Opportunities in and near Colchester

The University of Essex October Open Day is an on-campus event designed for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, with family members also welcome. It gives visitors the chance to explore the university, learn more about studying at Essex, and decide whether it feels like the right fit. Across the day, attendees can tour the campus and accommodation, speak with department staff, visit faculty hubs, and join interactive activities linked to areas of study they are interested in. There are also taster talks and practical workshops that show what lectures are like, along with advice on applications, entry requirements, funding, and student support. The event also includes opportunities to meet the Students’ Union, find out about clubs and societies, and connect with academics. Visitors can use the event’s transport support, accessibility guidance, and check-in arrangements to make their visit as smooth as possible.

This open day at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus gives prospective undergraduate students the chance to explore the university environment and find out more about studying for a degree at ARU. It is designed to help visitors understand what studying at the university could be like and to support their decision-making process when choosing a higher education destination. The event takes place on campus and runs for four hours, with time to look around, ask questions, and learn more about the Chelmsford site. It is a useful opportunity for students interested in undergraduate study to get a feel for the university and the campus setting before applying or making final choices.

Wild Teens is an outdoor afternoon session from Suffolk Wildlife Trust focused on bushcraft and survival skills for young people. It is designed as a hands-on, nature-based experience where participants learn practical outdoor techniques in a safe, supervised environment. Activities include collecting green wood and shaping it with woodworking tools such as saws, knives, and drills. The session also covers survival skills such as building shelters, lighting fires with natural tinders, and cooking over fires. The event takes place entirely outdoors at Foxburrow Nature Reserve and is aimed at 11 to 16 year olds. Participants should come dressed appropriately for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and long trousers, and bring a drink. An adult must drop off and collect each young person.

Anglia Ruskin University is hosting an undergraduate Open Day at its Writtle campus on 3 October 2026, running from 10:00 to 15:00. The event is designed for prospective students who want to find out more about studying an undergraduate degree at ARU in Writtle. Visitors can attend the campus open day to explore the location and learn more about the university and its undergraduate study options.

The Ipswich Summer School Immersion Programme, offered by EDVISION in partnership with Ipswich School, gives international school students aged 10-17 the chance to live and study on the campus of a historic British boarding school. Participants join regular lessons alongside local students (timetable and subjects follow the UK school schedule) while receiving tailored language support, including one-to-one English lessons to accelerate communication skills. Beyond classroom learning, the programme includes a full activity and cultural programme with sports, creative arts, clubs, inter-house competitions and structured excursions to destinations such as London, Cambridge and Oxford. Students live in single, twin or triple rooms in the school residence with full board provided and are paired with a British buddy to help them integrate into school life and build confidence. The programme runs year-round with flexible durations starting at one week up to long-term placements (up to one year). The fee from £1,550 per week covers accommodation, meals, tuition, activities, excursions, airport transfers and an end-of-course report and certificate. EDVISION provides consultation and booking support via the website and contact details on the page.

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) runs virtual Medicine Taster Days for prospective MBChB Medicine applicants. The sessions introduce the MBChB programme at ARU Chelmsford and provide information about the degree structure, clinical placements and what to expect from a medical degree. Participants can speak with a course lecturer and current medical students, explore the role of doctors and career pathways, and gain an insight into the day-to-day life of a medical student. The taster day also includes advice on applying to medicine, including interview preparation and UCAT-focused content. Bookings are required via the ARU online booking form. The programme is delivered online so attendees can join remotely and ask questions throughout the session.

The University of Essex offers campus tours (both self-guided and guided) at its Colchester campus so prospective students and visitors can see facilities, accommodation and student spaces and ask questions about life at Essex. Self-guided tours are available daily with slots from 10:00 to 16:00; visitors are asked to book a slot and will be sent information. Guided tours run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12:00 (midday) and must be booked at least one week in advance. The guided option includes the opportunity to meet a member of the Essex team and view accommodation. If you are joining in October, the Students' Union runs tours designed specifically for incoming students. A virtual Colchester campus tour is also available for those unable to attend in person, and the website provides links to book self-guided or routine guided tours and to access the virtual tour.

University of Essex Open Days invite prospective undergraduate applicants and their guests to explore the university in person. Attendees can expect talks from academics, campus tours, visits to accommodation, and opportunities to learn about student life, courses, facilities and support services. The events are designed to help applicants compare courses and campuses and get practical information about applying to Essex.

Registration is via the University's online booking form. After booking you will receive confirmation and follow-up emails with Open Day tips and further information. The University of Essex will use attendance data to track applicants and evaluate Open Day effectiveness; information may be shared with the Higher Education Access Tracker and handled in line with the University's Data Protection Policy.

