Essex University is actually on the outskirts of the City, and has an absolutely huge green campus - I think it's the second largest campus in Europe (after Keele University). Basically, the University is the centre of life, and, as with all campus universities, you'll tend to hang out with students rather than locals.

Most people hang out in the Hippodrome and other such groovy places, but always be wary of the huge army presence here. They are friendly enough, but sometimes too friendly if you get my meaning. If you are a girl (like little me) then make sure if you go out, you go with someone else. It's not a dodgy place particularly, no more so than London or Manchester, it's just that the walk to the University can be a long one.

There are many other great places to strut your stuff, but stay clear of the squaddies, and you can always go to London, which is only about 45 minutes away if you're missing Marks and Spencers underwear or Selfridges.