Student Reviews
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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
It’s honestly so quite and calm best environment to study and Tesco is near by like 20 min walk max and I wish they had shuttle to go around uni on bad weather days and shuttle to town. Everything else from safety to teaching and night life is perfect
Beautiful campus, caring staff and security, good venues for meeting people and acquiring basic goods
good campus
Best aspects : Good community, Great support if needed, Facilities are good, Weekly activities held on campus, Centralised campus, Nearby London Worst aspects : -
Best: Small, friendly campus- everything is easily accessible through a short walk across campus to find specific facilities. Worst: Feel like the uni could do more in terms of social events, such as more at the bar/club.
i love everything about the uni. i enjoy spending time with my new friends and it makes me feel like a part of a family. The uni is my second home. the only suggestion I would give is to provide more part time job opportunities I can sign up for at any time of the year :) these surveys are also really useful to win money
I love the atmosphere of the uni and I’ve made some great friends in my accommodation and on my course. The course is very interesting too! I also like that the SU holds free events a lot of the time. I don’t have any way that it could be improved to be honest :)
Student led and you get so many opportunities utilise your skills within the ŞU. Opportunities to have your own projects
Department people are helpful and welcoming
I’m an international student, and no one is gonna help me In case I’d need to.
Great academic help and good social life. location is a bit isolating but can work out.
I love this uni so much because of how beautiful the campus is, simply having The Lakes on campus is so amazing. I really like the views especially during stressful times, it helps me feel grounded. I also love our study facilities, alot of them are 24hours.
18-24 years
Great atmosphere on campus and the student union is very lively. Some of the study facilities could be updated (eg library is too cold to study in during winter).
35-44 years
First gen student
Being a mature student university life is very different from the norm. We look for sustainability and somewhere that can understand that life has to continue so Essex offer support around finances , sustainability, funding , life concerns. Etc. support is available at every step if needed but not pushed if not Family lifestyle is high in the university’s spirit and building bonds that will last a lifetime is the aim. Timetables can be a little frustrating when you have to work and have big gaps but when you look at the bigger picture you understand it’s not easy to please everyone. Essex is dynamic and welcomes everyone of every age or background.
My university stands out as an exceptional place to study due to its dynamic academic environment, inclusive community, and commitment to personal growth. The campus fosters intellectual curiosity through well-equipped libraries, modern learning spaces, and access to cutting-edge research tools. Lecturers are not only knowledgeable but also approachable, encouraging students to explore ideas beyond the classroom. Beyond academics, the university cultivates a strong sense of belonging. Student-led societies, cultural events, and volunteering opportunities create a vibrant social atmosphere where diverse voices are celebrated. This inclusive spirit helps students build lasting friendships and develop leadership skills. Moreover, the university actively supports career development. From internship placements to workshops on CV writing and interview skills, students are empowered to transition confidently into the professional world. My own experience—participating in media campaigns and organizing events—has sharpened my communication and project management abilities. Ultimately, my university is more than just a place of study; it’s a launchpad for future success, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
Excellent SU and academic staff! Have had so much support over the past three years and their peer mentoring system is so beneficial to making each student feel welcome and confident within their studies
Campus is old designed bad and ugly
Best parts of my uni experience are SubZero and the SU Bar. I’m a huge party girl sometimes so I love having access to these places where I can have fun with friends. The SU bar also just has a nice sense of community and I love it. I also love the Siberrad building. I love studying in there, There is this very cute and very comfortable part on the top floor where people can study but because not a lot of people know it, it’s empty sometimes which I love. I pretty much love the campus. I’ve been having a great experience so I can think what the worst aspects of my uni experience are and to be honest, I’m not sure if I’ve had any bad experiences.
Best - everything is on campus it’s very convenient Worst - accommodation (has a very bad smell)


Best: the international community of students, the amount of events made for students, the support from the University
Some lecturers just read off their slides which doesn’t seem so efficient
Their closeness to campus! I was so close to everything so that was very practical