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Essex Living

Life at Essex

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Students hugging on campus

More than just a degree

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.


Your new home

Essex is the culturally vibrant county that's home to our three campuses, Colchester, Southend-on-Sea and Loughton. Beyond the eastern edge of London, Essex is home to a fascinating mixture of both modern and traditional towns and villages, and has one of the longest coastlines in Britain.

What's more, did you know The University of Essex is first in the East of England for overall positivity*? Or that we're 23rd in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025?

 *(English broad discipline higher education institutions, NSS 2024)

Why life at Essex
is special

With over 165 sports clubs and societies, you'll never get bored
Street markets, campus events, food and drink outlets and shops - we have it all
Guaranteed accommodation in your first year
86% of our graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024)
You're a member for life, not just while you're here
Students sitting in deckchairs on the Squares
Studying chatting outside the towers
With 7 miles of award-winning coastline on your doorstep and London just a stone's throw away, our Southend students have the best of both worlds
Graduate holding a young child
WE ARE ESSEX logo with a collection of student photos
Hear from the people who make Essex, Essex.

Want to know what Essex is really about? Hear straight from the people who call it home. Each story is unique, but they all show what it’s like to be part of Essex – how it shapes us, and how it could shape you.

Explore our stories

Essex and our 3 campuses

Colchester Castle and the dragon flower bedAs Britain's oldest recorded development, the city of Colchester is steeped in over two thousand years of history after being founded by the Ancient Romans, and it's also where our main university campus is located. But it's not just Colchester that has lots for you to explore.

Situated on one of the longest coastlines in England, Essex has a strong connection to the sea, and offers an array of delicious food. Not far from Colchester is Mersea Island, known for its world-famous Oysters, and freshly caught fish.

That's not all the coast has to offer. Southend-on-Sea has the longest pleasure pier in the world, where you can play crazy golf and taste the best traditional fish and chips. You can also jet off to Europe through the local Southend Airport.

Less than 30 minutes from Central London, our third campus in Loughton can be found just outside the hustle and bustle of the capital. For our East 15 students, this town serves up a buffet of bars and restaurants and lively entertainment. For a touch of tranquility, Epping Forest is right on your doorstep for horse riding, mountain biking or wildlife spotting in a picturesque setting.

Colchester campus
Explore our Colchester Campus
Southend campus
Explore our Southend Campus
Loughton campus
For East 15 Acting School students
Accommodation
We offer a variety of exciting and comfortable accommodation, from studios to single en suite rooms and retro Towers to Townhouses, to suit all budgets
Student Community
Our campuses are buzzing with activities and events and you'll find a supportive network of like minds where you can pursue your passions and have fun.
Support, skills and career help
We have a range of services geared up to guide you through your university journey - from the moment you arrive, to the day you throw your mortar board in the air, whether you're a mature student, a commuter or living away from home for the first time.

Supporting students with individual needs

Advice, or support to thrive and maintain your well-being whilst at University
Student on a piggy back with another student on grass infront of the library
Want to know more?

Chat to our friendly students and staff to find out more about our courses, student life, clubs & societies and much more! You can speak to an individual or join a community group chat.

Meet our current students and staff
Relax by the lakes at Colchester Campus

Relax by the lakes at Colchester Campus

Take a breath of fresh sea air in Southend

Take a breath of fresh sea air in Southend

Meet like-minded people or try out something new with our Students' Union's 165 sports clubs and societies

Meet like-minded people or try out something new with our Students' Union's 165 sports clubs and societies

When you join Essex, you’ll automatically gain over 11,000 new brothers and sisters – your Students' Union family

When you join Essex, you’ll automatically gain over 11,000 new brothers and sisters – your Students' Union family

Loughton Campus

Loughton Campus

two students walking through a field

Explore the Essex countryside

Also see
Colchester local area
Southend local area
Loughton local area
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