PhD Applied Linguistics

University of Essex

The campus is very big and there’s everything you need whether you want to do sports, study, relax, eat or have fun! Classes are modern and well equipped. However, certain accommodations should be renovated or they should be less expensive than they are.

All things here are nice, except for the recent news about the university branch closure and the redundancy of some staff members, which has understandably caused some concern about our future.

Pretty good, I think there’s always more to be improved on and the funding goes to things students don’t see or benefit on.

Studying at the University of Essex has truly transformed my life, offering me opportunities I never could have imagined. The academic programs have allowed me to delve deeply into my passions for Linguistics, Literature, and Drama, combining rigorous theoretical foundations with practical, real-world experiences. The quality of teaching is exceptional; the professors are not only experts in their fields but genuinely care about student input, fostering an interactive and engaging learning environment. The university's intercultural atmosphere is another key feature that enriches my experience. It has broadened my perspective, enabling me to connect with people from all over the world and embrace diversity in a truly authentic way. This openness has expanded my worldview and allowed me to build meaningful friendships with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Beyond academics, the University of Essex provides a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, such as volunteering and trips organized by the student society, which have allowed me to grow both personally and socially. The support I receive from the department staff and the administrative team is always outstanding, creating an environment where every student feels valued and prioritized. I will forever be grateful to this university, not only for enhancing my academic knowledge but for teaching me how to live life with greater awareness and openness. It has shaped me into a more well-rounded individual, ready to embrace the future with confidence.

I have really valued the teaching and feedback I have received so far, as well as the selection of modules available. The student's union and other student support are very robust, helpful, and cover many important issues. There are quite a lot of student societies available, and the SU volunteering opportunities are also great. The community is also very diverse and welcoming. Essex has a high number of international students, which I believe is a strength, and as an international student myself, I have found the whole journey with Essex very smooth. I like the location. Colchester is a smaller city but has plenty in the centre. However, the campus is about a 20 minute bus ride away, so it's quite a bit less busy in this area, which I prefer. Being an hour direct train ride from London can also be useful. The campus architecture is a bit drab and grey, but there's a big park nearby which has fountains and ponds and usually several types of birds too, so it's a great place to take a walk and relax. One of my only concerns is the proposed cuts, involving the potential closure of the Southend campus and as many as 400 staff, including academics. Obviously the entire sector has been struggling with drastic funding cuts and neglect from the governments over the years, but I am nevertheless concerned by how suddenly and recklessly these extremely impactful decisions were made by upper management. It feels as though these lifechanging decisions were made and announced with no room for prior discussion with those affected, so it concerns me for the future of the university under this type of leadership.