University of Essex

Beautiful natural valley landscape with plenty of wildlife but ironic mixture of dated and over-modernised architecture. Teaching centres, business centre, hex, sports facilities, and Ivor Crewe buildings are good, but buildings around the squares are labyrinthian and worn.
Can be easy to get lost with not a lot of helpful mapping.

Amazing access to food and drink (especially SU Bar and Pizza, and Greenhouse Cafe) but PitStop (Buffalo Joe's) could need improved food quality.

Essentials shop on site is expensive but handy.

Easy access to supermarkets and shopping (Tesco's and City centre) via cheap and quick buses. Access to Wivenhoe also nice for a change of scenery.

Good accomodation and different price ranges.

Good opportunities for students to work at university whilst studying.

Good facilities for work-study-life balance, especially for Freshers, international, and local students. Thursday markets are brilliant and so are the on-site clubs.

Wide variety of courses available to fit almost all niches, careers, and research.

Nice to have a shop dedicated to souvenirs, memorabilia, and study equipment.

Loved the variety for both aesthetics, needs, and price-ranges.

The houses were newly renovated and had en-suites rooms, and good student density.

Wish there was a communal area beyond a small kitchen but the price of the Houses were worth the sacrifices.

Location of the Houses were ideal, being near the North Towers car park but right in the countryside of the park. Picnics and house games were great after COVID restrictions were lifted.

Bin emptying and cleaning were regular and punctual but timings were a bit frustrating as they would disturb some sleeping schedules and prevent use of kitchen for some time. With proper time management it was better to work around but was still frustrating. I haven't been in accommodations for some time so these things may have changed.