Returning to Essex

In most cases, your transcript will be sent directly to us by your host university at the end of your study abroad period. If you receive your transcript directly, make sure you provide a copy to the Essex Abroad team. Some universities may need you to request a transcript from them to send to us.

After we receive your transcript, your marks will be converted to Essex grades and calculated to give you one overall year or term abroad mark. Check the rules of assessment for the year of study that you are in as well as the grade conversion guidance suitable for your year of study as below:

• Grade conversion guidance for students who started their studies in 2019-2020 or earlier.
• Grade conversion guidance for students who started their studies in 2020-2021 or later.
• Grade conversion guidance for students who completed a term or semester abroad only.

You won’t instantly receive your result. The Board of Examiners, where your marks are formally ratified, will be held in February for term abroad students and October for students who complete a year abroad. Shortly after this you’ll receive confirmation of your year abroad mark.

Finding accommodation for your return to Essex can be a stressful task. The accommodation team cannot guarantee due to the growing intake of new undergraduates and international students which affects room availability.

Priority waiting list

Although campus accommodation cannot be guaranteed, you will be invited to join the waiting list that opens in September and will be given priority. The priority waiting list policy is outlined on the accommodation pages.

SU Homes

SU Homes are offering you the opportunity to secure a room prior to you leaving Essex. There is a small deposit to pay but this is refundable in December if you decide that you no longer wish to continue with the booking.

Connect with other returning students

This can be a great option if other friends have already graduated. Reach out to us if you need any assistance in contacting other returning students.

You've done something amazing by going abroad, and now you have the chance to share your experience by becoming an Ambassador for Essex Abroad. It is a great way to give something back, help others, improve your own skills and give a boost to your CV.

As an Essex Abroad Ambassador, you would have the opportunity to:

• Offer support and advice to new incoming exchange students at Essex
• Support events for incoming and outgoing students
• Speak at Essex Abroad presentations about your time abroad
• Support our annual Study Abroad Fair
• Write a blog about your time abroad
• Post on our socials to encourage students to consider an international experience

You can join our ambassador programme at any time throughout the year, just email us to express your interest!

If you complete at least 25 hours of activities then you can claim the Essex Abroad Ambassador units from Big Essex Award - Chart my Path. 

You can also become an informal ambassador at any time by tagging us on social media using the tag @essexabroad

Just by studying abroad, you’ve developed skills which are very attractive to potential employers but it’s really important to know how to sell these experiences both on your CV and in future interviews. 

You’ve lived abroad, adapted to a new environment and culture, took risks, developed independence, confidence and a whole – what kind of employer wouldn’t be interested in an employee with those skills?

When you’re back at Essex, it’s a good idea to have a chat with the Employability and Careers Centre to discuss your future plans and what skills/experiences you can draw on from your time abroad when it comes to applying for jobs.

Make sure to update your CV to reflect your new skills – you can seek advice and guidance from the Employability and Careers Centre with this. 

In November, we’ll be holding a post-study abroad workshop where you can feedback to us about your time abroad and we’ll also work with the Employability and Careers team to help identify these and apply them to job applications and interviews. Keep an eye out for this event. 

Although it won’t affect everyone, be prepared for some reverse culture shock when you return home after your time abroad. Settling back into your old life may seem simple, but if can often be a big change from the excitement of your life abroad. The small things you struggled with initially may have become customary for you, and adapting back to life in the UK isn’t always easy. 

Take lessons from your time abroad to get through it. If you feel low, make sure you keep busy and share your feelings rather than dwelling on your emotions. There will be plenty of opportunities to return and to reconnect with all the friends you made in the future. Make the most of the things you have missed and focus on the positive. 

If you after all this you do still find yourself struggling to settle back in, seek advice from the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service, speak to your personal tutor, or reach out to the Essex Abroad team. We recommend joining a society to make new connections.  We can also put you in touch with other returning students and current incoming student who may be experiencing the same feelings as you.

Resources

Go Overseas - Reverse culture shock blog

Essex Abroad blog - Reverse culture shock - what is it and what to expect

You spent a year or term getting used to a new academic system and now you’re back at Essex you need to train your brain to get back into Essex mode - this can be difficult and take some time. 

Potential challenges you may face are:

• Feelings of loneliness, some of your course friends may have already graduated
• Lack of motivation 
• Workload stress
• Difficulty adapting back to Essex assessment methods

Steps you can take to overcome these challenges:

• Talk to your personal tutor
• Talk to your friends (Essex, friends from home and your friends from abroad – chances are they’re feeling the same!)
• Our Skills for Success team offers services and resources to help improve your writing and study skills.
• Talk to your department

A challenge many students can face when they return from studying abroad is the feeling of loneliness. Some of your friends may have since graduated and you may come back to Essex with a smaller circle of friends. Luckily, Essex is full of opportunities to make new friends. It might feel intimidating, but just remember you were in this very position when you first went abroad so you have the confidence and independence to do the same at Essex. Join a new society (The Travel Society is a great start!) and see what other opportunities the Students’ Union has to offer. 

You can connect with other returning students at our Welcome Home mixer during welcome week. 

We’ll also be holding another event in November to get feedback on your time abroad, celebrate your achievements and help you identify the skills and experiences you gained from your time abroad and how these can be transferred to everyday life, particularly in the context of employability.