Transportation in Colchester

Wondering about transportation around Colchester and around England? Before you arrive, it's good to know how you'll be getting around!

·         There are many bus companies in Essex, but if you live in and around the uni, you will probably use First buses. The main routes that travel to the uni are 61, 62, and 74. All of these go to the town centre and the 61 and 62 also go to the train station (North Station). First will be on campus for the first few weeks selling discounted bus passes, last year they were about £140 for the year, if I remember correctly. I am sure they’ll go up slightly this year, but they are most certainly worth it! A round trip from campus to town runs over £3, so bus fares without a pass get expensive quickly.... just don’t lose your pass (I did...)

The First schedules are available here: http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/

·         There are two buses that travel to and from Colchester and Stansted Airport. The local bus 133 travels right to campus, but it takes about two hours and the seats aren’t so comfortable http://www.airportbybus.com/    

The National Express 250 is much more comfortable AND only takes an hour, but it leaves from the bus station in the town centre http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx

If you don’t mind getting yourself to the bus station in town (£5 – 7 taxi from campus, or a direct bus...) then the National Express is DEFINITELY worth it.... comfy leather seats, enough said.

·        The National Express 250 also goes to and from Heathrow airport and takes about 2 ½ hours, check the website above for schedules! For the National Express it can be really really cheap if you book in advance!

·         The main train station in Colchester is North Station. Hythe Station is closer to campus (about a 15 minute walk) but it is a local line and trains don’t stop there as frequently. Also, there is no ticket booth there... so usually it is better to head into North Station. Again, there are direct busses, or you can easily jump in a cab. It is always better to plan your train travel in advance - you can sometimes get much cheaper tickets if you book them online and in advance. Something it took me a while to understand about train tickets... the classification of tickets. From what I can tell, there are three to know:

o   Advance - you reserve a specific seat on a specific train. They can be much cheaper, but aren’t valid unless you are on the right train!

o   Off-Peak – you can travel on any train, as long as it is designated ‘off-peak.’ If you travel in the middle of the day, in the evenings or on weekends, these should all be off-peak trains.

o   Anytime – likely to be the most expensive option of the three, as the tickets work on any train on your day of travel.

·         Taxis – sometimes, if you are lucky, you will find a cab that you can hail down, and they do sit around at Colchester North Station and on High St in the town centre – but there are not usually any waiting at the bus station.... SO you really need to know some taxi numbers so you can call one when needed. Here are a few:

o   Hawaii Five-0: 01206-543-210 (the cheapest in my experience, but don’t always answer the phone...)

o   Panther: 01206-525-525

o   Five Sevens: 01206-577-777

Hope that gets you started... Safe travels to Colchester!!!

Preparing for Essex

The countdown is on! Only a month until a new year begins.... There were so many things on my mind this time last year, and I was checking all over the Essex website to see if I'd gotten everything right. I've collected some of the main sources of information below:  

·         Most importantly, the fresher’s page. Pretty much everything you need to know is linked from here! http://www.essex.ac.uk/freshers/Overview.aspx

·         There is also a page specifically for international students that links to many important topics like information on visa applications (also check out the previous post on this blog), police registration, health care, registering at uni, travelling to Essex from the airport etc: http://www.essex.ac.uk/ish/

·         If you have specific questions, or you can’t find the answers to your questions, there is a live chat run by the International office where you can leave a question and they will get back to you with the answer: http://us5.chatzy.com/44653413941966

Or, you can post on /message the appropriate university facebook page, of which there are many!

o   University of Essex: https://www.facebook.com/essexuniIO?ref=hl

o   Essex Freshers: https://www.facebook.com/essexuniIO?ref=hl#!/UoEFreshers

o   International Office: https://www.facebook.com/essexuniIO?ref=hl

o   Student Support: https://www.facebook.com/essexuniIO?ref=hl#!/UoEStudentSupport

o   Students’ Union: https://www.facebook.com/essexuniIO?ref=hl#!/essexunistudentsunion

There is also a separate page for each department and each uni residence – if you haven’t already, be sure to like both of yours!

