You are on COVID-19 Information (University of Essex). Skip to the next section.

COVID-19 Information (University of Essex)

• For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .

You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• The accommodation has 561 rooms in 7 houses, situated around a central enclosed courtyard. .
• All of the rooms are en-suite and there is generally 8 to 10 student bedrooms in each flat sharing a communal kitchen. .
• There is also a selection of self contained studio flats suitable for either single or couple occupancy that have their own kitchenette, as well as en-suite bathroom facilities. .
• Some of the studio flats have been adapted for wheelchair users.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
• This venue is situated in Southend-on-Sea.
• The nearest mainline station is Southend Central.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does not have its own car park.
• There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
• The name of the car park is University Square.
• The car park is located under the halls of residence.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
• The door(s) is / are single.
• The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • The automatic doors open towards you and are swipe card controlled.
  • A swipe card is given to students which will give access to the main entrance, common room, one of the 7 houses and individual accommodation.
  • There is a set of double doors, on the left as you face the automatic door.
  • These doors open towards you, are heavy, are 140cm wide and also swipe card controlled.

You are on Reception (Accommodation). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Accommodation)

• The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Main Entrance and Reception - Block 2.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The lighting levels are bright.
• The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
• The desk/counter is staffed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Inside Access (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2)

• There is not level access to the service(s).
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• The lighting levels are bright.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

You are on Level Change (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located opposite the reception desk.
• The ramp or slope is moderate.
• The ramp or slope is permanent.
• There are steps to access this area / service.
• The steps are located next to the lift.
• There is / are 2 step(s) to the area / service.
• Lighting levels at the steps are bright.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The steps are deep.
• The steps do not have handrails.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • The ramp overcomes the steps.

You are on Other Floors (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2)

Collapse all Expand all

• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The lighting level is bright.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
• Comments View
  • These stairs allow access to all floors within House 2.

You are on Lift (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Main Entrance and Reception - House 2)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located on the left as you enter.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
• The lift is 8m (26ft 3in) from Main Entrance and Reception - House 2.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 100cm (4ft 7in x 3ft 3in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The lift controls do not have Braille markings.
• The lift controls do have tactile markings.
• The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
• The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • This lift serves all floors within House 2.

You are on Outside Access (House 3). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (House 3)

• This information is for the entrance located off the Podium Area.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are single.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • The entrance is swipe card controlled.

You are on Inside Access (House 3). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (House 3)

• There is level access to the service.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Other Floors (House 3). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (House 3)

Collapse all Expand all

• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The lighting level is bright.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.

You are on Lift (House 3). Skip to the next section.

Lift (House 3)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located on the left as you enter.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
• The lift is 2m (6ft 7in) from House 3 Entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 100cm (4ft 7in x 3ft 3in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The lift controls do not have Braille markings.
• The lift controls do have tactile markings.
• The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
• The lighting level in the lift is bright.

You are on Accommodation (Adapted Room - House 3). Skip to the next section.

Accommodation (Adapted Room - House 3)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location of Accessible Accommodation View
  • The establishment provides 6 accessible accommodation facilities with an ensuite and/or separate accessible bathroom.
  • This information refers to the adapted room.
  • The accessible facilities are located within the adapted room.
  • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
  • The room number viewed was Room 14 AZ.
  • The width of the door to the room is 92cm (3ft).
  • The dimensions of the clear floor space are 550cm x 550cm (18ft 1in x 18ft 1in).
  • The bed is 50cm (1ft 8in) high.
  • Light switches are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is a functional emergency alarm in the room.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
• Accessible Bathroom View
  • The information relates to the ensuite.
  • The dimensions of the bathroom are 250cm x 230cm (8ft 2in x 7ft 7in).
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door to the bathroom is 92cm (3ft).
  • The door weight is light.
  • There is a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm in height.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the sink is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • The measurement of lateral transfer space is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There are mirrors.
  • The mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Disposal facilities are not available.
• Wheel In Shower View
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The shower head height is adjustable.
  • The type of shower controls used are twist/turn.
  • The shower seat is flip down.
  • The shower seat height is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • There are handrails available.
• Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms View
  • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom View
  • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is good.
  • The colour contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
• Auxiliary Aids - General View
  • None of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
  • The accommodation does not provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in standard rooms.
  • There is / are 6 accessible room(s) with a wheel in shower.
• Ground Floor Rooms View
  • Ground floor rooms do have level access.
  • Rooms are located off theground floor corridors.
  • Adjoining rooms are not available.
• Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
  • There are standard rooms on other floors.
  • The other floors can be accessed by lift.
  • There is level access to standard rooms on other floors.
  • Adjoining rooms are not available.
• Comments View
  • The entrance door to the adapted room is swipe card controlled.