Suffolk Community Libraries recruit volunteers across numerous community roles at many library branches across Suffolk. Roles include supporting summer literacy activities (Reading Quest), facilitating children’s Lego sessions, running dementia and Parkinson’s support groups, café volunteering, a home delivery library service, Friends group trusteeship, garden maintenance, digital support (Get Connected), and general library duties such as shelving and customer support. Activities range from delivering structured sessions with children and families to supporting older adults, assisting with events, and helping with day-to-day running of library spaces. Commitments and requirements vary by role: some roles specify minimum ages (e.g., Reading Quest 12+, Café volunteer 16+, many outreach/support roles 18+), minimum time commitments (Reading Quest: 3-4 hours/week for ~6 weeks; Café volunteer: minimum 6 months), and role-specific checks or skills (DBS and training for Get Connected; car access for Home Library Service). Most roles are unpaid; travel expenses are paid for some posts. To apply, use the online Volgistics application form linked on the page; for further information some roles list contact details (e.g., Lowestoft Library: lowestoft.library@suffolk.gov.uk, 01502 442810).

Sutton Trust Pathways Programmes are progression-focused opportunities for eligible sixth-form students interested in exploring routes into higher education and professions. The programme is aimed at current Year 12 students in England and Wales, Year 13 students in Northern Ireland, or S5 students in Scotland who attend state-funded, non fee-paying schools or colleges. Applications are made through a simple online form. The process includes mostly yes/no questions plus a short personal statement of up to 300 words explaining your suitability and why you want to take part. The Sutton Trust says applications open in early September, with closing dates varying by programme and university. The page also explains that the programme can be delivered either in person or online. In-person applicants must live within a 90-minute commuting distance of the university, while online programmes are open to people across the country. Successful applicants are usually notified in autumn, and the programme typically launches later in the year.

The Practical Ethics and Responsibility Competition invites school students to explore a real ethical issue and think critically about the role responsibility plays in addressing it. Entrants take part by creating a video that explains an ethical problem and presents their ideas on how responsibility is involved. The competition is designed to encourage discussion, reflection and careful argument, while giving young people a chance to develop communication and analysis skills. It is open across the UK to teams of school students in the relevant year groups. Entries are judged, and the top five teams are invited to the final in Oxford. The organisers provide travel costs for all participants, and accommodation costs for teams travelling more than two hours from Oxford. Finalist schools receive a cash prize, making the competition both an academic challenge and a recognised opportunity for students interested in ethics and public debate.

U2 Tuition’s Mock Interview Day is a full-day preparation event for aspiring Medicine, Biomed, Veterinary and Dentistry applicants. The programme is designed to help students build confidence before real university interviews by practising the kinds of stations commonly used in medical and related admissions processes, including role-play, ethics, data interpretation and motivation questions.

The day combines an introductory interview session with an interview skills workshop, helping participants understand the role of interviews in admissions and how to approach them effectively. Students are then given personalised practice with medical, veterinary and dentistry experts, allowing them to experience realistic questioning under timed conditions and to work on communication, reasoning and professionalism.

Participants also receive detailed oral feedback after each interview, plus written feedback reports sent by email. A personalised timetable is shared nearer the event, and the format is designed to be flexible for different commitments and for international students. It is aimed at applicants who want structured, realistic practice before their actual MMI or interview day.

U2 Tuition’s Mock Interview Day is designed for students preparing for Medicine, Biomed, Veterinary and Dentistry interviews. The event focuses on helping applicants build confidence, improve their interview technique, and respond more clearly under pressure through realistic, subject-specific practice.

The day includes an introductory interview session and an Interview Skills Workshop, followed by two personalised 1-1 mock interviews and a small group interview with different subject experts. Questions are based on real interview-style scenarios and may cover scientific interpretation, ethics, role-play, and communication.

Participants receive detailed oral feedback after each interview, plus written feedback reports by email that highlight strengths, areas for improvement, and extra questions for further practice. A customised timetable is shared closer to the event, and flexible timing options are available to suit different commitments and international locations.

Immerse Education’s Publication Research Pathway is an online, tutor-led research programme for ambitious students who want to produce an advanced academic project and work towards publication. Participants develop an undergraduate-level research paper on a topic of their choice, with 1:1 guidance from a subject expert and support from the Immerse Online Team throughout the process.

The programme is designed around flexible online delivery, with bespoke start dates and a format that fits around the student’s schedule. It includes publication support aimed at an international high school research journal, detailed feedback on the final submission, and regular coaching to help students strengthen their research, writing, and study skills.

