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

Sport in the University of Essex

Are you worried, or maybe mildly concerned, about keeping up your fitness during university? Essex has lots of options for exercising to suit all tastes.  Even if you don’t like team sports or heavy activities, there’s something for you!  These are the most popular options:

 

-          Join a sports club! One of the best ways to meet people is to join a club. There’s one for almost every sport: tennis, squash, ultimate Frisbee, badminton, football, rugby, cricket, ping-pong, hockey, pole dancing, boxing, dance, archery, basketball, handball, netball, volleyball, cheerleading... during the first week of the year all clubs organise come-and-try sessions, so you can try and see if it’s for you! Most sports have several teams with different levels, so you can join even if you’re a beginner. Have a look at all the options in:

http://www.essexstudent.com/sports_and_societies/sports/

          

Not a team sports person? Then how about:

-          Aerobics at the Sports Centre! This is the one activity organised especially for getting in shape! There are classes every day: Hardcore, Legs Bums and Tums, Core Conditioning, Sunday Shape-up, Studio Strength... even Yoga on Thursdays! Pick your favourites and go for it! You don’t have to be a member of the Sports Centre to go, you can just pay 3 pounds for any session you want to go to!

                  

-          The new Evolve gym: if you pay a gold membership (there is bronze, silver and gold, depending on how often you go and what facilities you want to use), you can use the gym all day until 10pm. The gym was renewed in 2011 and it’s very modern and well-equipped. Use one of the cross-trainers/ static bikes, or go around the machines to get super toned!

You can check out the Sports Centre’s website at www.essex.ac.uk/sport

-          You can also rent a tennis/squash/badminton/ping-pong court in the Sports Centre and also rent a racket for free (you have to buy the balls for a pound or two though). Squash and badminton are great even if you’re a beginner:  they’re really fun and easy to get the hang of, and also great exercise!

 

-          Ever tried the climbing wall in the Sports Centre? I haven’t done it myself but I have many friends who are fans of climbing; I have to remember to try it out!

 

-          Or, just a good old run around the outside of campus. There is some great landscape around the uni if you want to go for a lonely run!

 

See you soon!

Ana    

Personal Statements

So I came across this pamphlet about writing personal statements on campus yesterday and thought I would share some of it. Writing my personal statement was so much more difficult than I had expected. Looking at a blank document that was to be filled with a well written essay about me and only me, well, it gave me a bit of writer's block... I'm not even sure what I ended up writing anymore and am a little embarrassed to go back and look! Hopefully some of this info can help if you have yet to write your statement...

So don't judge a book by its cover..... :p

What I found particularly useful was a list of points that should be included... had I had this list I think I would have had an easier time writing mine... and had much more to write!

• Why have you chosen the degree/s that you have selected?
• Why you are interested in that subject?
• What aspects of your current studies are related to the degree you have chosen?
• Why do you think you would be a good student?
• Details of your jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work etc, especially if they are relevant to your field/chosen degree
• Details of your hobbies, interests and social activities that demonstrate that you are a well-rounded person
• Any non-accredited qualifications (UK examples: the Duke of Edinburgh or Young Enterprise)
• Any other achievements that you are proud of, e.g. passing a music exam, speech contest awards, being selected for a sports team...
• Any positions of responsibility that you hold either inside or outside of school
• Attributes that make you interesting, special or unique
• Your future plans... how do you want to use the knowledge and experience that you have gained?

 During my first week at Essex I met with my programme director. First, she asked me to tell her about myself and after telling her a few things she said that she now remembered my application! Your application does go through the admissions departments where you are one of many, but it eventually finds its way to the department and the director of your programme.... It is your first introduction to people that will become really important to the academic aspects of your time in the UK! Realizing this is part of the reason I don't want to go back and read what I wrote....

Some other points that I found useful...

•  Don't feel that you have to use fancy language, or even inspirational quotes... It can be more impressive just to write in your own words. Be concise and respectful, but be yourself!
• The closing is crucial! Be specific and positive, their example is, "I am passionate about working with young children in the future and therefore am highly determined to make the most of my degree and achieve my ambition to become a developmental psychologist."
• Make sure someone proof-reads your statement! It is sooo easy to miss some silly little grammatical mistakes...

Good Luck!

Emily


Last Day of Spring Term!!!

The campus is already noticeably emptier than earlier in the week, but those of us that are left are out enjoying the sunshine! 17 degrees and sunny today in Colchester... it's not all rain and cloud in this little pocket of England :) A glimpse of Colchester campus on this beautiful day...

Square 3

Gathering by the Lakes

Squeezed in the North Towers for orientation!

Rain or shine, the ducks are always around!



Happy Easter Break to all!

Emily, Ana and Puja