Also, there are some country pages/ alumni pages from certain countries, so it’s worth a search to see if there is anything for your country – you could get in touch with fellow students who are coming or alumni who have been to Essex!

And there are facebook pages for many of the SU societies and sports clubs – are you interested in joining one? Take a look at the list of societies currently running: http://www.essexstudent.com/activities/societies/ http://www.essexstudent.com/activities/sport_clubs/

·         Are you travelling from overseas and wondering whether to pack your bedding, or how you'll get all you need for your kitchen?

o   There is a Tesco supermarket really close to the university. Because there are so many students around, it is fully stocked with bedding, kitchen ware and pretty much anything you could need to set up your new room. Take a look at the website to get an idea of prices and what they've got: http://www.tesco.com/storeLocator/default.asp?bID=2310

o   Something important to think about though -Tesco closes at 4:00pm on Sundays. So if you arrive later on Sunday, you won't be able to get bedding for the night! Every other day they are open all night (except on Saturdays when they close at midnight) Another option is to order everything in advance and have it waiting for you in your room when you arrive! Check out this great service: http://www.click2campus.com/

Hope these sites help you out as you get ready for the year ahead!

TIER 4 VISA APPLICATIONS

Hello All!

The International Office contacted us asking if we would post some information on visa applications as they get loads of questions about that this time of year. I can certainly remember the headaches I went through trying to get my visa info sorted....

First and foremost, you will need a CAS Statement which is issued by the university. Btw, CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. In order to get your CAS issued there are three things that you will need to do:

• If you hold a conditional offer you will need to upload evidence that you have met your conditions on the myLearning tab of your myEssex. So, if you have an IELTS 6.5 condition, you should upload your IELTS certificate, or if you have an academic condition, upload your transcript to prove that you have met it. Once these are uploaded and have been verified, your offer will become unconditional :)
• Once you have an unconditional offer you need to accept that offer in the myLearning tab of your myEssex.
• Then, if you are a postgrad student, you must pay a tuition fee deposit - which is 1/3 of your yearly tuition fee. You can do this on the myAdmin tab of your myEssex portal.

Your CAS will appear as a link on your myLearning tab and you will receive an email telling you that it is ready to download. So, now you are ready to apply for your VISA!


The University website has in depth info on the process of applying here. It is alot to take in, but you really need to look through it as there are many points that may affect you depending on your situation (for example, if you are from India, Iran, Pakistan, Cameroon, Ghana or the Philippines you need to make sure your maintenance fees are in an account at a finanacial institution accepted by the UKBA) : http://www.essex.ac.uk/immigration/apply_for_a_visa/default.aspx

I'll just give you a quick overview:

• The documents you need to submit must all be ORIGINALS, they are generally
• 2 recent passport size photographs, see details here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/evidence/photographs-and-passport/
• Original passport
• CAS plus the following documents that you used to get your CAS
• original degree certificate or official final transcript
• IELTS of TOEFL certificate (if you needed one)
• NOTE: If you are considered low-risk, you only have to send your CAS, for info see: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/evidence/

• Financial evidence (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/evidence/money/
• Evidence of any fees already paid to Essex. This is on your CAS.
• Evidence of money available to you (could be bank accounts, sponsorship letters, loan agreements - see the link above for info)
• NOTE: You don't need these documents if you are considered low-risk.... see above!

In order to apply you need to figure out how to do so in your country - yeah, it doesn't get less complicated, just more!!! See this website to figure out the info for your country: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/

• If you can apply online (most countries can), use this link: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/
• You also need to fill out Appendix 8, which you can find links to on the right side of this page: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/apply-outside-uk/
• You will also need to make an appointment at a visa application centre in your country to enrol your biometrics information (This is where my biggest headache was!) Basically, you will submit your application and documents and have your picture and fingerprints recorded. Don't forget to bring the receipt of your visa fee application fee (I did...)!!!All the information for these appointments is on your country page at the link above. If there is not a visa application centre in your area, there might be a mobile one that is sometimes open closer to you. I had to do this, there was one in my city for one day a month - which means it is really important to know where the clinics are around you and how often they are open!)

