Graduands ready to celebrate as Summer Graduation returns

More than 4,000 students from across the globe are expected at our Colchester Campus next week to celebrate Summer Graduation for the Class of 2022.

It is the first Summer Graduation to be held on campus since 2019, and it is set to be a warm one.

With temperatures expected to reach their mid-thirties, we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure all graduands and their guests have a great day – and stay hydrated!

This cohort of students have had to overcome huge challenges to complete their studies.

With their time at Essex interrupted by the unprecedented global pandemic, they have had to deal with the unexpected situation of learning online and had to adapt to a university experience which was very different to the one they expected.

They have faced all of this head on, showing resilience, perseverance and bravery. They have shown their true Essex Spirit – and we couldn’t be more proud.

As well as our traditional celebrations being able to return, we have been able to reinstate former traditions including Honorary Graduands and an Alumnus of the Year award.

We are delighted to be able to confer Honorary Degrees to outstanding figures in the arts, sports, technology, and science and business sectors, and look forward to welcoming them to our Colchester Campus.

As well as a week-long celebration for our Class of 2022 next week, the following week will see more graduation ceremonies for students from our Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 who were unable to attend in-person celebrations because of COVID-19 restrictions.

It promises to be two weeks of sunshine and celebration, when the campus comes alive with colour, laughter, pride and lots of mortar boards. 

As well as those attending in person, people will be able to watch from afar. All ceremonies will be streamed live on our Facebook page and on our webpage, so no-one has to miss out.

And if you want to find out what some of our students have to say about their time at Essex, see our Class of 2022 graduate stories.