Prospective students, their parents and sixth form groups are invited to attend the University’s second open days of the new academic year.

These open days are a good opportunity to meet University staff, as well as see the University first hand. The Colchester Campus open day is Wednesday 29 October, with the Southend Campus open day on Thursday 30 October. 

Both events also enable local students to learn about the University’s new laptop initiative. As of 2009, a free laptop computer will be given to new undergraduates resident in Essex, Suffolk and the London Boroughs of Havering, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Waltham Forest and Enfield, who place Essex as their first choice and meet the academic conditions.

Student Recruitment Assistant and University of Essex graduate Liz Hilditch said: ‘Coming to an open day is a fantastic opportunity to get a feel for the campus and see University accommodation for yourself. Current students will be giving tours throughout the day, with University staff on hand to answer any questions you might have about what it is like to study at Essex.’

Visitors to the open day can ask academic representatives questions on a one-to-one basis, as well as speak with the Students’ Union about student life, the Careers Centre about work whilst studying and after graduation, Student Support about finance and student help and Admissions about applying to university. Accommodation Office staff will be available to answer any questions, while current students can discuss university life and give guided tours.

The Colchester Campus open day will run from 12noon until 4pm with a free minibus shuttle operating between the University and Colchester train station. Buses will leave at half-hourly intervals between 11.30am and 4.20pm. There is also free parking at the Colchester Campus.

The Southend Campus open day will run from 11am to 2pm. The Southend Campus is in the heart of the town centre, meaning it is easily accessible by public transport.

Ends

Notes to editors:
The Colchester Campus Open Day is Wednesday 29 October, 12noon to 4pm. The Southend Campus Open Day is Thursday 30 October, 11am to 2pm.

From 2009 the laptop initiative applies to undergraduates resident in Essex, Suffolk and the London Boroughs of Havering, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Waltham Forest and Enfield, who place Essex as their first choice and meet the academic conditions for a course at Colchester, Southend or Loughton.