University of Essex

The Colchester Campus, the University of Essex’s principal campus, lies a couple of miles outside the centre of Colchester, not far from the train station (one hour east of London). Main architectural features re definitely the squares and the tall accommodation blocks that dominate the skyline and offer up some superb views.

Half an hour or so away, on the coast, is the much newer Southend Campus, based on the high street right opposite the station (50 minutes from London). As a result of its youth, the facilities and services all feel right up to date at Southend. Of final note is the acting school in Loughton, closer to London, inside the M25, which should appeal to budding actors, stunt people, and combat re-enactors.

Notable graduates from Essex include MP Virginia Bottomley, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield, as well as Mike Leigh and Stephen Daldry from the previous incarnation of the Loughton acting school, E15.