I've been at the University of Essex since undergraduate and now Masters. Over the 5 years I have been here I have seen the university change a lot. Great parts: The academic rigor of the university is great. Teaching for my courses has been high quality and I have learnt a lot. The campus is nice and has a lot of pretty spaces to study as well as for walks in nature. Everything is conveniently located on campus and is only a short walk from each other. The university's vibrant social scene has provided a platform for great friendships The wealth of extracurricular activities, from clubs to sports and volunteering, has added depth to my university experience. These activities have broadened my world view The university's commitment to providing extensive resources, including a lot of academic journals, state-of-the-art labs and research materials has been invaluable. Worst parts: Due to disputes between the University and the Academic Union, academics often go on strike which has a significant impact on the teaching and the experience at University The departments as well as the university aren't great at communicating changes or reasons behind decisions. The lack of clarity can make it difficult to navigate the academic landscape smoothly Complex administrative processes and bureaucratic red tape has been frustrating I have felt that there has been insufficient career guidance and support services which has made it challenging for to begin transitioning from academia to the workforce. The high-pressure environment of university life can contribute to mental health issues. Limited access to mental health resources or stigma surrounding seeking help can exacerbate these problems

The best aspects of my master's course include engaging with expert faculty who bring extensive knowledge and experience to the program, a cutting-edge curriculum that incorporates the latest research, valuable research opportunities allowing practical application of theoretical knowledge, an interdisciplinary approach broadening my perspective, a supportive academic environment with access to resources and advisors and the opportunity to undertake comprehensive capstone projects or theses

What I like most about halls is the the sense of community. The residents are friendly and supportive, making it easy to form connections. Additionally, the location is somewhat convenient, with decently easy access to campus facilities and nearby amenities. On the other hand, what I like least about the university's halls is the lack of recycling facilities. One area that could be improved is the accessibility and awareness of recycling options. Currently, there are very limited recycling bins, and not all residents may be aware of the location of these bins. This oversight sometimes results in recyclable materials being disposed of improperly in regular waste bins. While it's not a major issue, addressing this concern could enhance the overall living experience for residents by promoting sustainability and creating a more environmentally-friendly community within the university halls. Overall, my experience in halls has been positive