Welcome to our Chelmsford campus
You’ll find our Chelmsford campus nestled down by the river in the city’s University and Innovation Quarter, just a short stroll from the lively centre.
Chelmsford offers a warm welcome with a vibrant feel. It’s the perfect base to explore the wider Essex and Suffolk counties, and the capital city of London which is just 30 minutes away by train.
Interested in discovering Chelmsford for yourself? Come and explore. Book on to an Open Day or join a weekly campus tour. We’d love to welcome you to campus.
Our campus: past, present and future
ARU's roots in Chelmsford go back to 1893, and adult further-education classes. In 1904 a foundation stone was laid in Market Road by Lord Rayleigh, which marked the start of our journey to create purpose-built further education buildings in Chelmsford – and we’ve never looked back.
We’ve continued to invest and grow to become the modern University we are today. Just a few campus highlights include:
- the School of Medicine, which is training a whole new generation of doctors
- one of the largest business schools in the East of England
- high-quality study facilities – lecture theatres of course, but also mock hospital wards and medical science SuperLabs
- the university library and open access computer area
- restaurant, cafés and plenty of outdoor space
- Arise Chelmsford, an innovation centre to support new businesses
- services including a campus gym, the Students’ Union, medical centre, ARU Temps employment bureau, and finance and accommodation offices.
A great place to study
In its serene location by the river, our Chelmsford campus is a great place to be. It offers plenty of outdoor space and, with more than 6,000 students here, there's a real multicultural feel.
As well as training the majority of the region’s nurses and midwives, we’re home to students of education, law, engineering, business, architecture, computing and more.
It makes for a great mix of people.
Our courses are recognised by industry, with many of them being professionally accredited. Whatever you’re interested in we’ll help you work towards your ambitions.
World-class teaching and research
As well as our students, the Chelmsford campus is home to a thriving academic community.
We’re proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards. Our tutors have strong industry experience, meaning you'll graduate with a degree that’s relevant to the workplace.
Add to this our growing reputation for world-leading research, with Chelmsford being the base for the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI), the Veterans and Families Institute for Military Social Research (VFI) and the Medical Technology Research Centre.
The VFI is the first in the country to research the needs of former military personnel and their families. Meanwhile, the MTRC concentrates on medical technologies, life sciences and clinical research; and IPPPRI supports policing improvement through research, knowledge exchange and opportunities for continuing professional development.
Life on campus... and off
There's always something happening on campus, and whatever you're studying, you'll be close to social spaces, cafes, and Students' Union fun.
We're also just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Chelmsford and everything the city has to offer.
Here's a guide to some of the facilities and events on campus.
As well as the eateries below, vending facilities are available across campus.
The Central
The Central is a great place on campus to eat, meet and socialise. Pop in for breakfast, grab your favourite barista coffee and sit outside by the river, or stop by for a delicious lunch from one of our weekly changing food booths. Find The Central in the Lord Ashcroft Building.
Hoffmanns
The hidden gem of Chelmsford, Hoffmanns is the best-kept secret on campus. With barista coffee, iced drinks, sandwiches, salads, panini and pastries, it’s the perfect stop if you’re on-the-go. Find Hoffmanns on the ground floor of the Marconi Building.
Vending facilities are also available across campus.
Whether you're living on campus or commuting to uni, there are loads of ways to get involved in student life.
You can relax in the Students’ Union lounge, or get involved with over 30 student-led societies, offering a great selection of events throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the centre of Chelmsford is a ten-minute walk away with a wealth of things to do; visit the City life in Chelmsford page for more information.
You can enjoy using a range of health and fitness facilities on campus:
- The Old Factory gym, featuring a range of cardiovascular equipment, fixed-resistance machines, free weights and a multi-functional fitness rig
- fitness classes, which take place in The Old Factory and are included in the price of all gym memberships. Alternatively, you can take part on a pay-as-you-go-basis
- Mildmay Sports Hall, which offers four badminton courts and a range of other indoor sports
- a floodlit MUGA (Multi Use Games Area).
If you're interested in playing competitively, consider joining one of our sports clubs. Or, if you simply want to have fun and try new things, there are 'turn up and play' Campus Sport sessions throughout the year.
There are a number of quiet spaces on our Chelmsford campus:
- Wellbeing space/room in the Library
- Library third floor (silent study)
- Multi faith prayer, meditation, and quiet room
- Forest Pod outside space
- Riverside bench areas
- The Labyrinth outside space.
You can also enjoy a mindful walk, using the Wellbeing Art Trail.