University of Essex Reviews

The best university I have encountered. So involved with students' needs and always available for anything. Advanced and beautiful campus. Definitely recommend this university.

Great university with a huge support system

The University of Essex is an institution that unfortunately agrees with xenophobic fees for international students. I had to pay 1/3 more than any other European student to have the same education, just because I'm overseas. If that's not xenophobia, then what is it? They always charged interests for delayed instalments (more than 10% a month), even when they knew I was hardly struggling to pay the tuition fees and that the extra money would make the whole difference for me. It's sad and I think that everyone should know what is the experience of an overseas student in this institution. I actually don't know how I'm managing to finish my 3rd year. But for sure, it's not because I received support, cause I had none.

Best university experience! Helped me with every little problem I had

I’m in my second year of computer science and I’ve never regretted anything in my life more than going to this university. Cultures just hang out with each other. If you don’t like ur nationality then tough luck. Nightlife is poor. It can be either fully packed and so crowded u can’t dance or so dead and boring that the only people that go there are people who get drunk or weirdos. In my first year, most of my teachers either got fired or quit. You couldn’t understand anything they said when giving lectures. The department handled teachers quoting poorly and don’t let u know anything. All my exam marks and assignments throughout the year were marked late and poorly, therefore always needing a remark which takes even longer. The grading is unbalanced; they make a very very difficult assignment worth only 10% whilst a multiple choice progress test can be worth 30%. The town and university is dangerous; constantly hearing police cars go past my accommodation.

WiFi could be better but overall great

very skin colour biased univeristy lots of privileges if your face fits SW dept is very biased

A great university with all the facilities I need including study areas, library and also space I can hang out in my free time.

Currently I’m studying in the uni, not the best uni out there. The staff is great, at least for my department EBS. The teacher teaching quality is a range from okay to good. Price wise it’s quite worth it, if I compare to another uni with my major in uk. Most would go >19.500, but essex is lower. Unfortunately, if you are interested in marketing, they don’t hv CIM marketing certification. Colchester for me is okay, everything is there, and if ur bored u can always go to London by train. What I don’t like about uni is the range of accommodation they provided, not so great for post grad. And accommodation price in Colchester is quite expensive. The bus i think the worst of them all, it never on schedule, and doesn’t work 24 hours and some buses even doesn’t work at night. Another option is taxi, which can be difficult on friday and Saturday night. And it would be really expensive. Library is quite good, but small.

The WiFi could use some improvement. Other than that the Maltings is a nice place to stay

Students Union seem to make a lof of effort, in the library toilets are always out of order and the WiFi is always cutting out

Awful, certain students are marked down no matter how hard they try. I was a victim of racial abuse in first year. Teaching is variable it ranges from very good to awful. Economics and politics departments are a shambles. International students who “No hablo ingles” get first class marks on everything, but the home grown native speaking students got to worse marks??!?. Don’t go here it’s weird, it’s tacky, full of man dem and other types of plebs, sub par education and a very dead night life.

Good uni place it's pretty decent met lots of people.......

Limited resources throughout the Southend campus

Regarding nightlife: Freshers week is totally packed as you'd expect. Squares are bustling, SU bar is full, queue for the club is 1hour+ and lasts until last entry. About 2 months later, the club will never hit max capacity. And during the last term, they actually put a wall up across half the nightclub to try and hide how dead it is. But the last week of term is basically freshers week part 2. Alternative music style events are always dead *cough* indie night *cough* which is a shame. You get occasional big nights like derby day (crossover with UEA), and when live performers come. FED is usually a good night too but it's Wednesday night. The bouncers are power hungry. Will stop you for random searches, not let random people in, shout at you, etc Nightlife in town is a bit crap, Atik is full of weirdos and it's so far away. NO UBER. Buses are awful. Make sure you book a cab before 4pm, and it's £10. There's a taxi rank in town so getting back won't be a problem (also £10).

WiFi is sometimes problematic but is mostly fine. It's actually a really nice campus with lots of food options.

