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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
The campus has so many different shops, study areas and activities everyday. The professors are encouraging and supportive all the time. The SU is also amazing! They organise so so so many events and I especially need to shout out to the Volunteering Team.
25-34 years
I have had the privilege of attending University of Essex, an institution that excels in various aspects, making it a remarkable place to pursue higher education. One of the university's standout features is its unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, and the faculty members demonstrate a dedication to fostering a stimulating learning environment. The diversity within the student body is another aspect that adds immense value to the university experience. Interacting with peers from various cultural backgrounds not only broadens perspectives but also enriches the overall academic discourse. This multicultural environment contributes significantly to creating global citizens. The university's faculty deserves commendation for their accessibility and expertise. Professors are not only knowledgeable in their respective fields but are also approachable, fostering an environment where students feel encouraged to seek guidance and engage in meaningful academic discussions. This supportive faculty-student dynamic positively impacts the overall educational journey. The vibrant campus life is yet another strength. Engaging in extracurricular activities and participating in various clubs has not only enriched my social life but also helped me develop valuable skills beyond the classroom. This holistic approach to education is a testament to the university's commitment to shaping well-rounded individuals. Despite these positive aspects, there are areas where the university could see improvement. Administrative challenges, such as bureaucratic processes and cumbersome paperwork, have at times hindered a seamless experience for students. Streamlining administrative procedures would significantly enhance efficiency and alleviate unnecessary stress. Communication gaps between different university departments and with students are noticeable. Improved communication strategies can foster a more transparent and connected community. Timely and clear information flow would go a long way in ensuring a smoother university experience for everyone involved. Additionally, addressing resource constraints is crucial. Adequate access to materials, facilities, and opportunities is essential for a comprehensive education. By investing in these resources, the university can ensure that students have the tools they need to thrive academically and personally. Furthermore, while the university excels in academics, there is room for improvement in career support services. Enhancements in career counseling, internships, and job placement services would better prepare students for the transition from academia to the workforce.
I think the university is very diverse and is excellent in creating safe environments for creating and exploring. It also very open to changes but faces a lot of challenges along the way
18-24 years



I love the way of how the Library is made and all the facilities that it has got for instance the funny lifs that is very attractive, however not all the time they are working. The fact that the library is open 24/7 makes it great for people like me that is always studying or working, if I didn't have time to go suring the day, I know for sure that the library is still open. It has got security all around wich makes it feel so confortable. But please if you can change the temperature would be wonderful I am always so freezing that I end up with illness. I spoke too much about the library but I guess is because is my favourite place for the views and everything in general. The staff on caffes for exaple the one that is behind the library I love them, they are so kind and the environment is so confy. Also the staff in Starbucks they are also very friendly and the place where is located it looks so environmental friendly. The little shops in square 4 most of them I oove them, but in peticular the one that makes pizzas 10/10. The one that makes burritos as well they are delicious. The post office it's alright I always go there to send my staff and the lady with glasses that she is there normally everyday is is kind. The location of where the University is located I'm not going to lie, I hate it. The reason of this is because lectures tend to finish in my case at 5:00 pm and guess what time the town closes. 5 or 6!!! If I have a conference and I have to buy my business attire outfit well...... you better have a backup plan. Teacher in general they are 8/10 but don't think that's they will solve you problems or that they I give you much advice. Because I'm doing event management I have to do shifts in the Hotel. I don't think is that horrible as I've hear student saying. I was working in conference and event and I love it, the manager that I'm not sure if I can say her name she is great. However there are some hospitality staff that is better stay away not just as student but also as a guest.
Great facilities to help studying such as personal pods in the 24 hr library. Located slightly far from town so busses are a must for going outside of campus, but there’s a night club beneath the uni and Tesco’s a short walk away
The school is big, a lot of facilities suitable for each type of class.
18-24 years
First gen student
ugly buildings
The support the lectures give you is incredible, location is close to the sea so a great getaway place. Very quiet area good for studying. However student union needs more events and more societies on campus
Studying at East 15 enables you to really focus on what it takes to be an actor as the facilities have an older look, which allows you to appreciate having an opportunity to develop as both a person and an actor. It could be slightly improved if there was more of a connection between the different courses.
Honestly when I started I was rather apprehensive about the course, the location and the accommodation but I’ve learnt to love some parts of all of it! The classrooms are literally a 30 second walk from accommodation which is dreamy, but the building is also just off the high street in a prime location - Another bonus is being able to see the sea from the 5th floor, sometimes I feel very lucky because of this! The teachers are wonderful, but to be honest I don’t know enough about the SU to comment on what they do well or not, however they do send weekly emails and advertise some services which if I was in need I could use! In addition I have recently been assigned a support worker of sorts in case of any issues, which I didn’t request but is always appreciated and makes me feel looked after while being away from home.
The campus has lots of facilities to help study but also enjoy socialising.
Struggle to meet people in the first year due to travelling from home Second year much better due to living at university
University of Essex makes me feel welcome and I feel a sense of belonging whenever I’m there. There are plenty of spaces to study independently as well as in groups. The food is amazing and offers a variety of different cuisines for whatever you feel in the mood for. The lecture rooms and accommodating which helps a lot! I feel updated with what’s happening at university and every week and I’m more well informed about events etc. The lecturers and staff are helpful, meaning I can excel in my studies as I know I can discuss any questions or concerns I may have. Overall university of Essex is amazing, and I would highly recommend studying there to any new students!! :)
There are some archaic practices which I would have hoped Essex would have moved on from, I don't think exams are the right way to test a student's ability. I'm impressed with the push for developing critical thinking skills. Whether this is unique or intensional, I don't know, but critical thinking is one of the most important transferable skills. I argue its the soft skills that a University teaches that are most valuable.
Friendly environment and lots of resources and outlets. Would like to have potentially bigger studios and a studio with mirrors. Teachers and staff are incredible and accommodating.
I love it here. I’m a mature student and have felt so welcome with worries of missing out and not fitting in. The studies are hard, but I was expecting that.
University of Essex is wonderful, with varying and accessible nightlife, a beautiful campus that although has some areas of concrete jungle vibe it offsets it with little splashes of greenery and love which is unique and calming, the views here also lovely with the lakes. My only criticism comes from the student unions operations however it stems from covids effect on their budget and is not a direct complaint against the university itself.
18-24 years
First gen student
location
Best aspect: Lots of diversity, many different cultures, club on campus, big library, lots of sports an society events Could be improves: Better food at the food outlets, separate trash for student accommodations


18-24 years
At the universe you receive as much help as you need, and if you would like extra support, you’re always more than welcome to go and see your lecturer within the office hours. It’s all a day is very important thing to have at uni as you are more dependent on self studying and it’s always nice to know that your lecturer is there to support you through the degree.
As our university is campus-based, it is more likely to have most of the spaces where you can go and revise for exams or continue doing the assignments or even catch up on lectures that you wanted to rewatch. The thing that I really like is the listen again feature as it is always helpful to recap the lecture after you have attended it and they will write notes whilst you are reviewing it again.