Prospective students thinking about going to university next year have the chance to find out what student life is really like as Essex prepares to opens its doors.

School and college leavers, their parents and sixth form groups are invited to attend the University’s open days at both the Colchester and Southend campuses on Saturday, June 20 and Saturday, June 27 respectively.

Student Recruitment Officer and 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.’

Ranked as one of the top ten universities in the UK for its research and an increasingly popular destination for local students, the University anticipates a lot of interest in its Open Days and is urging anyone who wants to come to book a place via the University's website.

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 11am until 4pm with a free minibus shuttle operating between the University and Colchester train station. Buses will leave at half-hourly intervals between 10.30am and 4.20pm. There is also free parking at the Colchester Campus.The Southend Campus open day will also run from 11am to 4pm. The Southend Campus is in the heart of the town centre, and is easily accessible by public transport.