ARU Writtle - Chelmsford

Steve C.

Chelmsford has a really good cycle network that links to the college. However it’s slowing being choked by vegetation in many places. Kind of surprising that for an Agricultural college it’s not setting the best example, yet?

Russell R.

Not sure why you're reading this review, but for information, I'm a parent of a student currently attending Writtle University (started Autumn 2023).

I have been totally impressed with this place.

It's small and friendly, and pretty much everything is contained on campus. We attended some of the open days during the UCAS application process and the tours were informative, and the staff professors and course lecturers, were helpful, friendly, and enthusiastic.

The location of the college feels quite peaceful and the grounds and the campus itself are nicely landscaped and attractive. There's the normal student facilities (bar, shop, student union, gym, coffee shop, etc.) which are not extensive, but again all located on campus and really convenient. There is a good amount of student accommodation on campus, again, location is perfect and rooms are well laid out.

Being quite rural, there's no issues with students bringing cars, and there's free parking for students. Students can even bring their HORSE - which made me laugh (the college runs some equine courses and has quite large stables). The college is only a short walk into Writtle, and only a couple of miles to Chelmsford. I'd never been to Chelmsford before, but its not a bad place!

Overall, Writtle has turned out to be an excellent university choice. Staff and faculty are great. Its a small college, but this makes if feel safe and friendly.

10/10

Kira

I have been a student here since September studying animal care and I must say - do not go here if you value your mental health. The courses are unnecessary difficult with very little leniency, most teachers seem to not care about you or have any knowledge on the subjects they are teaching, the pretty exterior is a trap to get you to enroll before showing you how dreadful it truly is there. They offer very little help with bursaries for underprivileged students, I was told it could take up to 6 weeks to get my bursary done. A friend of mine was rejected from the bursary because they claimed her mother receiving disability benefits as an income which they are legally not allowed to do. The amount of rules that exist for no reason is extensive. If you are off for 7 days in the whole year you get kicked out. The food is overpriced and they are extremely stingy. I have been shouted at for using a different pot than they wanted me to, claiming they would charge me, and told off for getting more than 3 sauce packets being told I would also be charged for that with no signs anywhere showing that is the case. The building is falling apart, the cafeteria roof has caved in twice since September that I know of. the small animals are treated very poorly with incorrect care, when telling the staff this they do not care. The animals are overweight or too skinny and kept in completely unsuitable environments. There is a total of 3 smoke spots on the main campus and if you smoke anywhere else, they will fine you - despite most teachers ignoring this rule and no disciplinary happening. If you have the misfortune of getting trapped here like I am, good luck.

Alison L.

My daughter loves it. Quiet, relaxed atmosphere (if that's what you need) and so far, good tutors. Her accommodation is small for the price (Hamilton) but most Uni rooms are like that. My only complaint is that it hadn't been cleaned for 'move-in' day. Someone's old t-shirt was on the shelf and nail clippings under the bed, which meant we had to hoover and wipe everything down, before we left. Glad I bought her a rug! Oh and not enough fridge space for the number of students sharing the kitchen. So she buys food on a pre-paid card from the canteen. They have a small Starbucks onsite. But she's generally happy there and doing well on her degree course. Plenty of parking. Lovely places to walk/run. Animals everywhere (Well cared for from what I've heard). Ted and Sushi (local cats) like to hang out on campus. Not your typical Uni, but she made the right choice for her.

Sara D.

Beautiful college, and great college to learn with, would well recommend, I have done RHS level 2 practical horticulture with Writtle and a short course of brickwork in the garden, both excellent. I have booked another short course to also learn paving in the garden.

Not T.

As a student for the past two years, I can honestly say this college/uni is in a terrible state. I would never recommend this to anyone. They are unorganized and uncaring.

The organization of the college is terrible, between registers being messed up and dates and times being confusing, you'll be lucky to get anything done.

There is no care for less privileged students. While I attended the college I expressed multiple times to multiple different staff members that I felt unsafe on campus due to violent bullying and serious harassment and the people who caused it got no more than a slap on the wrist.

There was some good, as there are some interesting opportunities for people on the right course, and I was fortunate enough to get some nice lecturers out of the many terrible ones. However, the college have clear favours for the more successful courses.

I also noticed a severe decrease in standards as ARU took over, showing that they do not care at all about their students by disbanding the entire wellbeing team.

The food is expensive and although there are bursaries, they do not provide enough for a substantial lunch or breakfast. There have been days where me or my friends have had to go without food due to bursary not providing enough money.

Overall when I think of the college, I think of disorganization, a lack of care, and extortion.

R J.

Very clean. Staff are amazing and helpful / supportive.

Garik

This college is fantastic concerning to location. All buildings are small, comfortable, surrounded by trees, plants, natural and artificial landscapes. The internal decoration is not always the best, but it promotes students to study. There are many classrooms with big windows: you listen lecture and at the same time enjoy autumn or any other weather from the windows.