First impressions & Educational Culture Shock

A few weeks before making my journey to Essex University from London, I had a fixed perception of how University life in Essex may be like. This perception was built on my past experience in a previous University I had been in. Although this previous university was located a thousand miles away from Colchester, I somehow assumed the experience will be quiet similar. Four weeks into my first term in Essex University and I find that my judgment was rather different from what I expected it to be.

On arrival, I instantly took notice of the well-organized nature of the school staff and volunteers who were present at the car park, offering assistance to anyone who needed it, which to me was very useful since I had no idea where exactly I was going. Another observation that I found surprising was how easy people were getting along and socializing, almost everyone seemed to be in a rush to know people. This was new to me because people from where I'm from are less sociable and keep more to themselves most of the time.  I also noticed how there are a lot more activities organized in Essex  compared to my previous Uni, with parties going on almost every night, social events, all of which I find interesting even though they can be seen as a distraction to others.

Finding my way to class on my first week was however not the best experience. I got lost on many occasions and often had to ask members of staff for directions, to my surprise they were not familiar with most classes. The “Find your way” app wasn't really helpful either, it almost seemed easier to guess your way around campus than to use the app in most cases. 

The teaching structure is the most important observation I have made in my fourth week here in Essex, a lot more different from what I'm used to. Attendance wasn't monitored back in my previous University. Group work had a percentage in your final mark but most  of your results came from Mid-semester test and final Exams. I personally had a friend who attended lectures a few times and had very good grades just by reading the handouts given, whereas in this University, there are a lot more projects, coursework to be done which I prefer since it prevents from being lazy.