Quality of education depends on faculty.As a someone who graduated from the economics faculty, l would say that the worst experience l have ever had in my life.Teachers are disaster.It is difficult to talk to them.Some lecturers do not know how to speak English.So you do not understand anything in the lecture.The solution is going to the library and studying on your own without support.It is definitely marketing guys.Also in economics faculty, a lecturer has been removed from teaching because, he treated some students, he did not provide qualified education etc.l have spent a year there.What l recommend is do not spend your money in economics faculty.Waste of time, waste of money.By paying lots of money, you have to encounter weird people.Everything is great until you do your payment guys.Watch out with them

Quality of education depends on faculty.As a someone who graduated from the economics faculty, l would say that the worst experience l have ever had in my life.Teachers are disaster.It is difficult to talk to them.Some lecturers do not know how to speak English.So you do not understand anything in the lecture.The solution is going to the library and studying on your own without support.It is definitely marketing guys.Also in economics faculty, a lecturer has been removed from teaching because, he treated some students, he did not provide qualified education etc.l have spent a year there.What l recommend is do not spend your money in economics faculty.Waste of time, waste of money.By paying lots of money, you have to encounter weird people.Everything is great until you do your payment guys.Watch out with them

It is an incredibly poor educational environment. They do a lot of marketing to try and attract as many students as they can, but they cannot accomplish what they promise. Once the student is enrolled there, they are left completely on their own. The learning activities and the quality of the academic body are both subpar.

If you love your mental health and well-being, then do not go here. In this post-brexit UK, students from overseas (especially those from Africa and Asia) should be wary, since they are being used as cash cows for the University’s coffers. There aren’t enough words to complain about this lacklustre university. You will probably see other reviews on here giving them 5 stars, but I would be wary of them. It is only marketing.

I’ve honestly had the best of my life at uni. I’ve been with the best people learning what I love

The campus is a little city with everything you need without all the noise pollution of a big city. The student services are amazing and truly helpful. The wi-fi works most of the time, but in some points it just disappears esoecilly within some accomodations. The student union is very active and olenty of eventa are organised. However, the tend to always put reputation (smoke) first and real student satisfaction.

Student Union only cares for money. The rest of the university is pretty good though

everything about this university is a disgrace, the tutors and the lecturers do not care about their students, they do not help with problems or situations, the whole university is a joke, i was a victim of harrasment and the university literally did nothing, but if i was a girl they would have taken action, they stand for diversity and fairness but they do not implement it at all. when it came to publishing exams results they were days late without any communication with its students, its a shambles of a uni. if you can avoid going here then AVOID IT!

No facilities at all, activities are offered, used to have free football which was very popular. Then they started charging so no one goes anymore. Same goes for all the over activities. Student union is great as they make the most out of the bare minimul they have to work with

This uni is ok , really depends on your luck and ability to make friends. Some night are good but tend to be repetitive not much to do outside the uni. So if find your self in a group of friends that can turn everyday into something fun congrats because if not good luck.

Essex is disappointing. First, the accommodation is poor. When I moved into my room, there was a blood stain on the mattress as well as stains on the walls and carpet. The internet isn't very good either. Just the other day the lights in my room went out completely for no reason. Washing clothes is very expensive for poor machines (I spent 15 quid on 2 loads of laundry that didn't even dry!) I came here because Essex was said to have a very good international relations programme. But this is not the case. At Essex, teachers assign a TON of reading and tell you to write an essay. The teaching is very hands off. There is also a lack of academic support. So if you are struggling with a subject like statistics for example, you're in trouble unless you can catch your professor during office hours (typically once a week for 2 hours, so if you have class at that time, its hard to get them to make an appointment). There isn't room to voice all my issues here but I am hoping to withdraw soon.

Not Russel Group, but better than at least three of the Russel Group universities that my best friends attend at least

If you do need help the university will help you out. The club on campus is a major bonus and the place where you will meet a lot of new friends. Security is friendly and the Acts that do come are amazing!

The University of Essex is a great institution. I am glad that I made the choice of coming to do my postgraduate studies here. The diversity is amazing, but most importantly the focus on the course content itself forces one to really engage and learn. As an MSc Financial Engineering and Risk Management student at the Essex Business School, I can say with confidence that I received enough support from the department. There are even those classes where the Professors just had so much fire which really encouraged me, and hopefully my classmates as well, to be the best they could ever be. I had a great time here and I highly recommend the Essex Business School and the University of Essex as a whole. There are also some great societies like the Public Speaking and many others. The social life is awesome as well, it just depends on where your loyalties lie.

I do not recommend anyone to join this campus, it's the worst place to study masters if you decide to go to Southend-on-sea you will lose one year of your life

The University of Essex is a great institution. When I started here I had no idea just how much I would love this place. Main advantages: - Good teaching and studying facilities. The library and Silberrad Centre provide loads of space for students to study. - The Student's Union is fantastic. lots of SU organised events and activities throughout the year, many of which are free or very cheap. SU jobs are great for students who want to work part time. - Sport at Essex is easily accessible and its completely free to join any club. The sports facilities are great. The majority of sports clubs welcome members of all abilities. - Inclusive and Tolerant. Very multi cultural University, there's a real global community at Essex. - Brilliant academic support for students such as help with employability and studies. Disadvantages - Colchester is not a town that caters well to students. - The medical centre needs improvement (particularly their reception staff) - Campus can be confusing.

