Fresher’s week fun and games are over, you've finally recovered from the dreaded ‘fresher’s flu’ and lectures have started; so what is there to do when you need an escape from the books? Make the most of your time at university by getting involved in different activities on Campus, explore Essex and get out and about in other parts of the UK too!
On-campus
· Students’ Union: Essex has one of the best students’ unions in the country, so take advantage of the many societies, sports clubs and venues on campus. There are great nights out every day of the week and soon there will also be special activities and cultural events aimed at international students, so if you ever start to feel a bit homesick, there will always be something going on to cheer you up. Keep updated with the SU website, and don’t forget to become a follower on Facebook and Twitter.
· Jobs: If you're after a job whilst you study, there are plenty available on campus. The students’ union employs over 350 students with many different jobs in retail, catering, bar work and entertainment. Keep an eye out for vacancies here: http://www.essexstudent.com/services/jobs/studentjobs/
The University of Essex also runs a paid placement scheme called Frontrunners, where students can do more challenging jobs around campus in different departments and offices, giving you a taste of the real working world as well as boosting your CV. Frontrunners recruit throughout the year so make sure you get your application in on time by checking when the scheme opens: http://www.essex.ac.uk/frontrunners/
· Colchester Campus: Escape from the hustle and bustle of the squares and admire the natural beauty that surrounds the campus by having a wander round the lake and taking a stroll up to the charming Wivenhoe House. Look out for the cute rabbits and ducks along the way!
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It can be easy to miss, but we do actually have a theatre on campus! Societies and clubs use it throughout the year to showcase their talents, so when you want to do something a little more civilised (and without worrying that you're in for a boring evening) take a look at what's on here: http://www.lakesidetheatre.org.uk/
· Southend Campus: If you’re based at the Southend Campus, you’ll be living in ‘London’s playground’, so no doubt you’ll have a great time here. Unlike the Colchester campus, the Southend campus is based in the centre of town which means you can easily walk to the High Street, and can also enjoy 7 miles of coastline! If you like water sports then Southend is the perfect place to go to, so long as you can bear the icy Atlantic waters. And just because you’re at University now, it doesn’t make you too old to spend a day at Southend’s theme park Adventure Island!
If you live at the Southend Campus, you’re no more than an hour away from London, and if you’d like to visit Colchester and see our main campus too, it’s about 1 hour 40 minutes by train.
Southend Tourism: http://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/
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· East 15 Acting School, Loughton: If you go to the East 15 Acting School, you can take the tube into London in just 30 minutes, so you’ll probably make quite a few trips into the Capital. The campus is also based right next to Epping Forest, where you can go cycling, horse riding or participate in events that are held there regularly. Epping Forest is London’s largest open space, which is perfect for when you want some peace and quiet and feel like escaping the city. There are lots of interesting areas that surround Loughton so have a look on the Essex tourism website for other areas nearby you might like to visit.
Discover Essex: http://www.visitessex.com/discover/
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Don’t forget, even if you’re not based at our main Colchester campus, the university still offers the same support and fun activities at our Loughton and Southend campuses too, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on anything!
Colchester and Essex
· Colchester is renowned for having a zoo and being Britain's oldest recorded town, so when you feel the need to go back into normal civilisation (a civilisation that actually consists of families of all sorts, not just students) go and visit Colchester Castle in the lovely Castle Park or even feed an elephant at the zoo (an interesting experience!). There are plenty of shops scattered along the cobbled streets in which you can spend all your hard-earned money in. Whilst you wander around town, you can admire the English architecture of some of the old buildings too. There are also many special events that take place during the year that are worth going to, for example, Castle Park puts on a firework display in November to celebrate Bonfire Night. Go on the Colchester Tourist website to find out about other local attractions and special events.
· Essex is a great county to live in, as not only are you near to London, but you're also surrounded by beautiful countryside and the coast is only a short train ride away. Okay, so the English weather might make it impossible to spend a day sunbathing on the beach, but it's still worth visiting the coastal towns such as Southend-on-Sea or Mersea Island for some proper Fish and Chips or some fresh seafood, or just for the experience of spending a day at the seaside. The more rural areas boast lovely villages as well as huge stately homes, so you can see what life is like outside of the London bubble. It's definitely worth checking out what is right on your doorstep whilst you're here.
Visit Essex: http://www.visitessex.com/
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Have a look at our other post too if you want some ideas on what to do in London and where to visit in the UK!
Amy
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