Increasing numbers of students are choosing to study at their ‘local’ university, particularly in view of the costs of being a student and the debt that could build up during a course. If you are considering this option, think about some of the following issues.

• Accommodation is one of the major costs of university life. If you stay at home you could avoid some, if not all of this cost.

• Your local university may offer the best course for you.

• You can easily keep up with the local social life and part-time employment.

universities and colleges in essex

• The University of Essex in Colchester.

• The University of Essex, Southend Campus.

• Anglia Ruskin University, which has campuses in Chelmsford and Cambridge.

• Writtle College offers higher education courses in partnership with the University of Essex.

Some degree and HND courses are offered at local colleges of further education. Contact the colleges directly or look on their websites for up to date information on the courses they offer.

• South East Essex College (Southend) - www.southend.ac.uk

• Colchester Institute - www.colchester.ac.uk

• Harlow College - www.harlow-college.ac.uk

• SEEVIC College (Benfleet) - www.seevic-college.ac.uk

• Thurrock and Basildon College - www.tab.ac.uk

• Otley College, near Ipswich

• University Campus Suffolk

• University of Hertfordshire

• You may not enjoy the same degree of independence by staying at home.

• The cost of travelling to a local university could still be high, particularly if you choose to study in London.

• Students who study near home might not expand their horizons or be prepared to travel further afield when they enter the job market.

If you decide that studying from home is right for you, there are some steps you can take to help ensure a successful outcome:

• Establish some ground rules from the start with the other occupants of the house.

• Come to an understanding about the time and space you’ll need for your studies.

• Create a suitable working environment for yourself.

• Join some university clubs and societies and stay for evening activities so you don’t miss out on student life just because you don’t live at college. Other Universities and Colleges

within Travelling Distance:

advantages

disadvantages

universities and colleges in london

• City University• London Metropolitan University• London South Bank University• Middlesex University• University of East London• University of Greenwich• University of Westminster

All the following colleges, which are part of the University of London but recruit independently, are also in daily commuting distance:

• Courtauld Institute of Art

• Goldsmiths College

• Heythrop College

• Imperial College London

• King’s College London

• London School of Economics and Political Science

• Queen Mary

• School of Oriental and African Studies

• School of Pharmacy

• University College London

There are also a number of leading art and design, drama, music and media colleges in central London – most of them part of the University of the Arts London.

Information on all the courses offered at the universities and colleges listed above may be found on the UCAS website at www.ucas.com