Common Room

There will be a common room provided for students who are remaining on campus to use over the Christmas vacation between 21 December and 2 January.

Zest / The Orangery will be available as a ‘common room’ with TV/Video/DVD player. Free tea and coffee making facilities will also be available.

The common room will be available between 10am and 12 midnight each day (1am on New Year's Eve).

If the common room remains unused for long periods of time, the Patrol Officers may lock it. If you find the common room locked during the opening hours, please go to the Information Centre on Square 3 and a Patrol Officer will arrange for the room to be opened. You are asked to ensure that you clean up after yourselves and take every care with the equipment left for your use.

Restaurant special offers at Wivenhoe House Hotel

Wivenhoe House Hotel is offering a special menu for international students from 21 December to 31 December. Reservations and enquiries can be made by phoning 01206 863666 or by e-mailing info (add @wivenhoehouse.co.uk to create the full email address). Please bring your registration card with you to claim the offer.

Roasted pumpkin soup, seeds, curry oil
Compressed melon, figs, port

Slow-cooked beef cheeks, béarnaise sauce, pommes anna, shallot confit
Roast cauliflower risotto, smoked cheddar beignets

Christmas pudding, brandy punch, custard jelly
Rum pot crème brûlée

2 courses £10, 3 courses £15

In addition, Wivenhoe House is offering a one-course special (soup and half a sandwich) for £5 for students over the University closed period from 21 December. Please bring your registration card with you.

Facebook

To get facebook updates or to make contact with other students who are staying on campus over Christmas you can 'like' our Student Support facebook page.

International Students' Christmas Party

Each year there is a Christmas party for all international students who are in the local area over the Christmas period. This year Wivenhoe House have been extremely generous in offering the hotel as the venue. The party will take place on 28 December 2012 from 1pm - 3pm. The catering team at the hotel will provide buffet food and drinks for all attendees. The Deputy Vice Chancellor will also be in attendance to wish everybody a very happy Christmas. Party games will be optional!

There is no charge for this event, so feel free to come along and join us for some traditionally British festive fun! If you think you will be able to attend please respond by e-mail to sso by 21 December if possible (non-Essex users add @essex.ac.uk to create the full e-mail address).

If you would like to walk to the party with other students there will be a meeting point at the Information Centre on Square 3 at 12.50pm.

In addition to the Christmas Party, Wivenhoe House are offering discounts on refreshments to students during the closed period (21 December 2012 – 2 January 2013). This includes a fixed price two or three course lunch and a sandwich & soup offer.

Trip to the Mercury Theatre

We have 20 discounted tickets available for a trip to the Mercury Theatre in Colchester to experience a traditional British pantomime!  This year the performance is based on the story of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and will provide fun, laughs and an opportunity to be involved in what is a key part of the Christmas experience for many families.  The performance is at 7pm on Saturday 29 December and transport from campus is being provided - this opportunity is for international students who are staying on campus over the Christmas closed period and will be offered at a price of only £8 which includes travel and your ticket to the show.  If you would like to join us for this exciting trip please call in to the Student Support office to book your place and buy your ticket.