University of Sussex

Program Reviews

Annabelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best semester yet!

I had the best time during my study abroad experience at the University of Sussex during the Autumn semester of 2025. I have made great friendships with other exchange students and have made a home away from home which I will always cherish. If you are looking to undertake a university exchange, I cannot recommend Sussex enough! Brighton is an amazing city closeby to the campus, and London is just a train ride away. The campus itself is very green and surrounded by the beautiful Stanmer National park so is a perfect choice for nature lovers.

Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for the review Annabelle. Great to hear how you enjoyed exploring Brighton & the Downs.

Carmen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The time of my life

During the time I spent in Sussex, I was happier than I have ever been. The classes were interesting, great teachers, and good vibes with my classmates. But for me, the people that I want to hold on to are my flatmates and a few other friends, who spent more time in my flat than in theirs at the end of the day. The friendships that I made in Sussex are so special. All the things we experienced together make them irreplaceable. It was tough leaving my family and everyone I love at home, but it was even tougher to come back.

But definitely an experience that I will always want to repeat, and grateful that I had the chance to experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
For me, the most surprising thing I did was not related to any particular place, but with myself. After a lot of time struggling with anxiety and having a lot of fears, going to study at Sussex made me heal so much that I found myself in so many situations that I would never have imagined I would be. Taking planes, trips, trains, going to clubs, trusting new people... I was the bravest I have ever been, and in return, I now have the best memories of my life.
Pros
  • Going out your comfort zone
  • Friendships
  • Exploring a new country
Cons
  • Food may be tricky at first
  • Not cheap
  • Is tough coming back home
Response from University of Sussex

It was great having you with us Carmen. Thank you for the review and great photo!

Auggie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Enjoy campus life!

My time at Sussex was unlike any other uni experience I've had thus far. Everyone was incredibly friendly, staff were helpful, and there was something fun to do around every corner. I am so incredibly proud to have had this opportunity, especially to have met the people I did. There's a small uni food court, bar and store which is convenient for late nights and early mornings. This is most certainly the most I've been able to grow while at uni because the administration, staff and students are all there to support each individual student.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would want to participate in student activities more and to take advantage of the programs that the school offers (clubs, get-to-know each other events, etc)
Response from University of Sussex

Really great to hear that you enjoyed your time at Sussex Auggie!

Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Come at Sussex, you won't regret it!

I absolutely loved my time at the University of Sussex, from meeting a lot of new friends from all over the world to the great teaching. I made so many new friendships with people from my own country but also from countries I did not even heard before! However, the teaching at SU is worth of mention too! it's very different (in a good way) from what I am used to. You'll have seminars where you can express your thoughts on the module in a very confidential way and classes with friendly teachers.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate a pizza made by a pizza-robot located in the univeristy campus. I'm italian and I can guarantee you the pizza was great and surprisingly ready in only 4 minutes!!
Pros
  • new friends
  • experience different culture's traditions (like the mexican day of the deads)
  • living with friends
Cons
  • it only lasts 2 months and an half
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Emma. Great to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us.

David
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience most cherished

The experience of taking a semester abroad at the University of Sussex will always be one of my most cherished. I have made some great international friends, experienced living in England and at a university campus (in Czechia, the unis do not have them). I loved the welcoming atmosphere and also am fond of how sweet British people are. I would definitely recommend taking the semester to everyone, especially at University of Sussex with its wonderful study support and teachers. I really liked how communicative, likeable and helpful the teachers were.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to experience and do not be scared to talk to people. It is important to keep reaching out to people because that is the best way to foster connection.
Pros
  • People
  • Campus
  • Food
Cons
  • Expensiveness
  • Sometimes weather
Response from University of Sussex

Great to hear that you enjoyed your time at Sussex David.

Madelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformative

University of Sussex hosts a wonderful, diverse community of global learners. As a visiting student I felt safe and welcomed on campus. With close proximity to Brighton's waterfront, South Downs National Park and the AmEx football stadium, there was never a dull moment. The academic environment was engaging and lecturers were great. The access to London was easy and also adds great value to this program. If you are somebody that is looking for a less mainstream study abroad experience, University of Sussex is a great place to start!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would do a full year rather than one semester! So much to see and so much to do in such a short amount of time.
Pros
  • Great location for people who love the city but don't want to live in city center
  • Diverse
Response from University of Sussex

It was great to have you with us Madelyn. Thank you for the review.

