Student Life at Essex, UK
Welcome to Essex!
The University of Essex is a public research institution located in Essex, England. Founded in 1965 through a Royal Charter, it is an ambitious and socially engaged institution and one of the first set of universities created in the 1960s in the UK, called the “plate glass” universities.
Essex is home to a diverse student body and has established partnerships with over 100 higher education institutions globally. Among its graduates are influential alumni in various fields worldwide, including Nobel Prize winners, a head of state, and senior political figures.
Join the University of Essex for EMJM Janus!
You have chosen to join University of Essex for one term as part of your studies on the JANUS Joint Master’s programme. Our wonderful community of students, representing 140 nationalities from around the world, already call Essex home. Come and join this global community of original thinkers and gain a unique experience within an academically challenging environment.
Explore our programs and embark on a fulfilling study period as a proud student of University of Essex
Why Essex?
- Our great location – Colchester is less than 1 hour from London by train
- Access to state-of-the-art learning facilities, accommodation, bars, cafes, sports facilities, a gallery and a theatre!
- Pastoral support – the Essex Abroad team will support you before, during and after your time with us
- Academic support – each academic department has a Study Abroad Officer on hand to provide academic advice
- Student support – we provide excellent welfare and support services
- Automatic membership of the Students’ Union – there to support you, make your voice heard and help you make the most of your time at Essex
- We are a University of Sanctuary, which reflects our commitment to promoting a culture of welcome, safety, and inclusion to refugees and asylum seekers across our campuses and wider communities
Your time at Essex will be full of opportunities to meet new people, try new things and develop new skills. Your success is at the heart of everything we do.
Student Visas in the UK
International students applying for a Master’s programme at our university are required to obtain a UK Student visa before starting their studies. This visa applies to students aged 16 and over who hold an unconditional offer for a postgraduate course in the UK.
- If you are selected to study on the JANUS Joint Master’s programme at the University of Essex, the university will provide you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you will then need for your UK Student visa application.
You must show sufficient financial resources to cover your first year tuition fees (as stated on your CAS) and your living costs for the duration of your studies, according to UK government thresholds for London and outside London.
Your Student visa application is made online, typically up to 6 months before the start of your Master’s, and includes payment of the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the UK’s National Health Service.
You will be required to provide several supporting documents, including your CAS, financial evidence, passport, and proof of English language ability, in line with official UK visa requirements.
Once your Student visa is granted and your studies have begun, you will be able to study full time and, under certain conditions, work part time during your Master’s, and may later be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa to remain in the UK after completing your degree.
Welcome to our Global Family
At Essex, you really will find the world in one place. We are proud to be a global community but we recognise that living and studying in the UK may be very different from your own country. The information below will help you prepare for your arrival and settle into university life, so you can enjoy everything the University and the UK have to offer.
Moving to a new country to study is a life-changing experience. Hear from one of our international students Amani, as she shares her journey to the University of Essex. See what it was like to settle into life in the UK, and the support she received along the way. Welcoming International Students to Essex University | TikTok
Our friendly and professional staff are on hand to guide, advise and assist you during your time at Essex. We offer a wide range of support covering academic matters, accommodation, careers, financial, health, and well-being issues. Check out our Student Directory to see everything you can access.
The British Council have an online course designed to benefit international students who have been accepted to study at a UK university. Managing your well-being while studying in the UK will provide you with helpful information, support, and study skills for higher education, whilst giving you a taste of life in the UK.
Before you travel, make sure you are prepared for your arrival and know what to expect. You must have valid UK immigration permission in place and carry all required documents in your hand luggage. The Home Office recommend that travel is only booked once you have been granted your visa.
- Accommodation on campus offers you a chance to live at the heart of a vibrant campus community with shared values and diverse interests, in an environment where you will succeed. It is your safe space to unwind at the end of the day.
- Apply early for on-campus accommodation during your course.
Getting here and getting started
There’s a lot to take in when you arrive. Here are some suggestions to help you feel as prepared as possible and make the most of your start at Essex.
Before you set off
Complete your Essex IT account setup and then your Online Pre-Registration. Once you have completed this step, you will have access to our online Welcome portal where you can start exploring where you will 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
Complete In-Person Registration: Once you have completed Online Pre-Registration you will 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
One of the first things you will probably want to do when you arrive is get settled into your home. Here’s what you need to do get your accommodation key:
- print off your arrivals pass (which is available at the end of your e-induction)
- have some ID handy as you’ll need this to collect your key
- 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
Induction Program at Essex
During welcome week, the university and Essex Law School host a tailored induction programme to welcome you to your course, meet your lecturers and classmates, and help you settle in. The Students Union also organises specific events to ensure you discover the Essex life in all its variety!
