University of Essex - Wivenhoe Campus (University of Essex in general)

Member Name: princessjaney

Product:	University of Essex in general
Date:	31/08/08 (71 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Close knit, plenty to do

Disadvantages: Old fashioned, can be grey

This review will focus mainly on the Colchester campus.

The main campus of the University of Essex is situated in Wivenhoe Park, close to Colchester. There are two further campuses, in Loughton and Southend-on-Sea. There is a further campus in Ipswich, Suffolk, which is a joint venture with the University of East Anglia.

I have been a student at the Colchester campus in Essex for a year. As far as I am concerned, it is a perfectly good university, although I don't have much scope to compare (this is the only university I have attended). The main complaint that I have about the campus itself is that it is fairly old fashioned, and the concrete structures may put people off. But if one can look beyond that, and embrace the university as a modern, cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse seat of learning, I believe that everyone can enjoy their time here.

The accommodation at the University caters for all, there are the high rise towers that pack approximately 14 or so students into a flat, providing an instant circle of friends and great social life. For those who prefer things a little bit more quiet, there are the South Courts, where students can expect to share a flat with approximately 6 or so others, making use of the same kitchen but enjoying an en-suite bathroom. There are also the Houses, usually taken up by post-grad students, and the Quays, the newest accommodation that is situated off the main campus near the river.

There is also the wonderful library to take into account. The Albert Sloman Library has over 850,000 books, pamphlets and microforms and is open for 84 hours a week during term time. It is the perfect place to study, with lots of quiet study areas, and plenty of areas for group study as well.

The services on campus are perfectly adequate as well, everything is self contained within the four main squares, including a convenience store, Waterstones bookshop, two high street banks and a post office. There is also a nightclub (SubZero, formerly known as The Underground), various bars and plenty of eating establishments.

In conclusion, the Colchester campus is ideal for anyone that is worried about going to university and being lost for things to do, or worried about making friends.

Summary: Great university