University of Essex (E70)

We are Essex: home to the daring and the tenacious, a place for the ambitious and the bold. We’re a close-knit, supportive and welcoming community, with a powerful and pioneering global outlook.

Here you’re taught by world-leading academics in a supportive and research-intensive environment. We are ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2017) which means we deliver an excellent educational experience. Our trailblazing research also continues to change the world for the better and we are ranked 25th in the UK for research quality (TGUG 2018).

We’re loved by our students too, Essex is top 15 in England for overall student satisfaction (NSS 2017, mainstream universities). This is your chance to become a member of one of the happiest groups of students around.
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University of Essex

University of Essex Students' Union

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

What does this TEF rating actually mean?

What students say about this university

1098 comments (296 students)

- Everyday expenses
  
  SU shop on campus is reasonably priced and with Tescos nearby and Asdas willing to deliver keeping food costs low is relatively...
  
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  2012, 1st year, Finance
  
  Everyday expenses
  
  SU shop on campus is reasonably priced and with Tescos nearby and Asdas willing to deliver keeping food costs low is relatively easy. Bus passes are offered on discount by the Uni. Books can be very important.
  
  2012, 1st year, Finance
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- Everyday expenses
  
  Because everything is on campus my biggest cost in terms of transport is the bus back from tesco after my weekly shop which is...
  
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  2012, 1st year, History By Period
  
  Everyday expenses
  
  Because everything is on campus my biggest cost in terms of transport is the bus back from tesco after my weekly shop which is pretty much the only time I venture out into Colchester, but Tesco is very close by. There are a lot of very tempting venues for food and drink on the campus within which a spectrum of prices exist, from the more costly University run ones where I've taken my parents when they have come to visit through to Happy Days, an vastly popular American style diner which is cheap as chips. In general the Student Union run venues all offer a good value and quality and importantly all profits go straight back the students! My particular fav place on campus is the which has a great number of deals on and hot pastries and paninis! The Union are also one of the best employers in the area for students and they have a yearly recruitment around April. I know many people who also have jobs within the town. In terms of managing costs there are also bank branches on campus which are there to help!
  
  2012, 1st year, History By Period
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- Everyday expenses
  
  The campus has a wide range of places to have a snack. The books were at a fair price. Did not pay for the bus pass, since I...
  
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  2012, 1st year, Economics
  
  Everyday expenses
  
  The campus has a wide range of places to have a snack. The books were at a fair price. Did not pay for the bus pass, since I walked with friends most of the time :)
  
  2012, 1st year, Economics
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- Everyday expenses
  
  Not as easy, if want to have money left over will need to be on a very basic budget. Rent and living costs take out so much, so...
  
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  2012, 1st year, Theatre & Professional Practice
  
  Everyday expenses
  
  Not as easy, if want to have money left over will need to be on a very basic budget. Rent and living costs take out so much, so hardly any left over for leisure
  
  2012, 1st year, Theatre & Professional Practice
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- Everyday expenses
  
  There is a part-time employment scheme offered by the university. Very good for work experience and to get some money.
  
  2012, 2nd year, Politics
  
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- Everyday expenses
  
  the food in the canteen is cheap which is good because you get a big plate of hot food. and there is alot of shops and good...
  
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  2012, 1st year, Clothing/Fashion Design
  
  Everyday expenses
  
  the food in the canteen is cheap which is good because you get a big plate of hot food. and there is alot of shops and good opportunity in the center
  
  2012, 1st year, Clothing/Fashion Design
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How students describe this university

Source: Which? student survey

We asked more than 11,000 undergraduates to say how far they would describe their uni as having the following characteristics. We carry out this analysis where we have scores from at least 30 students. You can also see whether these ratings are high, medium or low compared to other universities.

Creative

69%

HIGH

Diverse local nightlife

52%

LOW

Sporty

70%

MED

Varied union activities

73%

HIGH

Political

67%

HIGH

Vital stats

Sources: NSS, DLHE & HESA

% of graduates in work or further study 96% MED

Average graduate salary £18.5k MED

Student score 80% MED

Overall student satisfaction

88%

of students are very or quite satisfied with this university

Number of students

13,795

students attended last year

Undergraduate / Postgraduate

78%

of students are undergrads

Full-time / Part-time

13%

of students are part-time

Male / Female

57%

of students are female

Young / Mature

16%

of students aged over 21

UK / Non-UK

32%

of students here are from outside the UK

University images

Colchester Campus
Colchester campus
Student accommodation
Student Accommodation
Studying in halls
Students in lecture theatre
Student and tutor interaction
Students in computer suite
American football team
Student life
The campus
The lakes
Students working
Student at work
The Forum
Football team
Campus buildings
Graduation

League table rankings

Here's where this university ranks in the three main league tables (where available), which are calculated using a combination of stats that they each weight in different ways. They’re a handy guide but don’t offer the full picture – just because a university is top (or bottom) of the league tables doesn’t mean it is (or isn’t) the right choice for you.

More on what university league tables really tell you.

Complete University Guide rank

Out of 129

Guardian University Guide rank

Out of 121

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide rankings

Out of 129