MA Literature

University of Essex

Best aspects is definitely warmth of the lecturers and student unions. Worst aspects, I had a placement in my course originally but had gotten 0 support from it even though this uni advertises itself to have help. I've wanted where people have gone doing the course that I am doing for their placements or where I can find/talk share experiences. Their answer was simply blank. When I asked them if people in my course could find placements they just stared blankly across my face. I had friends from film, psychology, physiologie, language- who also wanted to do placements. Got 0 support and gave up.

Beautiful natural valley landscape with plenty of wildlife but ironic mixture of dated and over-modernised architecture. Teaching centres, business centre, hex, sports facilities, and Ivor Crewe buildings are good, but buildings around the squares are labyrinthian and worn. Can be easy to get lost with not a lot of helpful mapping. Amazing access to food and drink (especially SU Bar and Pizza, and Greenhouse Cafe) but PitStop (Buffalo Joe's) could need improved food quality. Essentials shop on site is expensive but handy. Easy access to supermarkets and shopping (Tesco's and City centre) via cheap and quick buses. Access to Wivenhoe also nice for a change of scenery. Good accomodation and different price ranges. Good opportunities for students to work at university whilst studying. Good facilities for work-study-life balance, especially for Freshers, international, and local students. Thursday markets are brilliant and so are the on-site clubs. Wide variety of courses available to fit almost all niches, careers, and research. Nice to have a shop dedicated to souvenirs, memorabilia, and study equipment.

Best= everything you need is on campus Worst= How disruptive students are handled in accommodation. If you report they offer to move you, and if multiple people report they're also receiving offers to move. Nothing gets done about the problematic student, who should be moved/kicked out instead of the other 1-12 compliant student residents.

The best experience are the social events they do, it’s fun going with friends to milk it or Latin nights at the su bar. The worst experience I had was coming back to my room in the south towers and finding that the power outlets, desk light and fan stopped working. It has happened like three times now.

The university has an AMAZING students union. They make sure very students’ needs are met, and there’s never a lack of fun events to attend. The campus is beautiful and very accessible, making it easy to commute between classes.