Amazing uni. Essex is the bomb !

Top university. The campus is big and spacious with lots of services

Everything you need in one place, wish there was a pool however the uni does weekly trips to the local pool.

Very poor communication, very poor student support

An amazing school with amazing people who are always there for you.

Always something to do, SU bar is great, campus shops are really handy for everyday essentials.

Everything is great! Internet is a little temperamental, but better in central campus than in rooms.

If you can go somewhere better, do it

Great campus with many facilities and opportunities

Love the SU, really nice people in there and there is always something to do at the weekend. I haven't been to the careers service but i assume its very good however, the wifi could be faster but i assume thats because so many people use it

Wfif: Eduroam is awful, but this is a problem all across the country. Studentcom in the accomodation works most of the time, but is likely slower than home internet, although they should be able to supply an ethernet cable free of charge. One of the best SUs in the country with societies, events, catering etc however they do need more communication with the university itself, the two are very separate organistions.

The campus was designed by a Brutalist architect. It's not as bad as it sounds: it's a lot worse. A concrete desert in the middle of Essex with the hideous, towering eye-sore for student accommodation, it is definitely the ugliest campus ever.

Resolutely Awful The accommodations undergraduates receive are horrid, grey eye-sores. The food served, if improved immensely, would be awful.

Like suggested, the only way is essex

Best uni ever. Really enfayed lecturers, great facilities, friendly vibe. Loved it!!!

There's a famous expression for Essex... I can't remember what it is...

There is a good amount of choice between places you can eat and do things. Essex offers free sport, meaning that you can do as many as you like and meet more people. They offer a huge amount of societies which anyone can set up. The wifi can be crap, but that's just because it's eduroam. The big E project is a great way to get a better idea of careers and is easy to do.

I've only been to the Evolve gym for the most part. The Evolve Gym is amazing, people re-rack their weight, it's spacious and the staff are friendly.

I am an ex-mental health nursing student of this university and was treated appallingly by The School of Health and Human Sciences. I have a mental health condition and was unfairly kicked off of my course with only 8 months remaining of my degree because at this point I owed a mere 40 placement hours! Considering, I still had two placements remaining and had shown that I was more than willing to make up time previously, this should not have been grounds for dismissal as I had been performing well on placement and academically. I was also wrongly advised not to use all of my two weeks holiday for making up placement hours so used just one week instead. I was then brought in front of a committee who claimed that I wouldn't be able to make up the 40 hours. The university were aware of my condition as I had to intermit a year due to illness. I have since set up a petition on www.change.org to protest the decision. Do not go here if you suffer from a mental health condition.

most selfish university, does not promote getting experience or jobs.horrible overpriced accommodation. useless staff. horrible lecturers who wrongly mark your assignments "by accident" . internet never worked. campus shop overpriced,

Love the uni, but the campus is quite far away from everything.

Coming here was the best decision iv ever made

I love it here, and everyone I know is very happy with the university. Diversity is beautiful and acceptance of diversity is a miracle. Eye opening experience, fun moments, you learn something new everyday.

University doesn't believe free speech is a thing we should have.

A great international university which is keen on helping its students push further their limits, and extremely encouraging and supportive in identifying ourselves in a unique, prosperous environment.

Student Union is very engaging and revolutionary, though wifi speed could be better

Decent campus and faculties. However Computer science teaching standards are very, very poor. The Student Union are also very big money grabbers who don't really care for the students.

The university of Essex has a full range of very active societies, and a student union which is always improving student life.

The Students Union and the International Students Association are in real our family, the biggest one. No one is left out of the family. There are too many societies that it is impossible that someone cannot find one that fits him.

Good wifi over campus. SU is ok. Too many societies to count!

At Essex you fit right in and there's is literally something for everyone

Very good university, great lecturers, shame they have a fast food joint that serves horrendous food. Also, the SU thinks too highly of itself.

best campus experience, great students union

Such a friendly University, doing it's best to be involved in students lives, giving them jobs, advice and the opportunity to have a voice.

Best student union in the world. Focused on giving a good education whilst having a happy work life balance. Free fruit and water when your studying and night ninjas when your partying!

Lovely mix of people from all over the world, which makes this uni unique! Alot of opptions and great staff.

The university's really good for nights out however the library and study spaces are limited particularly during exam periods.

The campus has plenty of shops so if you don't fancy that long walk to tesco you can get the basics in the campus shop. There's restaurants, a bar, a gym and great sports facilities.

the best place in the world, you will have the best years of your life here.

