Top things to do as a student in Chelmsford

ARU's campus in Chelmsford is a 15-minute walk from the city centre, making it easy to find things to do. There are also lots of events and opportunities on campus. Here are some of my highlights.

As well as city attractions, ARU has an abundance of student services to ensure you feel supported alongside your studies, with extra-curricular activities for you to make new friends and relax!

1. University activities

The Students' Union hosts an abundance of events for all students to get involved in. They have many activities during Welcome Week, recently celebrated Global Week sharing food and traditions from a wide range of cultures, and made colourful memories during Holi Week. Student-led societies also host their own events which are very popular.

The University has competitive sports clubs which take part in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) League. Here, students have the opportunity to play against other universities, play varsity competitions and attend Sports Awards at the end of the academic year to celebrate their achievements. I have played netball since my first year and have really enjoyed taking part, staying fit and making friends.

The Campus Sport programme allows you to feel the same enjoyment from sport but play more casually, with £1 sessions which are great for trying new sports. I started badminton which I enjoyed so much that I joined the team.

ARU Temps is great for finding things to do alongside your studies and getting paid for it. The Student Ambassador scheme is a great way to represent the university, make friends and get involved in a variety of roles. I have been a mock patient for nursing and paramedic OSCEs, travelled to Northern Ireland for a UCAS Fair and helped at Open Days, which you can do too.

There’s so much to do at ARU! I will list a few more but keep exploring for yourself on the ARU website.

Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA) really engages budding entrepreneurs and runs sessions and events to help students and graduates.

The Anglia Language Programme helps you learn a new language or improve your current language skills. I completed A2 French which then opened my eyes to a Study Abroad opportunity where I studied for a month in Dijon, France. This subsequently contributed to an ARU CPD module in Intercultural Learning Abroad for Global Citizenship and have since completed many more CPD modules.

I have really enjoyed my time at ARU and have maximised opportunities to find things to do! I recommend going to events, joining societies and sports clubs and seeing what they’re about. All of these things will help you settle in and have fun at university alongside your studies.

2. Eat!

There's an abundance of restaurants and food places in Chelmsford to explore, the possibilities are endless!

I enjoy going to cafes for a study session or going out for a meal with friends.

I love trying new foods and a few of my favourites are Mowgli’s, Turkish Kitchen, TGI Friday and Las Iguanas, but there are plenty more to explore.

3. Explore nature

Central Park is beautiful and peaceful all year round to walk around and enjoy nature, go for a run, or have a picnic with friends. There is also a nature reserve round the back of the university which I loved during my time in student halls as a scenic route into town.

Chelmsford Cathedral is also a place to sit, enjoy and see it lit up at night.

From Chelmsford it's just a 35-minute train ride to London which opens up endless opportunities to find things for you to do.

I hope this gives you an insight into what your time at ARU Chelmsford could look like and I wish you all the best in your journey with us! I am always up for a chat to discuss any concerns or generally to hear about your experiences! Drop me a message.

Chloe studies BSc (Hons) Medical Science at ARU in Chelmsford. Find out more about this and other degree courses at one of our Open Days.