University of Essex Announcement
We are saddened to announce that on the 2nd December, the University of Essex announced two major cost-saving decisions as part of its work to secure long-term financial sustainability.
These are:
1. The closure of the Southend Campus from the 2026/27 academic year, and
2. The introduction of a redundancy programme affecting academic and professional services staff.
You can find the University’s full announcement, including detailed FAQs and support information, on the University website. This is where you’ll find the official updates, timelines and processes.
We understand that this news can be a lot to take in. Some of you may feel shocked, frustrated or overwhelmed; others may simply have questions about what happens next. Before anything else, we want to make one thing clear: You are our number one priority. Going forward, transparency and your feedback will be at the core of any action we take.
Every conversation we have with the University will stem from these principles.
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what you're entitled to
We know the closure of the Southend Campus is having a huge impact on students.
It’s disruptive, stressful, and wasn’t your choice.
The University has confirmed a compensation package for students affected by the move to Colchester.
The information is available in the University FAQs but we’ve pulled it together here to make it clearer for you to see what you’re entitled to.
The compensation package includes guaranteed payments for all affected students, alongside additional support to cover unavoidable extra costs, such as increased travel or childcare.
1. What every affected student will get
£600 one-off payment (guaranteed)
If you’re affected by the Southend campus closure, you’ll receive:
- £600 one-off payment
- Available to all eligible Southend students
- No proof of costs required
- This is an inconvenience payment - it’s not meant to cover all costs
You qualify if:
- You’re currently registered as a Southend student, and
- You would have continued your course in 2026–27 if the campus wasn’t closing
2. What happens next depends on what you decide to do
If you continue your course at Colchester
You can choose one of the following options, depending on what works best for you.
- Guaranteed accommodation at Colchester
- Rent capped at the same price as your Southend accommodation
- Available for the remainder of your current course
- You’ll still receive the Returning Student Cashback
- Includes Essex Sport Silver membership (gym + sports facilities)
If you currently live in private accommodation in Southend and plan to move to Colchester:
- The University can offer tailored on-campus accommodation packages
- Options can be matched to your current rent and budget
- You can also explore private housing through SUHomes, the SU’s letting agency
If you don’t want to move into Colchester campus accommodation:
- £400 for each remaining year of study
- Designed to help with general additional costs, such as:
- No proof of loss required
If you don’t move to Colchester
(Withdraw or transfer to another university)
If you decide not to continue your studies at Essex:
- You’ll receive £400 for each remaining year of study
- Example: If you have two years left, you’ll receive £800
- The University will support you with the administrative process of transferring
- For support, email: askthehub@essex.ac.uk
3. Additional costs the university will cover
The University has said it will also cover additional unavoidable costs caused by the move, including:
- Increased travel costs
- Increased childcare costs
Please note, these costs will need to be evidenced.
Important: You’ll be able to make a claim for these costs from March, when the Southend Compensation Scheme launches.
4. What if none of these options feel right?
You’re not alone and the University recognises that not every student’s situation fits neatly into the options above.
The full Southend Student Compensation Scheme is being developed and will launch in March, allowing students to claim for additional costs not covered here.
These additional costs are a core part of the overall compensation package, particularly for students whose circumstances mean they will face higher costs by continuing their studies at Colchester.
Example: How additional costs might be covered
Please note that this is a simplified example to help explain how the compensation scheme works in practice. Each claim will be considered on a case-by-case basis through a conversation with the funding team. Students may be advised of reasonable alternative options where appropriate; such as alternative transport options.
Anna is a second-year EBS student studying in Southend.
- She commutes from Basildon
- She has childcare responsibilities
- Moving her studies to Colchester means:
- Anna must now get two trains and a bus
- £3,000 per year in travel (£75 per week)
- £1,000 per year in additional childcare (£25 per week)
- This equals a total of £4,000 a year
Previously, Anna spent around £1,000 per year travelling to Southend.
What Anna may be able to claim:
- £2,000 for increased travel costs
- £1,000 for additional childcare costs
These costs can be claimed for her final year of study once the wider compensation package launches.
- If your situation looks different to Anna’s, you’ll still be able to submit a claim.
Need help understanding your options?
If you’re unsure what you’re entitled to email askthehub@essex.ac.uk
We’ll keep updating this page as soon as more information is confirmed.
Unfortunately, these challenges are not unique to Essex. The entire UK higher education sector is under intense pressure:
- 43% of UK universities are expected to be in deficit this year.
- Many institutions have already announced restructures, campus closures and cost-saving programmes.
This alarming reality demonstrates that the current funding model for higher education isn’t working, and it is students and staff across the country who are feeling the impact of government inaction. As your Students’ Union, we are adding our voice to calls for urgent structural reform.
These decisions will affect students in different ways. For many, this news will spark questions about your course, your teaching, your wellbeing, or your wider student experience.
For students based in Southend, the University has confirmed that students due to complete their course by 1 October 2026 will be able to do so in Southend. Those continuing beyond that date will complete their studies in Colchester campus. We know that transferring can cause certain disruptions, which is why we will be working closely with students, reps, and University teams to provide adequate support and be proactive in our approach to understand what you need.
Wherever you study; Colchester, Southend or Loughton, we will do everything we can to make sure your voice is heard and that your feedback genuinely shapes what happens next.
Over the coming weeks and months, your Students’ Union will be:
- Listening carefully to what you tell us
- Pushing for clear, timely updates, so you’re not left guessing at any stage.
- Challenging anything that risks the student experience.
- Working to minimise disruption wherever possible
Check back for the next event.
Support available
If you need support, please reach out. You’re not alone.
- SU Advice
- Southend Students
- Colchester Students
Student Wellbeing Support Line
- open 24 hours a day at 0800 028 3766.
get to know the colchester campus
We've put together a page that brings together all the things you need to know about the Colchester Campus.
TAKE A LOOK HERE
FAQs
The University has put together a list of answers to questions you may have. Find the FAQs here.
latest updates
Finally…
These are significant changes, and we know they will affect students differently. But one thing will not change: your needs come first, and you will always be at the heart of everything we do.
We’re here to stand with you, support you, and make sure your voice is heard at every step.
If you have concerns, questions or ideas please talk to us. We’re listening.
Alex Sablich Iraola, SU President
on behalf of Essex Students’ Union