We are Essex - We are excellent 
This year we have been ranked 22nd in The Times Good University Guide and 14th for student satisfaction - the fifth year running we've been in the top 15 of the National Student Survey. We have also been ranked in the top 50 for both Social Sciences and Law in the latest Times Higher Education World Rankings.

Friends united
It can be a worrying time - both for students and those they leave behind. Meet Heather and Manda, who have both recently had children go to university. They have lots of hints and tips for how you can get through the first few weeks. There's advice for students too - in this guest blog, Sasha Roseneil, Professor in the Department of Sociology, explains why joining a new group is never easy and how we gradually start to feel like we belong. 

Getting involved and making friends
We are proud of our campus communities and the many varied opportunities available to students. Our What's On diary is packed with activities students can easily turn up to on their own -  it's a great way to meet others with shared interests. There are also 165 sports clubs and societies to join. It's impossible to get bored at Essex. 

Wide range of support available for new students
Moving away from home is a big step, particularly for those who haven't lived away from home before or who have travelled a long way to join us. There are lots of places that our students can go to get help and support. All of our students are assigned a Peer Mentor and Personal Tutor (in their academic department), plus a Residence Assistant (if they are living in University accommodation). The Student Services Hub , based in the Silberad Student Centre, is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and is a fantastic first port of call for general student queries. Targeted advice for  international students is also available.

Outstanding support
Our outstanding support for students was recently praised by an international panel of judges for the Global Teaching Excellence Awards.