Internet, phone, insurance and TV

Wifi and internet services in University accommodation are provided by external partners ASK4 and Glide Student.

Both provide a cabled and wifi service, so if you have an access point and need an ethernet cable, please contact reception at University Square if you are based in Southend, or askthehub@essex.ac.uk if you are in Colchester.

ASK4 internet service

ASK4 covers The Towers, South Courts, The Houses, Wolfson Court, The Pastures, and University Square, Southend accommodation areas.

ASK4 uses wifi 6 technology which provides speeds of up to 1Gb/s. You can connect all your wifi-enabled devices together (smart speakers, wireless printers etc) and interact with them from wherever you are in the building.

Register when you arrive

Once you have arrived and moved into your room, connect your device to the "ASK4 Wireless" WiFi network.

Go to "signup.ask4.com" and follow the sign up process. If you have any problems, use the details below to contact the support team.

Report a fault

To report a fault with your internet connection or for any queries relating to connection, please contact the ASK4 support team. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year:

Glide Student internet service

Glide Student covers University Quays, The Meadows and The Copse accommodation areas.

Report a fault

To report a fault with your internet connection or for any queries relating to your connection, please contact the Glide Student support team. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year:

Insurance

Howden for Students, the new name for My Endsleigh. 

Your contents are insured! Don't forget to register with Howden for Students to access your cover.

Did you know your belongings are insured whilst you're staying with us? Find out what is and isn't covered, by checking your cover online through the Howden for Students app. 

To access your cover or make a claim, please register with the app here.

Why Howden for Students?

It's easy to underestimate the value of your possessions. We're not just talking about your laptop and phone, but items such as your clothes, hairdryers, and other gadgets, like Fitbits and smart watches, can all add up.

The great news is, through our insurance partner Howden, we provide contents insurance for all the students that live with us, so your belongings are covered whilst they are in your accommodation. 

Once you've registered with Howden's student app, you can instantly access your cover details and policy documents, as well as contact the claims team at any time.

Howden for Students is packed with loads of useful products and information to help you through your time at uni, including:

  • Wellbeing - access to free 24/7 confidential wellbeing support with qualified counsellors
  • Student Life - top tips to make the most of your time at university
  • Protect and Save - discounts on student friendly insurance, plus access to a trade-in portal to get cash for your old devices
  • Submit a Claim - quick access to an online claims portal
  • Prospects - find out more about graduate jobs, postgraduate study, work experience, internship opportunities, and careers

Emergency telephones

All residences (apart from University Quays, which signpost to contact numbers) are fitted with either emergency phones or emergency intercom systems, which are located either in hallways or on the lift landings. These phones connect to Security services for your specific accommodation area in either Colchester or Southend where patrol staff can assist you.

TV licence

If you want to watch TV in your University accommodation, including BBC iPlayer, you will need to buy a TV licence, regardless of whether you watch on a TV, PC or other mobile devices. Don't risk a fine of up to £1,000.