Type of housing: On campus

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? Is the place where everything happens, you are close to everything, libarry, Uni´s pubs and lecture rooms, plus you get to know all the people on campus, and attend to the flat parties which are good, or when you go out you can come back to your flat and keep the party going!

Personal comments:
Living on campus was the best, one cool thing is that we had a cleaner, and you get to live with more people, in my case they were mostly english people so I got contact with natives and international students as well, it was just the perfect balance.

Describe host city: Students interact with the local community without much university involvement

Activities, Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment

Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
For those into clubbing, the SU hosts a different-themed ngiht each night of the week, so all music tastes are catered for. There are regular guest DJs and artists who visit the university, and tickets and drinks are usually reasonably priced. For those who prefer a quieter evening out, the 'Arts on 5' programme provides an extensive range of entertainment, from local musicians, drama productions, dance troups, and comedy acts. Most of these performances take place in the Lakeside Theatre. There is also the unique Collection of Latin American Art, and a small on-site gallery, with rotating exhibitions. Colchester itself has several clubs, as well as many bars, pubs, and restaurants. And for those who wish to venture further, trains and coaches to London operate from stops close to the uni. A wide range of activities is on offer, through the SU, Societies, Sports clubs, and individual departments. Departments vary in their provision of extra-curricular events, but many events are student-led.

Course recommendations:
Uni Essex is not a top University so it has a so-so selection of courses available. It is easy to meet other international students because they comprise 40% of the student body.

Personal comments:
University of Essex offers a boring and limited lifestyle which can become dull within the first three weeks of school. After that you end up wishing you had gone to a larger school with more interesting, intellectual people, a more varied social life and better entertainment options. Please come to University of Essex if you are a boring dull person.

Language of instruction: English

Main source of funding:
Personal savings

Other sources of funding:
Government assistance
A private grant

Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options

Personal spending habits:
Didn't use the phone very much, because of time differences. Didn't go out much at night. Local travel was cheaper than at home.

Food, Housing: was the same price as at home.

Travel, Nightlife, Overall, Telephone: was less expensive than at home.

I wish I had known...
the fact that during the summer the highest temperature is about 25 degree C, so quite cold.

In my opinion:
Most people loved it.