Your first few weeks and beyond

Welcome events 

There will be a range of department induction events to get you settled into your new academic home, plus a variety of activities to help you find new interests, meet and connect with other students. Our Students' Union also has a variety of events planned too. 

Sport and activities

Keep an eye on our sports pages for plenty of opportunities to keep fit and get involved in recreation and green exercise programmes around campus. Whether you fancy getting involved in team sports, joining a club or fitness class, or even hitting the gym to smash your own PBs, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

During Welcome Week there are also a range of fun taster sessions to try from fitness classes and active campus sessions to Girls Night In event. See what Essex Sport have planned.

Things you might need to know about

The University is a big place. And, for many students this might be the first time you've ever been away from your family. Getting started therefore can be quite a daunting prospect. No less because there's so much to learn and understand even before you get started with your studies.

Our Student Directory, is your one-stop shop hub of information about the University, your studies and the support you might need. It's full to the brim with a wealth of information to help you with your day-to-day needs whilst at University. The only problem not knowing where to start? The following list is a collection of just a few helpful webpages you might need in your first few weeks when finding your feet.

Lifelong friendships

Essex students develop a sense of belonging and form lifelong friendships. When it comes to 'the student experience' Essex students consistently rate us highly, we have one of the highest numbers of clubs and societies per student in the UK, and our campuses are friendly places. 

Our community is diverse, and there many opportunities for students to meet others in similar or different circumstances and to access relevant support. Our student groups are just one of the ways students can connect with others who have shared university experiences such as mature students, students with children and commuters.

Safety, support and security

Our community’s health and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. 

Our student webpages contain helpful information that we encourage all students to read before starting at Essex. This includes guidance and advice on personal safety, health and wellbeing, money matters and much more.