You are on Adapted Room - House 3. Skip to the next section.

Adapted Room - House 3

• The photographs show both the room study space including the desk area and the roll in shower complete with fold down seat.

You are on Communal Kitchen. Skip to the next section.

Communal Kitchen

• There is one communal kitchen per flat.
• The kitchen is equipped with low level worktops that contain a sink and hob.
• There is also a microwave placed at a low level.
• There are also ovens and fridge/freezers.
• The kitchens also have all of the previously described equipment at a height of 90cm.

You are on Outside Access (House 1). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (House 1)

• This information is for the entrance located off the Podium area.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main doors open towards you (pull).
• The doors are single width.
• The doors are heavy.
• The door opening is 92cm (3ft 0in) wide.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • The entrance is swipe card controlled.

You are on Inside Access (House 1). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (House 1)

• There is level access to the service.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Other Floors (House 1). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (House 1)

Collapse all Expand all

• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The lighting level is bright.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.

You are on Lift (House 1). Skip to the next section.

Lift (House 1)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located on the left as you enter.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
• The lift is 2m (6ft 7in) from House 1 Entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 100cm (4ft 7in x 3ft 3in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The lift controls do not have Braille markings.
• The lift controls do have tactile markings.
• The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
• The lighting level in the lift is bright.

You are on Accommodation (Studio Flat - House 1). Skip to the next section.

Accommodation (Studio Flat - House 1)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location of Accessible Accommodation View
  • The establishment provides 6 accessible accommodation facilities with an ensuite and/or separate accessible bathroom.
  • This information refers to the studio flat.
  • The accessible facilities are located within the studio flat.
  • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
  • The room number viewed was S1 AZ.
  • The width of the door to the room is 92cm (3ft).
  • The dimensions of the clear floor space are 550cm x 550cm (18ft 1in x 18ft 1in).
  • The bed is 50cm (1ft 8in) high.
  • Light switches are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is a functional emergency alarm in the room.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
• Accessible Bathroom View
  • The information relates to the ensuite.
  • The dimensions of the bathroom are 250cm x 230cm (8ft 2in x 7ft 7in).
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door to the bathroom is 92cm (3ft).
  • The door weight is light.
  • There is a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm in height.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the sink is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • The measurement of lateral transfer space is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There are mirrors.
  • The mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Disposal facilities are not available.
• Wheel In Shower View
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The shower head height is adjustable.
  • The type of shower controls used are twist/turn.
  • The shower seat is flip down.
  • The shower seat height is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • There are handrails available.
• Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms View
  • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom View
  • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is good.
  • The colour contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
• Auxiliary Aids - General View
  • None of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
  • The accommodation does not provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in standard rooms.
  • There is / are 6 accessible room(s) with a wheel in shower.
• Ground Floor Rooms View
  • Ground floor rooms do have level access.
  • Rooms are located off the ground floor corridors.
  • Adjoining rooms are not available.
• Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
  • There are standard rooms on other floors.
  • The other floors can be accessed by lift.
  • There is level access to standard rooms on other floors.
  • Adjoining rooms are not available.

You are on Studio Flat - House 1. Skip to the next section.

Studio Flat - House 1

• The adapted Studio Flats have a lowered worktop which houses the hob and sink.
• There is a fridge and microwave.
• The photographs show both the kitchen area and roll in shower with folds down seat.

You are on Inside Access (Common Room). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (Common Room)

• There is level access to the service(s).
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does play background music.
• The lighting levels are bright.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • The Student Common Room is equipped with large flat screen TV's on the wall, tables and chairs, tabletop football and vending machines.
  • There are also electrical sockets and WiFi to allow students to work/study within the common room.

You are on Laundry Room. Skip to the next section.

Laundry Room

• There are communal laundry facilities located off the Student Common Room.
• There are low level washing machines and tumble dryers.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Common Room). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Common Room)

• There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The accessible toilet is 35m (38yd) from the Main Entrance and Reception - House 2.
  • The accessible toilet is located off the common room.
  • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The door is light.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 225cm x 145cm (7ft 5in x 4ft 9in).
  • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is a functional emergency alarm available.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a coat hook.
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
  • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in) high.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Common Room). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Common Room)

Collapse all Expand all

• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilets are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilets are located off the common room.
  • The female and male toilets are 35m (38yd) from the Main Entrance and Reception - House 2.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilet.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Documents can be requested in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
• This service can be requested.
• Staff are Text Relay aware.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • The Podium area can be accessed by using either the lift in House 2 or by the steps at the rear of the reception area.
  • The photograph shows both the Podium area and the steps leading to the area.