I love my course, I've learnt an incredible amount over the last 2 years and with one year left I am so excited to create my final collection! The tutors and great and it's been an amazing experience to get me ready for the fashion and textiles industry.

The education I received at Colchester Institute was first class. As A first study Singer I was tutored by Catherine May, the singing lessons I received from her were extremely high in standard. I was told at GCSE level that I would never be able to do Music A level, that despite my talent At singing I would never get the grades, however I proved my school wrong and went on to A level, where again I was told I'd never even get onto a music degree and further worked my socks off to get to degree level. Firstly Colchester Institute recognised my singing talent, and my ability to work hard and took me on for their course. Secondly the teaching got to me to a level where I went from being told I would never get far in music, to a upper second class degree. The lecturers are knowledgable, patient, willing to help if you are struggling, and extremely approachable. The course itself that I was on was amazing, their Ba(hone) music course gave a lot of option, and did the utmost to prepare students for working in the classical music industry, which is varied, I studied composition, performance and music teaching aswell as musicianship, music history, and a variety of basic music understanding. The lecturers were knowledgeable and experience in their subjects which also prepared me for the outside work. I now teach pre-school music, and regularly perform, aswell as direct a local music group. All in all, I reccomend Colchester Institute particularly if you want to study music.

Fantastic, everyone has made me feel welcome after moving away from home. I love the course and I love the university. The staff are really helpful when needed and the students are kind and welcoming. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to study higher education.

I studied a Photography course for 2 years at CI. I think my favourite thing about the institute was the tutors, i was always pushed to be the very best i could be, they really were attentive to each student and treat you like an adult/individual, making them super easy to talk to like you're talking to a friend. It's a very creative institute so i would highly recommend going here if you want to study an art type course like media/photography/art

Uni has been a roller coaster of emotions and experiences for me. I have seen things no one will ever be able to explain to me or anyone... such as a kitchen looked like its been hit by a tornado, a toilet that seems to have been destroyed by the hulk and a house barely together. But regardless i would never have changed my experience for anything. I would recommend it to everyone. I've met friends I will have forever and met the love of my life. I loved my course, loved my flatmates. Loved it all!

All our freshers weeks were student led by third year students. While fun it wouldn't have been nice to be able to get involved with the university of Essex freshers. Accommodation is messy unless you're in a house. There are 3 main accommodation that institute students can choose from, Avon way, the Maltings and forest road. However another accommodation has/will soon open near the town centre which will be more convenient For my course we had good spaces however due to it being a college campus the Students Union was dreadful. They do nothing for the actual students, whereas I believe the uni of Essex would/did a lot more Amazing training and smaller class sizes meant you could get more direct feedback and more concise feedback. The lecturers had time they could spend with you Decent. I'd consider moving there. Everything is well spread out but also within walking distance. A lot of supermarkets and other shops for any type of shopper

I enjoy my access course however I am finding it stressful to balance out work life and school life! Not enough hours in the day.

Uni is stressful, interesting, an education in itself. Made new friends and learnt a lot about my self in my Year 1. This year will be more organised on my part and more fun and I'll hopefully get a better grade and finish finals with a 2:1 at least, do well and become a photographer. This course can give me all I need to do it, I've just got to keep going with it and not give up.

Teachers are good, however the heating in my classroom hasn't worked it the 5 months I've been there and the vents are stuck open which means the room was absolutely freezing at winter. Food is overpriced considering the quality however the range of food is good. Parking is poor due to the lack of space the college have and whilst I understand why they charge to park I think ?2.20 a day is excessive and I think there is no option to pay in advance (e.g pay for a year/ month by card) I feel like they could incoperate this into the cashless catering. Overall a good college, wide range of subjects catered for and the teachers (at least on my course) are very knowledgeable and personal.

As an apprentice we didnt get invited to or participated in any freshers week, in fact I don't even know if there is one I don't know the accommodation myself but my friend who is in the accommodation said it's very noisy and in a rough area The facilities are okay, there isn't much space for university students to study privately and the limited study rooms are normally full The younger lecturers are fantastic and enthusiastic. Sometimes it's difficult to get in contact outside of lesson time. The course is varied and although a lot to get through you don't feel rushed The city life is good. There are pubs and bars not too far away