The process is confusing, but it is certainly doable! I hope this helps you get started... and if you need questions answered check out this chat: http://us5.chatzy.com/44653413941966
It is run by the International Office, if they are not there when you click on the link, just leave your question and they will post a personalized answer!
Good Luck :)

Emily

Finding Accommodation in Colchester

So you have accepted your offer and are thinking about all the preparations to be made, but first you want to know where you will live, so you are examining the residence websites and trying to figure out which is the best for your needs. Well, here's a quick breakdown of your options:

TOWERS: CHEAP! If you need to save money, this is where you need to be. They are by far the cheapest residence option. If you are very social and love having people around, again, this is the place to be. Lots of flatmates, lots of fun :)

HOUSES: QUIET! Tucked away in the corner of campus, surrounded by parkland (and picnic tables!), not only is the surrounding area quieter than much of campus, fewer flatmates means a quieter flat as well. Bonus of having your own bathroom means life can be pretty private.

SOUTHCOURTS: BIG ROOMS! Much like the Houses, but on the other side of campus and with bigger rooms. Funky circle shaped building has a pleasant garden area in the middle! (Primarily undergrad)

QUAYS: EXERCISE! Like to walk? Perfect. The Quays (pronounced keys) are a short walk towards the river, through the meadow. Walking back and forth will keep you in better shape :) Don't want to walk? That's OK, there is a bus directly from your doorstep to the uni. Big rooms, big kitchens, your own bathroom, new and nice, away from the hustle and bustle of campus. The Quays is a cluster of buildings on the river side and a community in itself.

AVON WAY: TV! This off campus accommodation has bigger beds and common areas with Sky TV and Wii! Think living off-campus is inconvenient? Well depends what you call convenience, Avon Way is right on a main bus route to campus, or it is a 15 - 20 minute walk. It is also right around the corner from the supermarket and there is a little grocery shop really close by. Also, if you want to go out on campus, the SU runs a safety bus for £1, it runs late into the night and takes you from campus straight to your door!

FOREST HOUSE/ CANDAN HOUSE/ GREENSTEAD HOUSE: Even more choice... these are non-university residences, but most certainly worth having a look. They provide lots of choice, rooms in flats with common areas, rooms with your own bathroom, double rooms, larger single rooms. Like Avon Way they are close to main bus routes and REALLY close to the big Tesco supermarket and are also served by the safety bus. Forest House and Candan House surround a nice little garden and include a bbq area!
http://www.forestrd.co.uk/index.htm

None of the above suiting your fancy? Want your own place but not really certain how to figure all that out in a new country? Well, the first good news is that most student-type flats around here are furnished :) No need to worry, there will be a bed for you from day one, maybe even some pots and pans too! Next bit of good news? Essex has a site all set up to help you figure out your new home:
http://www.essexstudentpad.co.uk/Home
Don't forget to look at the message board, it is where students post rooms they need to fill - you could even find flatmates here!

Want more information on finding a place to live in Colchester? There is a live student chat at this link, leave your question and get a personalized answer!
http://www.chatzy.com/44653413941966

Emily

********* UPDATE **********

On campus accomodation is now full for postgrads (undergrads you are still alright!) There are still places at Avon Way, and to apply to this accommodation you still fill in an application as usual through your myEssex portal. Don't forget to check out Forest House, Candan House, Greenstead House (these applications are made directly to the company - see their website) And be sure to check out the messageboard on essexstudentpad :)

Finishing an Undergraduate Degree – the end of an era

So exams are over, the Summer Ball has been and gone and in a few weeks time it will be graduation!  How did the time pass so quickly?!  Of course none of this hit me until a few days ago, I was taking a taxi to the train station and the driver and I were making the usual taxi small talk and he inevitably asks the question ‘So are you a student at the university?’, I pause for a moment and then I answer ‘Not anymore!’.  What a strange feeling, after three years of studying for my BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree it’s finally done.   All I have to do now is wait for the results (which are going to be released frighteningly soon) and then (hopefully) graduate!