I picked Essex as my firm choice, not only because of the amazing program they offer with a year abroad opportunity, but also because of the energy on campus and amazing people I get to meet!

My very 1st year was made the best. The SU tries to help us international students in every possible way. Love you essex!

Campus is good but a bit confusing, also everything on campus is very overpriced

Going to the University of Essex was the best decision I ever made. It has everything I need to make my uni experience perfect, the nights out in Sub Z are hilarious, the lectures are always fun and exiting and I've met the most brilliant people. It is so diverse and fun, there's always something to do or someone to meet. It's so friendly as well, especially the sports centre and the clubs! Thank you Essex!

I have loved every moment at Essex so far in the two years I've been going here. Subbyz is the place to go especialy for fednesday which is one of the best nights out so get your fancy dress out!! Everything you need is on campus so you really don't need to leave but if you do Colchester is a lovely town to venture into. If you love army lads liquid is for you. Do go on some bar crawls and don't miss dirty pengiun, silk road, missoulas and the three wise monkeys. Where hoysing is concerned if you are a bit of a clean freak I wouldn't advise towers, houses or south courts may be more suited for you. But if you want cheap accomodation and want to live a party lifestyle do pick towers!! I did and I loved every second in them, theres always a party going on in these party towers!!

Accommodation was done really badly. Ruined my whole time here.

I absolutely love it here! the people are open minded and passionate. The lecturers and teachers are incredible! And I have the opportunities to do so many things. Would reccomend to everyone!

I love the university. There's always so much to do and the people are so friendly

Essex student union does everything it can for the enjoyment of their students. Offering various club nights to fit the needs of different music genres.

Such an amazing uni! Always have so much fun with the union. And lectures and my department are great too!

I don't know anyone who's unhappy with their lecturers, there are a few ones who are not great but that's it. Societies are incredibly varied and we get new ones every term. WiFi is available across campus and for people living in accommodation. A gym is also on site. The selection of places to eat is somewhat limited but quality has improved. On campus club, The Students' Union is at times problematic, both dealing with them as representatives of clubs and societies, and as a student. It does happen often that people are unreasonably kicked out of student forums, and issues with their transpaeency are also customary. Overall a great university though.

Really student oriented, looks to help students not only for their time at university but beyond into their careers and future.

Teaching staff is helpful. Beautiful campus.

I loved my time at Essex. Friendly, beautiful campus with lakes/parkland, loads going on, and good academics that try and make the teaching relevant and applicable.

Good uni, not as bad as people think it is.

The University itself is a nice enough place to be with everything you need for your academic related studies or free time in close proximity. Essex does however need a bit of a quick up the backside if it wants to get anywhere fast though, as it fails to really push the boundaries on any particular front. Some of the students it lets in are an embarrassment to the establishment with it being high time it starts thinking about increasing the difficulty of entry and departments are sporadic in terms of their organisation - this however, not being the fault of the individual departments, but more the workings of those in higher echelons having the wrong ideas for the marionette strings. In terms of the SU, it is one of the worst. It's unnecessarily expensive for students, its "Student centred" stance is more a running joke than a mandate for operation, there is corruption aplenty within the elected officers and some of the full time staff are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Best years of my life, amazing people, so diverse, make friends from all over the world.

Great community, really friendly people and always someone there for you if you need it. Societies are a really good way of meeting people and everyone seems really nice.

Had the best first year at Essex, loved my course, everyone is friendly, food pretty decent plenty of places to eat, i.e. SU, Fusion, Frangos. Joining a sports club was my best decision during freshers

Great experience here! I've been supported every step of my degree and it'll really had paid dividends.

So different from what I expected!I am having the best time here and such a great mix of people. ps if you are applying to attend Essex, living in towers for your first year is a must!

People in Essex are very nice and professors are knowledgeable.

Best university in the uk for all the facilities for students

Essex university is a great place to study and there is no need to leave the campus as there is everything on site that you need

Have been here 5 years, done a BSC and am now doing a PhD, it is an awesome place to be if you want to get involved with societies and clubs. if you do not want to be in a city and want to be in a campus where everyone around is students or staff then Essex is for you. If you just want somewhere to get drunk and get a poor degree please go somewhere else :)

Univeristy of Essex is an all round great university. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, as are the students. Great opportunities to improve yourself and make the most of your university experience.

This is a great university with great people, glad I came to this university

Wonderful student union which really does care for students. Diverse population from all over the globe. Friendly atmosphere and crazy nights.

I have just finished my first year at Essex University and it was truely the best year of my life. The campus has such a lovely vibe due to its feel of a homey village with everything you could need! (Including bars and clubs!) The SU are very student centered and work to ensure every single student is happy and that the Uni has everything that the students need and want. The lecturers are lovely and extremely helpful. I lived in the towers and it was the best decision I ever made- made friends for life and had the most fun and exciting year!

