Sixth form students considering higher education can see first-hand what it is like to study at the University of Essex when the University opens its doors to prospective students on Saturday 19 September.

The open day allows students, their families and sixth form groups to look around the University’s Colchester Campus, meet with staff and current students, and view student accommodation.

There will be 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 and course details.

Natalie Shuttle, Student Recruitment Assistant and former Essex student, said: ‘Attending an open day is really important as it gives students a full insight into university life, and shows them and their families exactly what Essex can offer. Those attending can find out about the range of courses available and it offers a rare opportunity to speak to current students about what they really think of studying at Essex.’

Because broadening social horizons is an important part of the overall university experience, prospective students can also learn about the 165 Students’ Union (SU) societies and 40 sports clubs at Essex, as well as other SU facilities and services.

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 Colchester Campus open day runs from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 19 September. Free parking is available throughout the day and there will be a minibus running to and from Colchester railway station. For further information about the open day (and other open days at the University) see: www.essex.ac.uk/prospective/open_days/.

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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.