I know everyone says it but it really is true, three years flies by.  I can still remember arriving in my Freshers’ week in 2009, my parents helping me cart all my belongings up three flights of stairs before leaving me to unpack in my new home for the year.  Soon it will be coming to that time when I’ll be frantically cleaning my privately rented accommodation in the hopes of reclaiming my security deposit.  After three years at Essex I can honestly say I have learnt A LOT, not just through my course, but about myself! 

For many students an undergraduate degree is the first time they’ve been away from home for a significant period of time, it’s the first time they have to cook for themselves, do their own laundry, be their own motivator.  There is so much life learning to be done on the way to obtaining a degree.  Essex gave me the opportunity to become an independent adult, on top of all the fun that I’ve had, I’ve learnt to be responsible through managing my studies and gaining work experience and I feel so much closer to actually being a grown-up!  Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always feel like a child at heart but at least now I know that I can fend for myself, I’m ready (as I’ll ever be) to venture out into the “real world”...whatever that is!

Puja

Summer Ball

I’m an SB12 survivor!!

So as Emily anticipated a few days ago, last Saturday thousands of students went to the Essex Summer Ball 2012, where the Students Union organised a huge theme event full of rides, marquees and food stands. It all revolved around a fairytale theme, so we bumped into a little red riding hood, a fire eater and witches. Personal favourite: the Gingerbread house covered with bags of sweets, although it ran out really quickly!

No giant wheel this time, though there were two really dizzying rides and of course, bumper cars!

The Ghost Train was disappointing of course, but you can’t have high expectations with these things! Other highlights:  a silent (headphone) disco again and an ice skating rink, though it seemed too dangerous for me! Also plenty dance floors to switch around whenever you wanted to change the music style!



Best part for me was meeting all the friends I hadn’t seen since before the exam period, of course looking our best with our gorgeous dresses and suits! Luckily the weather wasn’t too bad, so the cold was bearable to stay till 5.30…

Still surprised at all the people who made it till the Survivors’ Picture, hope to be able to spot myself in it when the SU uploads it!




All pictures are taken from the Students' Union 'Summer Ball 2012' album, you can have a look at them on https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10151048711148561.440457.353774298560&type=1

See you soon!


Ana

End of Exams!

It seems we have been a bit lax with our posts this past month. It has been a busy one - filled with exams and essays or dissertation woes. May brought a couple weeks of beautifully warm and sunny weather in perfect time to distract us all from our studies. The grass by the lakes filled up with students having picnics and bbq's and kicking around footballs. More than one student ended up in the lake - whether intentionally or not who knows! More than once I heard students moan (and even did so myself) about the excess of sunny weather (imagine!) as it was preventing them from properly attending to their studies... Well mother nature played a cruel trick on us - as soon as people began finishing up exams, the weather turned and we remembered that we were in Britain, not Spain!


Today is the final day of exams, and it wouldn't be good English style if this significant date were not celebrated. Today's celebration is appropriately called 'The End'. Basically, the squares will fill up with students for one, huge, outdoor party. As I write, I am overlooking square 5 where I can see fences going up and a large set of porta-loos that are now lining the square. Though the rain is supposedly going to let up, the wind is wipping through the squares. I doubt, though, that the weather will dampen the celebrations... the English seem quite resistent to weather - just look at the 1.25 million people that lined the Thames on Sunday to watch the Queen's Jubilee celebrations on the river. It was a miserably rainy and cold day, but the crowds still came! Well, hopefully we will have an update and some photos of The End next week!


The other end of year tradition that is quite a new concept to me, is the Summer Ball. It puts any formal I have ever known to shame by combining a formal dance with a carnival. Everyone dresses up and there are DJs and bands (including a Queen tribute band this year...!) but there are also fair ground type rides and this year there is an ice palace, a skating rink and... an edible gingerbread house (?!). I'm intrigued. If you want to check out the entire line up, look at the SU page below:

http://www.essexstudent.com/sb12/

And the weather for Saturday? Well, there is no rain in the forecast!

The Uni of Essex Facebook page had this pic up last night to prove it! You can see a little glimpse of sun on Saturday, almost teasing us...


Check up on us next week, we'll have a post-event update to let you know how it all went! And some pics, too :)


Cheers,


Emily