University of Sussex

Program Reviews

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Leonardo
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nice Experience

It was a nice experience, mostly academic wise. The support was quite useful many times as for an Erasmus students some things are not so straightforward. The modules were really great, and I was mostly satisfied by them. The quality of life is the one thing that was a bit concerning, especially hygene level of other flatmates, but also in general. I would have preferred that the academic enlightment was backed by good food and nice living conditions, that would have helped the study experience.

Response from University of Sussex

Thank you Leonardo,

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Jordan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Eye Opening

This experience was very unique to me because this was my first time out the country. It felt very eye-opening to experience another part of the world and see how different the culture was in another country. I was able to make many friendships and long lasting connections to help me adjust through these times. Studying at the University of Sussex was not only amazing because the connections I’ve made, but also because of the prestige facilities and staff as well. The learning style was very self reliant and independent but the staff was there to willingly help guide you along the way.

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Diwei
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Brighton is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been to, and it holds a special place in my heart. I absolutely love the views, the atmosphere, and the people there. The city’s vibrant yet relaxed vibe is truly unique, blending the energy of a lively town with the calm serenity of its beautiful seafront. The sound of waves crashing, the stunning sunsets, and the charm of Brighton Pier made every day feel like a gift. Walking along the beach or exploring the colorful streets always brought me a sense of peace.

My time at the University of Sussex was equally amazing. Nestled in the South Downs National Park, the campus felt like a perfect mix of nature and academia. It was here that I met some of the most wonderful people, who quickly became lifelong friends. We shared so many memorable moments, from late-night chats and group projects to exploring Brighton’s vibrant city life together. The diverse community at Sussex made every interaction meaningful, and I learned so much from the people around me.

Another significant part of my journey was how Brighton helped me recover from an illness I had been struggling with. The uplifting atmosphere, combined with the fresh sea air and the positive energy of the people, worked wonders for both my body and mind. I truly believe that the time I spent there played a key role in helping me heal. It gave me space to breathe, grow, and reconnect with myself.

Looking back, I really miss my time in Brighton and at Sussex. The city’s unique charm, the supportive community, and the unforgettable experiences made it a chapter of my life that I’ll always cherish. To anyone considering studying or visiting Brighton, I highly recommend it. It’s a place that offers so much more than just scenic beauty—it’s a space for growth, inspiration, and building connections that last a lifetime. Brighton will always have a piece of my heart.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
seagulls!
Pros
  • cozy campus
  • near to nature and sea
  • friendly people
Cons
  • high living cost (nearly as London)
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you so much for your review Diwei. All the best for the future.

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Dan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad at Sussex Uni

I had a great time and would highly recommend. That said, I wouldn't consider Sussex Uni to be all that special. The campus is nice, but it's 1960's Brutalist architecture, not unlike many campuses closer to home. The academics were decent and engaging, but didn't stack up to the high caliber and intense stuff that I was doing at my home uni. That's not necessarily their fault though; I wasn't really going to be able to integrate and commit fully to a four month program the way I can with a four year degree. And I chose an easier course load to be able to spend more time exploring and experiencing. Brighton is lovely, and Falmer is well connected to Brighton as well as other nearby towns and Gatwick airport.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Look, I can't explain what a meal deal is if you haven't experienced it, because on paper it doesn't make sense why it's so awesome and unlike anything we have the US. But boy did I eat a lot of meal deals.
Pros
  • Brighton
  • Beautiful nature
  • Good location
Cons
  • Uninspiring campus architecture
  • Academics were only ok