There's quite a bit to do on and off campus. Facilities are modern and good too. Wifi is easily attainable all over campus, even by the lakes so absolutely no problems.

Essex is a fantastic institution providing every student with every facility necessary in order to aid their studies and to entertain themselves. Essex is a friendly campus and fights for/encourages the rights of every single student in many forms such as race, gender or disabilities.

Pioneering, change-making and forward-thinking. The University of Essex is at the forefront of research and support of the underdog. There is an extensive selection of sports clubs and societies, and the Students Union provides many supportive services to all students, while providing exceptional and fun events. There is a real community feeling, with a global outlook. The University of Essex isn't a place, its a people. I am Essex.

The best decision I could have made, joining the University of Essex has not only given me some of the best education I've ever experienced, but the social aspect and 'family' feeling you get from it is second to none. With a fantastic range of activities, sports and clubs and a very hands on Students Union, its a really fantastic University to go to, one which has given me so many amazing memories!

Yeah, pretty cool. Couldn't complain.

Great modern facilities, large campus with shops, friendly people and a diverse society.

great place to be, you will meet amazing new people and lecturers that will change your view !

Very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Originally Essex was my last choice, but after visiting my other offers universities, it was that Essex made the most sense, not just for personal reasons but because they offer so much more. There are scholarships, research placements and prizes etc. available for high academic achievement and they have funded Phd and MA programmes. There are tons of resources available and the staff are enthusiastic and helpful. The 'employability' department do a great deal to help students better their career opportunities, and even though some (ignorant) employers may not count Essex as a particularly good university, with the right work experience and a bit of the other stuff the uni offers, they should be impressed. If you're willing to put the work in, you will definitely be rewarded at Essex. If you just want to have fun, well they're pretty good at that stuff too.

Brilliant time, would do it all over again if I could.

I have been at Essex for two years and it has seemed to improve rapidly, based on our suggestions. For example, Sub Zero (our nightclub) and a host of new buildings have better signal and wifi, meaning that you are always connected to the Internet. On another note, the Students Union give out heirlooms to current Essex students, which keeps our community close and family-like. If you fear making new friends, there are tonnes of new sports clubs and societies that are ratified and accepted by students each year, therefore you will always have people to share common interests with. They genuinely listen to suggestions! Essex is a small campus, but that has its benefits - you are never too far from your lecture or seminar room. You will learn to memorise rooms (the room codes and their locations). Plus, Essex seems to have a limitless budget and are constantly improving their facilities and technology, such as replacing most posters/banners on the squares with large LCD screens...

Brilliantly balanced university with great societies and sporting facilities. Essex has a close community feel and the experience has been unforgettable. My study abroad experience has made my time at essex and I'd recommend any student to consider essex as their university.

The best decision I've made was to go to Essex.

My favourite place in the world. Amazingly social lay out.

If you don't get too involved with the politics of everything, it's actually pretty good...

Having finished my second year, i'm already sad at the prospect of leaving Essex university next year. Unlike a lot of other universities I have visited, Essex has a great community feel with something always going on. Despite the fact that Colchester town is not that great for going out, campus has a pretty good club which will satisfy your clubbing needs! In terms of education, there are so many fantastic lecturers who encourage and help you. As someone who received okay grades at university i'm on track for a first and really enjoy my course in literature. Overall, i have personally had a great few years at Essex.

Uni academic life is ok, as an average between departments, social life is outstanding, there are always at least 5 things to do. Wi-fi can sometimes be worse than dial-up. Career opportunities is meh because employers tend to overlook Essex.

Great first year, can't wait to start second.

Perfect experience, so accepting of every student. SU are amazing and the sports and societies are fantastic.

had an amazing two and a bit years here, the atmosphere is unbelievably friendly and chilled. Especially good for humanities based subjects

Studentcom (the accommodation internet provider) is terrible, cutting out at least 2 or 3 times a day but once you get past that the speed is ok. The campus is gorgeous along with their being a wide range of facilites like a ton of different places to eat, the SU bar and Top Bar (quite a fancy bar) and also our very own club on campus (Sub-Zero). The Student Union do listen to us and our opinions using social media (Facebook) very well to get our opinions, changing what we don't like. 4/5 I'd say

Essex is amazing!

University of Essex has one of the most welcoming environments that instantly feels like home. Choosing Essex is not a choice I could regret and I just wish I could come back and do my first year over and over again!

Cons?
People think you will come home with a fake tan and an essex accent. (blame towie)