Georgia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Georgia Kern Spring 2025

I had a great experience studying abroad at Sussex. I enjoyed the classes I took and the passion the professors had. However, I did not perform as well academically as I expected and normally do at my home university. One of my classes had overall low class grade averages, and I am not sure if that is typical or not. I would have loved to receive grades sooner to help. I attended office hours for one class I was very passionate about, but it felt very rushed and that my professor did not have the time.

I loved the location of my flat to the rest of campus. Having a train station and airport so close was amazing! I was constantly traveling. I appreciated the different events that happened throughout campus

What would you improve about this program?
I would allow more opportunities for study abroad students to mingle with current students. I became closest to other students who were studying abroad, and did not become friends with many UK students.
Pros
  • Classes met once a week
  • Few grades/assignments
  • Location
Cons
  • Large class sizes
  • Grades released too late
  • Campus hours (cafes/food close early)
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Georgia.

Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Sussex exchange program

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I recommend all university students to participate in if given the opportunity. What I love about the University of Sussex is that it is hidden away from the busy streets of Brighton, surrounded by trees, fields, and wildlife. I found the staff and students to be kind and welcoming, making living in another country and experiencing new things easier! The University set up exchange meet and greets, but I would recommend joining a sports team or society to embrace the university experience. A short bus ride out of the university and Brighton has so much to see and do! If you like the beach (like me), I recommend you visit during the summertime.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Snow! It was so special to see snow for the first time right outside my window! A bit different from a hot traditional Australian christmas.
Pros
  • Meeting new people and making new friends
  • Experiencing living in a new country
  • Having so many travel opportunities
Cons
  • Expensive living out of home
  • Homesick and missing loved ones
Response from University of Sussex

Great to hear about your time at Sussex Lily. Thank you for sharing.

Jacob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Experience at Sussex

Studying abroad at Sussex was one of the best decisions of my life. From experiencing and immersing myself within a new culture, to the lifelong friends I made, to the challenging and thought-provoking academics, and to the fun nightlife and social side at Sussex, it was everything I could have asked for. As an exchange student from Chicago, culture in the UK was very different and I was anxious at first, but immediately upon my arrival at Sussex, I met loads of great people that I now consider my close friends. Sussex offers a variety of clubs and sports that I engaged in, all of which led me to meeting new friends. The student-body in general is full of welcoming and friendly people. Brighton as a city is very diverse with a lively nightlife from a variety of pubs, restaurants, and clubs and feels like it is its own little world. I personally bought a bus pass and would constantly go into Brighton where I quickly learned where everything was located and experienced everything the city has to offer. Also, the professors at Sussex are engaging and caring, yet challenge you and push you to be the best version of yourself.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would recommend buying the Brighton and Hove student discounted bus pass for the time you are studying abroad. Buying this pass forced me to into Brighton 3-4 days a week and really immerse myself into the city and its culture in order to get my moneys worth. I would also recommend buying a rail card. I constantly traveled to London, so having a rail card made this affordable and accessible. Overall, I would recommend getting out of your accom and meeting as many new people as you can. There are infinite possibilities and connections you can make. Also, if you North America or a country that does not have international travel as cheap and accessible as the UK, I recommend traveling to other countries. I visited 3 other countries within my time at Sussex and experienced some of the most gorgeous places I have seen. This was very fulfilling.
Pros
  • Welcoming student body
  • Challenging yet achievable academics
  • lively city
Cons
  • none
Response from University of Sussex

Hi Jacob, thank you for your review. Great to hear about all the things you got up to while you were at Sussex.

Jacob
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Positive experience at U Sussex

I really enjoyed my time at the University of Sussex. Classes were challenging and intriguing enough to keep me on my toes, but not overwhelming. Professors and support staff were helpful and available for questions. Student Wellbeing team was particularly helpful in navigating challenges that arose, they provided great support in light of serious issues. Social scene was a lot of fun—Brighton is a great town for students and anyone 18+. Tons of fun bars, clubs, and other nightlife opportunities, all easily accessible by bus and train from campus.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I think it would be more fun to live off campus, in the actual city of Brighton itself. There's so much going on in Brighton; the university itself is great, but Brighton is the place to be. Living on campus wasn't bad, but it did mean I spent less time in the city itself, which I would have liked to get to explore even more.
Pros
  • Great professors and interesting classes
  • Gorgeous South Downs National Park right next to campus
  • Relatively close proximity and easy travel to London Gatwick Airport, made other traveling much easier
Cons
  • Weather wasn't amazing–lots of rain and almost always gray skies
  • On campus housing wasn't the best. Had challenges with hot water and heating, and overall not that nice
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Jacob!