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.

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
88% of our graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022)
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

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. Chelmsford is the first and only city in Essex, showcasing a bustling city centre packed full of shops and restaurants, it's also the birthplace of radio. A little further north of the county you'll find the village Tiptree, so famous for producing jam, The Queen marked their 125th celebration with a visit by Her Majesty.

Situated on one of the longest coastlines in England, Essex has a strong connection to the sea. And with this comes a fantastic array of delicious food. On the outskirts of Colchester, lies Mersea, an idyllic Island known for its world-famous Oysters and finest shellfish. It's a seafood fan's dream. That's not all the coast has to offer. Southend-on-Sea has the longest pleasure pier in the world, where you can ride on the pier train, play crazy golf and taste the best traditional fish and chips you'll probably ever eat. 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. And by being part of the London Underground, Loughton makes it easy for you to travel in and out of London on the Central Line, giving you 24 hour access straight into London on the weekends. For a touch of tranquility, Epping Forest is right on your doorstep so you can go Horse riding, Mountain biking or enjoy spotting all the different wildlife in a picturesque setting. 

Depending on where you are stood in the county, you could easily find yourself surrounded by a backdrop of captivating countryside, lively suburban landscapes, or coastal scenery.

There's one thing for sure, Essex is like no other.

Student on a piggy back with another student on grass infront of the library
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