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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 reviewsWhile Essex presents itself as a supportive and student-centred university, this image does not reflect the reality of daily student life. Although resources may technically exist, the academic and pastoral support feels performative rather than genuine. There is little sense of being truly listened to or cared for beyond surface-level messaging. Living conditions further contribute to a negative experience. In student accommodation, basic issues such as room doors locking unexpectedly raise serious concerns about safety and maintenance. The laundry facilities are unhygienic and poorly maintained, which reflects a lack of consideration for students’ everyday needs. Student life outside of studying is extremely limited. There are no healthy or high-protein food options on campus, making it difficult to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Café options are scarce, and there is a complete lack of outdoor seating or comfortable social spaces. After 7–8pm, there is virtually nowhere to sit and socialise apart from a single bar and one nightclub, which does not cater to all students. The absence of a large common room is particularly disappointing. A dedicated social space with comfortable seating, pool tables, or casual recreational activities would greatly improve campus life, yet this feels entirely overlooked. Even basic recreational facilities such as a padel court — increasingly common at other universities — are missing, adding to the sense that student wellbeing and enjoyment are not prioritised. Societies, especially creative ones such as dance, often feel inaccessible to beginners due to their professional-level focus, discouraging students who want to explore hobbies casually. This issue is amplified for students in the International College, which is isolated in one of the most disconnected parts of campus. Being placed in a small, segregated environment with limited cultural diversity makes socialising particularly difficult. Finally, the campus itself feels bleak and uninspiring. The buildings lack colour, character, and warmth, creating an atmosphere that feels lifeless rather than motivating. With little to do both on and off campus, the university experience can feel isolating and demoralising. Substantial improvements are needed in accommodation standards, social spaces, inclusivity, and genuine student support.
18-24 years
I am enjoying study at Essex university. A lot of new connections and interesting staff! I found a lot of new friends and courses. I started playing tennis and do a lot of activities! Nice area around for having walks.
18-24 years
Essex University is very inclusive. The lecturers are very relatable and helpful. The Students especially the ones in the year ahead are quite helpful in directing we first years on how to approach our studies. I love the location, a lot of greenery. My favorite place is the Business School. It's a greenhouse from paradise. So beautiful, so fresh, so calming. An epitome of beauty.
18-24 years
Everybody has been so welcoming and supportive which is especially important to me as I suffer with anxiety so moving out for the first time and starting to uni was a massive thing for me but having lecturers and other individuals around who were patient with me was amazing
It has lots of study spaces as well as lots of support ready and available almost all of the time
Best - lecturers are really good and the campus has a nice feel to it Worst - sometimes my timetable is structured badly as I commute sometimes it takes me longer to get here than an hour lecture they’ll put on
I really like the modern feel of the University of Essex campus, especially the accommodation. There’s a wide range of options, including studios, which many universities don’t offer. Getting a campus job is also made easy — I applied for a show flat role and was offered an accommodation representative position as well as a UniBuddy role. I enjoy the variety of study spaces available, from individual study pods and desks to group areas, including quieter spaces with minimal sunlight and others with great views. Academic support is another strong point; in my databases module, students requested practice quizzes and mock exams, and the lecturer uploaded them the very next day. He also sends regular email reminders about deadlines, which is extremely helpful. One area for improvement would be campus navigation, as it can sometimes be difficult to find certain rooms.
The best thing about uni so far is the facilities and student led experiences. The worst aspect so far is how lonely it can get and how hard i have found it to make friends
Seriously makes me feel so welcome with the people around me. there’s always an event going on at the su bar so there’s always something to be doing with your friends. The views are brilliant and the sunsets are incredible here.
The campus and students' union creating amazing experiences. We need more big events
The campus is lovely and you get a proper "university experience". The lectures are passionate and care about the students. Great student accommodation available through out the duration of your course
Best: - nice natural scenery - nice library Worst: - poor mental healthcare - poor accessibility - financially strained - limited academic feedback
The library is open 24/7 which is nice. To improve the experience the university should have more 24/7 facilities. For instance, it would be great if the university gym was open 24/7
It’s a great place to study because of the excellent student-teacher relationships, they don’t make it all about education, they also add experiences to it. What could be improved is public university events that can bring everyone together eg. Bonfire x fireworks night/celebration
More support in terms of job placements and opportunities especially for international students. More support for international students with finances. Not many scholarships for international students from india for undergraduate studies.
I have so much support from staff and SU when I’ve needed it. It’s a big campus, lots of societies it’s hard to find a place where you’re not welcome. One downside is being a student that commutes, parking is expensive, and it’s always hard to park on campus as it’s usually quite filled up. Foods quite expensive as well
best: friendly students and staff, many societies to choose from worst: campus look is brutalist and dufficult to find classrooms sometimes
The facilities are very good at the university. However, the lecture arrangements (timetabling) could have been better.
The best aspect of the uni is the community, the lecturers offer so much support, the departments are eager to help, SWIS are easily accessible and have helped me greatly. The student union are incredible, always having events and things that everyone can go to in an inclusive way. The worst would be the redundancies as it has affected my learning and with even more cuts happening, I dread to think what life at Essex will be like.
4.3
Accommodations can feel cramped and there’s a general lack of lighting outdoors. Most activities occur at lecture times.
Deadlines can be a bit off-putting and lectures aren’t very hands-on
Everything is great but given its proximity to the club, noise is an issue.