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The overall ranking is decided by students from this institution rating them in a 2026 Whatuni review. This forms the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs for short).
2171 Student reviews
Best was the type of lectures held and how it was interactive with people being brought in to support our learning. The worst is the lack of society events that I could be a part of as a commuting student
The University of Essex is a great place to study as someone who struggles with her anxiety, as it is campus based and there is everything you need within a short walking distance, it feels like a secure place to study. They could improve by changing the Spar to a Tesco as the spar is pretty pricey lol
Since this city is a student city all it has is the university and I think they’re not utilising it anymore, not promoting more student activities that isn’t clubbing. I think this university has a lot of potential in regards to offering a more broad and vibrant student life and social scene which I think it hasn’t tapped into yet. I think it should benefit from promoting more events and exhibitions. Apart from that, what makes this a good place to study is that offers a range of opportunities and modules in each area. Its a strong university with very good facilities and excellent faculty.
The university has great places to study, the library, study areas, and electronic signs outside classrooms telling you when it’s available for studying in. However, not every desk in the libary has a plug to charge my laptop. Also, classrooms and lecture rooms lack plugs on the tables so if my laptop dies it becomes difficult to make notes. The university itself is in a great location, beautiful scenery and plenty of shops and services nearby. There are also plenty of bus stops around campus making it easier to get around and get into Colchester town centre. Student support is great. Professors and other staff respond to emails quickly, and the wellbeing team are great at putting in access arrangements for exams and assignments. The campus has some lovely green spaces, lakes and wildlife but the buildings don’t look as beautiful. Student life is great. There are plenty of places and events to hang out with friends and meet new people, like the su bar. The student union is great and often organises events, which helps people meet. The student union also provide information about important issues like the recent strikes, and debate other issues with students.
i receive a lot of support from lecturers and there is a lot of resources available for me to use
There’s lots to do on campus and the facilities provide great services all the time!
It is a really supportive uni that I have got to experience on exchange
The professors on my course are great and passionate about going the extra mile to connect us with contacts and opportunities. Some of the uni facilities and the general look of the uni could be modernised.
campus is nicely condensed
Great location, facilities and course selections
I really like that fact there are a lot of areas to study in the uni, however sometimes for commuters it can be a bit of a pain getting parked, also the parking prices are quite a LOT.
It’s easy to get too, many buses come and go from the uni. Tesco is close
My time at the University of Essex has been truly formative and rewarding. The best part of my experience is the supportive academic environment and inclusive international community. The university encourages critical thinking and independent learning; tutors are approachable and willing to help during office hours. The campus is safe, quiet, and well-equipped with libraries and study spaces, making it an ideal place to focus on study and research. I also value the diverse culture here, which broadened my horizons and helped me grow both academically and personally. The most challenging aspect is the limited social and entertainment options compared to larger cities, which can feel quiet at times. Additionally, some administrative processes can be slow, and more consistent internship and industry connections would further enhance employability. Overall, Essex is excellent for focused study and personal growth. It provides a strong academic foundation and a welcoming atmosphere. With more industry links and streamlined admin services, it could become an even better place for students to thrive.
Essex University is really good for someone who likes to stay in peaceful environment and is a big fan of nature . It has a quite huge campus making it easier for students to shop around and to hang out with friends. The teaching faculty and staff is really nice and helpful.
facilities are often made difficult to book, student support may lack in response and informing students on alternatives for their problems
Best is probably facilities and location however I think student support on learning and preparation for tests is not great.
The people around the campus are really nice and everyone helps each other around so the atmosphere is good. However the SU are not the best
Best aspects include SU jobs on offer on campus which fits around my university timetable and allows me to earn money while studying. The lecturers create engaging content and use different methods of teaching/learning to help with consolidation and revision. I am impressed with the online resources we have access to as part of the course (online textbooks, archive, etc) which helps with engaging with content. Improvements could include student-centred pricing of food and drinks on campus (though I realise this may not be feasible) as often it is more expensive on campus compared to off campus, which is not ideal for students.
18-24 years
First gen student
The diversity with the international students and also the student union, there is always stuff going in the daytime and night-time activities. The campus feels quite united there's always a familiar face or a chance to get to know more people. The worst parts would be the support with assignments, most of my classes I feel supported and if needing any help the lecturer will do everything they can to help. But there have been two that are not helpful at all so maybe more module feedback so the university can see this through reflection feedback. Also, the weekends on campus I understand people go home but most of us stay and there is nothing on the campus is like a ghosttown because theres not one single thing to do.


the Uni is a great place to study because of all the places you can do it such as the Silberrad, the Library, the outside tables etc etc. Moreover we are all very close with each other with my friends so that make the uni life way easier. however I live with 15 roommates and the facilities and common rooms are disgusting even a few hours after the cleaning lady came.
In French law everything is read. however in Common law it feels like going to classes isn't necessary as teachers are just reading their powerpoint without explaining anything.
I like the fact that rooms are amazing with a beautiful view. however the cleanliness is awful.