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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).
4.04.22.82171 Student reviews
Sort:Latest reviewsThere are ample study spaces on campus and, overall, the accommodation is quite good. However the SU events are very repetitive, bland and aimed at extroverted students. It would be nice to see a better range of events, including new and original ones, for a wider range of students.
18-24 years
The government department is really good, the lectures have great experience and classes are interesting.
The best is location, courses, and great student clubs and societies. The worst is paying for laundry, the accommodation bed is uncomfortable, and the Quays building being so far from campus.
I think this year it has taken a turn for the worst, from quality of food, prices, fewer staff. The SU organises some events but I don't think they feel the pulse of students. I really like the environment though, there is a lot of green.
Great social events however can be pricey. Lots of facilities however to access them it costs money. For example to play squash you need to buy own equipment and also buy a booking. The shop prices are extremely high. The aesthetic of the university is really nice. Lots of greenery
It’s very social and there’s lots of activities. There’s lots of studying facilities and lots of food places. But it can be improved adding more trees and club nights
The sense of independence and personal growth. Studying here has helped me become more confident and organised. The campus is friendly, and it’s easy to meet people from different backgrounds. Workload can feel intense during assessment periods, and some modules could include more practical, real-world examples to make learning more applied.
There are lots of places around the university for study areas. The Thursday market is amazing. The food can be a bit pricy at some of the shops though.
There is a lot of new opportunities Accomodation is a bit expensive
Love the Uni.
SU runs a lot of events, makes it easier to get to know people. Could do with more events outside of the usual Monday, Wednesday, Friday/Saturday timeslots for those of us whose schedules busy us the next mornings.
-the support I have received had been great and i know where to go if i need support. - I commute to the university and it has not been too bad traffic wise - as I am not staying on campus i do not feel i have experienced the 'student lifestyle' enough to comment on that or the union - however i don know what the union do and see that they offer a lot on campus in terms of support and activities. - the campus is clean and welcoming and there is always somewhere to sit and study or socialise
18-24 years
Great to have all necessary facilities around. Though, not very convenient laundry rooms (often the washing machines break and do not work properly, queues)
18-24 years
- local to me so its an easy commute - open book exams - supportive reasonable adjustments for those like myself - could have more water stations - heating needs improving
It is great! would love more meal plan options.
The only issue i find is the lack of support of off campus students who still have a separate life for example work etc outside of the uni campus. I do feel quite isolated sometimes and felt I haven't been able to make many friends or connections
Everyone is friendly with each other. It is cultural and social
Nothing around the university except Tesco, but instead of it, there are many good places to eat, many events to join, and chances to be in the community.
Why is it great.... The campus feels welcoming and homely with plenty of green spaces around the lake, modern facilities like 24/7 study areas and a diverse community that creates a supportive vibe. Lecturers are approachable and helpful, offering strong support alongside studies. Areas for improvement Timetabling - for example commuting quite far to stay in campus, having 2 days on and 2 days off with friday on etc.. time-management Accomodation costs don't always match the quality compared to off - campus options and the campus food is priced quite highly - more affordable eats or commuter perks would help. reliable wi-fi without outages...
4.3
The only facility I wish Essex had was a pool. I otherwise love the facilities we have e.g the gym with it's value for money membership scheme, the bars and food outlets, and all the many places you can study or just chill in. The campus is beautiful and in such a good place for walks and trails. I really felt and feel like the Union cares about me, and they have put into action very student-centered policies e.g free shuttle bus from club, perks for Student Union student staff. I like that they always keep us informed with what events are on and are mostly transparent about big changes.
I love my course because I can tell how passionate all my lectures are about their subjects. I personally learn better when assisted (i.e in-person lectures) and it can be hard when I sometimes have 5/6 hours contact time a week. The staff are super friendly and always respond when you need help, and I feel like students are really celebrated within the department with competitions, the UG conference and socials
I love the rooms I think they're a good size and well laid out, the bed is huge and theres still space for small bookcase/beanbags etc. if you want other stuff in your room. The kitchens are massive and well equipped, and I love how close my accomm is to Tescos. I do think it's really expensive regardless and have only been able to afford it due to the kindness and help I receive from my parents. Its a halls I would want to people to live in as its much more new, clean, equipped than others but for the price it's difficult for people to stay there