Chelmsford is a vibrant city with plenty to keep you occupied.

It has three theatres, an eight screen Odeon cinema, four nightclubs, including the newly-opened Evoke, and a number of late licence bars such as Missoula and The Purple Lounge. If you prefer live music, Hooga and The Bassment will cater for you, with music ranging from indie to jazz fusion. These venues can all be found in the High Street and West End areas of town, within easy walking distance of campus. The High Chelmer and Meadows shopping centres will ensure that you have plenty of opportunity for some retail therapy, and an indoor market runs from Tuesday to Saturday each week - the perfect place to pick up a bargain or two.

Hylands House, a Grade II* listed building, lies in over 550 acres of parkland, situated south-west of Chelmsford. Recently restored to its 18th century splendour, the House and its estate is open for people to enjoy year round. However, most of the site's visitors descend on one weekend in August - The V Festival is held every year in Hylands Park, with up to 65,000 people attending each day. 2012 saw The Stone Roses, Noel Gallagher, The Killers, Snow Patrol, Tinie Tempah and Ed Sheeran playing, to name but a few. Just think - in 2013 you could be one of those 65,000 people enjoying the biggest acts in the world!

Chelmsford is a sporty place too. Essex County Cricket Club play frequent matches during the season and the ground ('Fortress Chelmsford') is within easy walking distance of the bus and railway stations. Chelmsford City Football Club competes in the Blue Square Conference South, and plays their home matches at the Melbourne Stadium. The area has a variety of golf clubs for players of all standards, and there are rugby and hockey clubs, as well as the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre, home of the Chelmsford Chieftains ice hockey team.

And don't forget - London is just 35 mins away and trains run frequently throughout the day so it's quick and easy to visit the capital.

Further information about Chelmsford and the surrounding area

• Chelmsford Borough Council
• BBC Essex
• Chelmsford Weekly News
• This is Total Essex