Due to unprecedented interest in university study, the University of Essex has, for the first time had to close pre-registration for its October open day.

The event, which takes place on 28 October,gives sixth formers the chance to look around the University’s Colchester Campus and meet with students and staff. However, record demand for places has meant the University has had to stop taking bookings and is instead offering extra campus tours to those who have not secured a place at the Open Day.

With pre-registration now closed, the University is urging interested students to book a place on a campus tour instead. The Marketing and Recruitment Office is running two extra tours every day in the week running up to the Open Day. They take place at 11am and 1pm on 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 October.

The Open Day includes talks on student life, finance and student support, student and graduate employment, admissions and applying, and study abroad opportunities. Staff from the University’s 17 academic departments will also be on hand to answer questions about particular subject areas while prospective students can also view Essex’s award-winning student accommodation*.

Natalie Shuttle, Student Recruitment Assistant and former Essex student, said: ‘The Open Day is really important as it gives students a full insight into University life, and shows them and their families exactly what Essex has to offer. The interest in attending this year has been exceptional and we would urge those students who have missed out to consider attending a special tour instead as seeing a university firsthand really helps people to make the right decision about where and what to study.’

Continued excellence in both research and teaching saw applications to Essex hit a record high in 2009, up 16 per cent on 2008. The University was ranked ninth in the UK in the most recent national assessment of research quality (December 2008), and was also rated eighth in the country for its teaching in the 2008 Sunday Times university guide.

*The University received a Best University Halls 2009 award in the National Student Housing Survey.

To book a place on one of the specially-organised campus tours, please contact the Marketing and Recruitment Office, telephone: 01206 3987 or e-mail: scl@essex.ac.uk.

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For further information please contact the University of Essex Communications Office, telephone: 01206 873529 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk.