The campus and buildings are overall great, and even the facilities that improve student life (I.e., SU store, cafes, places to eat, club), and teaching equipment. I would improve on the quality of the services and staff hired (i.e., more options for food, quality foods, more drink options, etc) and increase the budget for student activities (aside from volunteering).

I did my UG at Essex, too, so I know a bit about the teaching structure and lecturers. They are all overall great, with small exceptions, especially this year for one of my Master's module. However, pretty much all lecturers know what they are doing, with great structured seminars and lectures, engagement options for students, great readings that support the topics, etc. I would improve on assessment options that modules have and add more diverse options aside from just long essays on one subject that represents 100% of a final grade.

The Meadows is great for 1st years (as I was back then) during my UG. It is quite spacious and the location is geat and close to Tescos. However, the value for money is not great and the prices are not justified by what you're getting, especially when it comes to the bathroom situation.

The university truly challenges you to think outside the box & there's lots of support in order to develop your skills which would be beneficial to our future careers. Also Essex is a place where it'll be impossible to be bored if you get involved and there's something available for everyone & lots happening which would mean your always busy.