When you join Essex, you join a community of 15,000 students representing 140 different nationalities from around the world. Our campuses are buzzing with activities and events and you will find a supportive network of like minds where you can pursue your passions and have fun.
From your first day on campus, there will be plenty of opportunities to make friends, try something new, and change your life forever.
Students’ Union
Run by students, for students, your SU is here to ensure that your voice is always heard and that action is taken on the things you care about most. We will be here for you throughout your entire time studying and beyond.
Facilities at Colchester Campus
Whatever your subject, and whatever your passion, we’ve got what you need to make it happen.
Our on-campus facilities give you the chance to pursue your interests and join a community of the active and ambitious.
Get involved and have fun. Are you a film buff or a footballer? Are you a hiker or crafter, artist or activist? Do you fancy learning photography or helping at a local animal shelter? Check out our 100+ clubs, societies, sports facilities and volunteering opportunities.
Sports
We have a great range of facilities, both indoors and outdoors at our Colchester Campus. In 2018, we launched the £12 million Essex Sport Arena, which is built to international sporting standards and is available to hire. The space boasts seating for 1,655 spectators, and includes 23 courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and futsal.
Our Sports Centre is home to our spacious Essex Sport gym, fitness studios, squash courts and large sports hall. The centre is also the headquarters for our Performance Sport Department.
And that’s just the indoor stuff. We are renowned for our research on the benefits of Green Exercise and we practise what we preach. Located within the Colchester Campus and covering 40 acres, our outdoor sports area includes an 18-hole disc golf course, all-weather tennis courts, plus tons of space for you and your mates to play a game of five-a-side.
Essex Albert Sloman Library
The Library’s extensive collection offers access to a wide range of printed and digital collections of books, journals and archives across all disciplines taught and researched at the University of Essex. Its Librarians are present to guide you, should you need their expertise.
It is open to students and staff as well as Alumni and external visitors. Opening hours are 24/7 in term time, but always check our Opening Hours for the most up-to-date information.
In addition to those already available on the rest of the campus, including computer labs, the Library provides a range of study environments, from collaborative spaces, silent spaces, quiet spaces and bookable room and pods. Whether you’re here to study or browse, you can visit as often as you need to and stay for as long as you like!
At the heart of our student experience is the food and drink we offer on campus. Offered primarily by the Students’ Union and Essex Food we ensure that all of our staff and students are well-fed and well-watered by providing a full range of services – from quick grab and go outlets to more formal bookable dining.
Essex Food, as the primary food supplier on our Colchester Campus, believes in affordable, traceable, sustainability, seasonable, locally-sourced, fresh and healthy balanced food and drink – that’s why we are proud to call ourselves Ethics Food, as we strive to ensure all our customers have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a sustainability and ethical food.
Essex is an inclusive community where we celebrate diversity and challenge inequality, and we respect, support and encourage one another through our values, our words and, most importantly, our actions.
Our commitment
- Essex is committed to challenging inequalities and providing equal access to opportunities for all, irrespective of background, identity or circumstance
- Essex is committed to fostering and celebrating a diversity of nationalities, cultures and faiths through a supportive network of groups and societies
- Essex is committed to an inclusive environment in which all students and staff can achieve their potential
Financial Aid Programs for Students
Explore our range of financial aid options, such as loans, study grants, and non-repayable assistance, all designed to help you manage your educational expenses effectively. This includes tailored support from our international student services, ensuring all students, including those from abroad, have access to the financial resources they need.
Opening an account
Incoming Erasmus student grants are directly deposited onto a bank card, streamlining access to EU grants without the hassle of physical cash. This service is part of our international student services, ensuring no more counting coins, just easy access to your funds!
Just one hour from London and Stansted Airport and set in over 200 acres of beautiful parkland, our Colchester Campus is home to more than 20 academic departments and schools. The Colchester Campus is two miles from the centre of the historic city of Colchester, England’s oldest recorded settlement.
Getting to Colchester Campus:
Our address
University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
Visitors’ Reception
Our visitors’ Reception is a short walk from our car parks and drop-off points. We’re located in the Silberrad Student Centre next to the lake. You can contact us on 01206 873333.
Also see: Download a campus map
Get in touch:
Essex Abroad – contact our Incoming Exchange team by email: incomingexchange@essex.ac.uk