed it. In my first year, I lived on campus in student accommodation, so if you have any questions about student accommodation feel free to ask! I was part of the Essex Blades Ballet competition team, which was a great experience as I had never competed in dance before, and I now coach the team! Please let me know if you have any questions about studying and life at the University of Essex.

  • Eniola

    University of Essex
    Social Work
    In the future, I envision a fulfilling career as an adult worker dedicated to guiding and supporting young youth offenders. My passion for making a positive impact aligns with my strong sense of faith, as I am a woman of God. This commitment to both my professional path and spiritual beliefs drives me to contribute meaningfully to society. My eagerness to learn and my genuine desire to help others shape my journey towards creating a positive impact on the lives of young individuals in need.

  • Juliet

    University of Essex
    Sociology
    Hey everyone! I'm Juliet, a final-year Sociology student. In my free time I love to sing, dance and act. I help run the theatre arts society, planning games nights, themed dress up nights and much more for anyone who loves theatre! I am also greatly involved in student life, in my roles as student ambassador, student representative and peer mentor. I love supporting my peers have the best time at Essex! In my third year I completed a year studying at the University of Windsor in Canada, making amazing friends, adapting to a new education system and of course travelling. I'm a major globetrotter, having visited 17 countries and counting! Ask me anything about my adventures, or if you're curious about student life, clubs, societies or anything university related. I can't wait to chat with you!

  • Claudia

    University of Essex
    Occupational Therapy
    Hiya👋🏻, I am Claudia from Hong Kong🇭🇰. I am studying Bsc Occupational Therapy at University of Essex (Year 3)💚. I really enjoy my course with placements which allow me to explore the real OT working setting🤓. I aim to be a qualified Occupational Therapist after my 3 years of study💪🏻. I like listening to music🎶, especially Kpop and Cantopop. I am passionate about reading📚, travelling🛫, and chatting👅. Feel free to ask me questions about uni🏫, my course, or any other... Looking forward to chatting with you! 🥰🤪😆💕

  • Aleksandra

    University of Essex
    Psychology
    I am a second year undergrad aspiring to go into the research sector of cognitive psychology. I am currently doing the research experience scheme where I get to be involved with real research and gain experience in conducting studies. I am a very extroverted individual who mainly spends her spare time with friends, occasionally going out to the bar. I enjoy going to the gym and the Atrium to take part in many of the free arts and crafts sessions.

  • Craig

    University of Essex
    Sports Therapy
    I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone with adrenaline-inducing activities and going with the flow. I aim to work as a physiotherapist/sports therapist for a professional sports team and travel the world.

  • Kamila

    University of Essex
    Speech and Language Therapy
    Hello :) my name is Kamila, and I am a second year master's student at the University of Essex, studying Speech and language Therapy. I come from Slovakia, however I completed my secondary education here in the UK. During my undergraduate studies in BA English Linguistics, I have been introduced to the module of clinical linguistics, in which I learnt about speech and language therapy. Since then I have been determined to become a paediatric speech and language therapist, as it will allow me to help and advocate for children with speech and language difficulties. My particular interest is in bilingual and multilingual children. I am enjoying my course, as I am able to learn many new skills, and put them into practice during various placements. I believe that the social life at Essex exceeds most universities in the UK. Thanks to its diversity, you will be able to join various societies depending on your hobbies and interests. This year, I am a vice-president of the Speech and Language Therapy Society. As a society we offer a variety of events, including guest speakers, revision sessions, social events, and our favourite annual summer ball! I am also a member of the Essex Blades Dance competition team, and I am really looking forward to the upcoming competition season. If you have any questions about life at Essex, Speech and Language Therapy course, or any of the societies, do not hesitate to reach out! :)

  • Josephine

    University of Essex
    Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management
    My career plan as a hospitality student involves gaining practical experience through internships, securing an entry-level position in a reputable establishment, specializing in areas like event management, advancing through middle management, and eventually attaining executive leadership or entrepreneurship roles while maintaining a strong commitment to continuous learning, industry impact, and a healthy work-life balance.

  • Cherri

    University of Essex
    American Studies (United States)
    Hello! My name is Cherri and I'm a third year American Studies student. Feel free to ask me questions about living on campus, applying to university or more general questions about student life. During my degree I have taken modules from many different departments (history, literature, psychology, criminology, philosophy and more) so I may have some knowledge about your department if that's what you are looking for.
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