Program Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

The University of Sussex was a great place to study abroad as it has so many international students; it is easy to make friends who are doing the same thing as you! I really appreciated the location because being on campus was calming and not in a busy area but a short bus/ train ride could bring you to Brighton where there was always something to do. I also appreciated how easy it was to travel to Gatwick airport if you are looking to see other countries while abroad. I found the school to be quite easy academically compared to my home university, which was nice to be able to explore the area without a lot of school stress. My biggest critique is that if you are looking to go somewhere with a completely different culture and really immerse yourself this may not be the place for you, from an American perspective.

I'm afraid I didn't take advantage of my semester abroad as much as I should have. I struggle with social anxiety and depression, and consequently stayed in my dorm and on campus for the first two months of my three month-long stay in Brighton out of fear. I was doubly afraid of and felt inept with making friends but I was approached by three other Black girls that transformed my experience. We shopped, ate, visited the pier and explored, and studied together; without them, I doubt whether I would have never had fun while I was there.

As far as the campus experience, it was great. My home university has very little breadth in its humanities and social sciences courses, so I was particularly excited to visit Sussex and finally explore my interests. My curiosities were satiated, then piqued, then multiplied, and I was so happy to have several post-class chats with my professors after nearly every lecture. My dormitory was a sore spot, however. I lived in Norwich House, which was fine on its face, but my flatmates' inability to keep our kitchen clean was abhorrent, and the continuous construction outside my window made sleep and studying increasingly difficult (on top of my depression). The food on campus is also lackluster and the ethnic options have much to be desired; I had to travel into Brighton to eat other styles of food, and even then there weren't many Latin or Caribbean restaurants.

Overall, I enjoyed my time and wish I had made more of it! It was a wonderful experience.

I was at the University of Sussex for over 3 months. I lived on campus in Falmer during that time. It was a great place to live as everything you needed was there, from bars to supermarkets and sports facilities. There were also events on and off campus from time to time. The degree programme was very varied and I found the courses very interesting. The university was quick and uncomplicated in helping you with any issues. Together with travelling, meeting new people and going out partying, I had a really good time!

My experience in Sussex was exquisite, the bus ride to Brighton was convenient and the student discount saved money. The food in the cafeteria was also delicious and cheap. I however decided to cook most of the time myself with food bought from the local CO-OP store. The classes that I chose were somewhat close by to my dorm room, but because of the construction, I pity anyone who wasn't nearer to the actual campus. I recommend choosing a Swanborough dorm for the closest proximity to classes and food stores and to the local lanundromat.

This program was a lot of fun however I thought they could have provided extra support to exchange students. Often times I would have to reach out to multiple different offices to understand what was happening or what I needed to do (instead of them voluntarily giving me this useful information). I’ve heard other programs where they have exchange students go to programs together/ do a separate orientation but they didn’t do that. Was a lot of fun but definitely could have provided more support.

As an only student coming in into the program from my home university, I was very nervous to partake in this program. But, I made sure that I didn't allow that to stop me from my experience. I met so many lovely friends, colleagues, joined fun societies, and travelled all around. The city is AMAZING! Very cozy, and friendly - with the Brighton beach at the coast. I also made sure to have the famous "fish and chips".

Would definitely recommend coming to study abroad here at the University of Sussex.