University Guide
University of Essex
The University of Essex is a campus-based university in south-east England. The first students arrived at the University in 1964, and Essex has a global campus community with students from 140+ nationalities.
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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the University of Essex.
Rankings
Essex is ranked 12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and 29th out of 130 UK universities in the Complete University Guide 2026.
Employability
Essex offers careers support including one-to-one careers advice, support finding placements and internships, workshops on employability skills, careers fairs, support for budding entrepreneurs with Essex Startups, support in looking for and securing a job, Essex Career Mentoring Programme, Chart My Path and The Big Essex Award.
Fees
For 2026/27, the tuition fee for new Home, UK and Channel Islands undergraduate students is £9,790 per year. International fees vary by course which can be found here.
Bursaries
The University offers financial packages, bursaries for care leavers, students with refugee status and students from lower-income households, and also has a scholarship finder. As well as this, there is country-specific funding available.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Essex is offered on the Colchester Campus. Current accommodation options include The Meadows Flats, The Meadows Townhouses, The Pastures, University Quays, Athlete Village, South Courts, North Towers, South Towers, The Copse, Wolfson Court and shared accommodation. Essex offers guaranteed accommodation for the duration of your course, subject to eligibility and application deadlines. For 2026/27, Colchester accommodation prices range from £82.88 to £290.78 per week. Weekly rent includes bills, including Wi-Fi, heating, hot water, contents insurance, electricity and the cleaning of communal areas. Students living on campus also receive an Essex Sport gym membership.
Need a place to stay in Colchester?
We have lots of available student accommodation in Colchester.
Students' Union
Essex Students’ Union offers a wide range of student activities, events, advice, social spaces, food and drink outlets, sports clubs and societies. At Essex, students can choose from over 165 sports clubs and societies, covering everything from academic and cultural groups to sport, hobbies and social interests. At Colchester Campus, students can also visit SU Bar, the largest bar on campus, as well as Top Bar, The Kitchen and Cine10, the on-campus cinema run by the Students’ Union.
Famous for
The University of Essex has a global alumni community, with graduates making contributions across arts and media, business and economics, government and politics, innovation, law and human rights, science, environment, technology and sport. Essex alumni continue to make an impact around the world, reflecting the University’s international outlook and commitment to challenging convention.
News
For the latest University of Essex news, research stories, student updates and campus developments, visit the University’s official news pages.
Accommodation for Students says
"The university is campus based and creates a social and welcoming environment for students. It is not far from Colchester which is a great option to live off campus"
Still looking for accommodation?
We have lots of great student properties available near the University of Essex.
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