Students can expect a highly personalised experience that focuses on independent academic development, university preparation, and building confidence in research at a higher level. The pathway also offers a certificate of attendance and UCAS points on accredited completion, making it a strong option for students looking to enhance their university applications.

Immerse Education’s Online Research Pathway USA Accredited is an online research programme for motivated high school students aged 14-18. Participants work on an undergraduate-level academic research project in a subject of their choice, with the support of a personal tutor from a prestigious university. The programme is designed to strengthen academic research, writing, and independent study skills while preparing students for future university applications.

The USA Accredited version is delivered online over 15 hours and includes 1:1 sessions with a subject expert. Students complete a full-length research paper that is independently assessed, and they receive guidance throughout the process from tutors with experience at Oxford, Cambridge, or Ivy League universities. The pathway is also presented as a flexible option, with bespoke start dates and online sessions running throughout the year.

Alongside the academic experience, participants can gain US College Credit through a partner organisation, and the pathway also offers a certificate of attendance and UCAS points. Students may also have opportunities to publish their research with Immerse, receive detailed tutor feedback, and present their work at the Immerse Online Symposium.

Immerse Education’s UK Accredited Online Research Pathway is an online academic programme for high school students who want to strengthen their research, writing, and study skills. Participants complete an undergraduate-level research project on a topic of their choice, working online with a personal tutor from Oxford, Cambridge, or another prestigious university.

The accredited version is designed for students aged 14 to 18 and includes 1:1 supervision, tailored subject support, and a structured research experience delivered over 15 hours. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects and work towards a substantial academic paper that is independently assessed.

This pathway is aimed at ambitious students preparing for university applications and looking to build stronger academic credentials. Successful participants receive a certificate of attendance and 8 UCAS points, with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in presenting, publishing, and developing work at university level.

Immerse Education’s Online Research Pathway Classic is an online academic research programme for students aged 13–18 who want to strengthen their research, writing, and independent study skills. Participants work on an undergraduate-level project in a subject of their choice, with personalised 1:1 support from an expert tutor. The experience is designed to be flexible, with online delivery and bespoke start dates, so students can fit the programme around other commitments.

The Classic pathway focuses on building a full-length research project that is assessed by a tutor and supported through daily contact time when needed. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects, develop a specialism, and receive detailed feedback on their submission. The programme also offers the chance to publish research with Immerse, and participants complete the pathway with a certificate of completion.

TY ONLINE is a Trinity Walton Club STEM@UNIVERSI-TY programme for Transition Year students who want college-level challenge in a flexible online format. It brings together key areas of STEM in a structured course that helps students deepen their understanding, build confidence, and strengthen their TY portfolio.

The programme includes weekly live online meetups on Thursdays, with preparation required ahead of each session. Learning focuses on Physics, Design Engineering, and Computer Science & Statistics, blending core concepts with real-world application and problem solving. Students also complete assignments, group work reflections, poster work, and presentations as part of the assessment process.

Alongside the online learning, the course includes optional on-campus Saturday afternoon experiences that are strongly encouraged and linked to the online modules. Participants are awarded a grade and a certificate, making the course both academically rewarding and valuable for future study and career exploration.

Offered by Rice University on Coursera, this course introduces the physics of mechanical energy and momentum. It is designed as a structured, intermediate-level online course for learners who want to strengthen their understanding of mechanics and prepare for more advanced physics study. Across the course, learners explore energy, work, momentum, collisions, statics, elasticity, and conservation principles. The teaching uses video lectures, readings, conceptual quizzes, homework-style assignments, and a final exam, with a strong emphasis on solving physics problems using algebra, vector analysis, graphical analysis, and calculus. The course is flexible and self-paced, with an estimated completion time of two weeks at around 10 hours per week. It is part of the Introduction to Mechanics Specialization and includes a shareable certificate on completion, making it suitable for students building subject knowledge as well as learners looking to refresh core physics concepts.

This Coursera specialization from Johns Hopkins University introduces learners to algebra from the fundamentals through more advanced topics. It is a three-course series designed to help students build a strong foundation in algebra and geometry, with an emphasis on logical reasoning, quantitative thinking, and problem solving. Across the courses, learners work through equations, inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, graphs, relations and functions, radicals, exponents, quadratic equations, and function applications. The programme uses many smaller applied problems and practice exercises rather than one large project, helping learners build confidence step by step. The specialization is beginner level, self-paced, and fully online. It is intended for students who want to prepare for more advanced mathematics such as precalculus, calculus, probability, statistics, and data science, and it awards a shareable certificate on completion.