University of Essex

Essex is committed to helping you prepare for life after graduation. The Careers Service supports you throughout your studies and beyond, helping you identify strengths, gain skills, and connect with employers. You can boost your CV with career-focused modules, mentoring workshops, part-time work, or a work placement. Many degrees offer placement options—year-long, term-based, or project-specific—to help you explore sectors and roles.

Want to broaden your horizons? Study abroad at one of 150+ global partner universities, or learn a new language at no extra cost through the Languages for All programme. The university also offer a range of initiatives to enhance your experience. Become an Essex Intern, work for the Students’ Union, or use Chart My Path and sign up for The Big Essex Award to record your achievements. You can also get a head start with the online Python Preparation Programme.

At Essex, you’ll join a vibrant, supportive community with countless ways to grow, learn and prepare for your future.

Going to university is a big commitment, and choosing where to study is just as important. Your campus and local area play a key role in this decision. At Essex, campuses in Colchester and Loughton offer a great mix of study and lifestyle between London and the beautiful eastern coastline.

The Colchester Campus feels like a countryside retreat, just two miles from the historic city and an hour from London. With excellent transport links, including a nearby train station and Stansted Airport an hour away, exploring the UK and beyond is easy. Colchester, once Roman Britain’s first capital, offers museums, a zoo, vintage shops, country walks, live music, and ghost tours.

The Loughton Campus sits on the Central Line, giving direct access to London’s theatres, museums, galleries, and cultural hotspots. Wherever you study, there’s plenty to explore beyond the classroom.

The Student Services Hub is a one-stop-shop for practical advice or confidential guidance, on everything from accommodation to how to cope with homesickness. Your questions matter and you’ll get answers from its team of experts. Professionals provide support on issues concerning mental and emotional health, including assessment and referral for counselling or mentoring.

If you have a disability, medical condition or specific learning difficulty, specialist disability advisers are on hand to provide you with advice and guidance on a range of disability support services at all three of the university’s campuses.

There is a wide range of support offered to individuals and groups of student members including: Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students, care leaver students, commuting students, estranged students, international students, LGBT+ students, mature and part-time students, and students under 18.

Choosing where to live is a big part of going to university, and at Essex, it’s made easy. With a range of options—from modern en suite rooms to retro Towers and Townhouses—there’s something to suit every style and budget. Use the Accommodation Finder to explore your options.

If you’ve made Essex your firm or insurance choice, you’re guaranteed accommodation for the duration of your course. No house-hunting stress, no last-minute searches—just reliable, on-campus living from day one.

All accommodation includes energy bills, WiFi, 24/7 security, and access to a supportive student community. No matter what happens to supplier costs, you’re covered. The university understands that moving away from home can be challenging. That’s why you are offered more than just a room— you are offered peace of mind, connection, and a smooth transition to university life.

At Essex, you’ll enjoy:

• Guaranteed housing every year of study
• No surprise costs
• A welcoming and secure environment
• Year-round convenience, right on your doorstep

The Colchester Campus hosts most courses and students, blending brutalist and modern architecture across 200 acres of award-winning parkland with two lakes. You’ll find cafes and food outlets offering everything from classic fry-ups to burritos, plus a weekly Thursday market with street food and local produce.

There are two student bars, including Sub Zero nightclub, and an underground theatre close to your accommodation. For studying, the Albert Sloman Library is open 24/7, and the Silberrad Student Centre offers private and group study spaces, IT labs, and student services. Department facilities include mock wards for Healthcare, translation booths for Language students, a trading floor for Business, and a Life Sciences wet lab.

Fancy competing at the next Olympics? Looking for a new challenge? Or maybe you just like looking after yourself? Whatever your sporting level or interest, the university’s facilities have something for you. No matter your skill level or experience, the Essex community are committed to making sport at Essex for everyone.

The on-campus gym in Colchester is its most popular sporting facility, with 160 workout stations and more than 100 fitness classes per week. Take advantage of the Essex Sport student membership packages.

The Students’ Union is home to the Essex Blades – over 40 sports clubs that compete locally and nationally. Be warned, you’re highly likely to develop a strong allegiance to the Blades, especially around Derby Day! Sports covering a wide range from American football to volleyball, and from archery to mixed martial arts are offered.

If sport is more than a hobby to you, welcome home. The university strives to provide innovative, athlete-centred programmes in its focus sports and teams: volleyball, basketball, tennis, and football. Sports scholarships are also offered to ultra-talented athletes.

The university is committed to protecting the environment and tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. At Essex, sustainability is central to everything it does, and it wants students, staff, and the local community to be part of the solution.

For three years in a row, Essex has ranked in the top 200 universities globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, reflecting its dedication to social responsibility and sustainable development. Its also ranked 49th in the 2024/25 People and Planet University League.

The goal of the university is to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035. Since 2005, its already cut emissions by 28%. Sustainability is key to Essex’s future planning and an important part of the student learning experience.

The university takes ethical investment seriously and doesn’t invest in fossil fuel or arms companies, or in corporations that violate international law. Essex has also committed £14 million to carbon reduction and energy efficiency projects through to 2030.