University of Sussex

Program Reviews

Melanie
5/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Good and welcoming university

I’m a visiting student for the whole academic year of 2019-2020 and I spent such an amazing year, even though it was cut short. The team of Sussex Abroad is really helpful with everything and quite quick at answering any queries and the whole university is really open and welcoming to international students. Moreover, there are a lot of events for international students. The societies are generally really nice (especially Strictly Sussex, the ballroom and Latin dance society, who were welcoming with everybody, whether you’ve danced before or not).

Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Melanie for your review and for giving detail of what you got involved in! We hope you come back to Sussex and Brighton again in the future.

A
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Interesting year

People: you can expect meeting people from all around the world, I would say quite a number of asian faces.

Campus: not very big, but is beautiful. There is a hiking route nearby. On campus bar, canteen, co-op.

Transportation: You can take train or bus to Brighton (15-30mins)

Housing: on/off campus option. On campus: share bathroom/ en suite. Heating system is not ready when I moved in, also you must report to the department if out of hot water for shower! (they fixed later),as they may not check. Cleaning service every week.

Study: kind of harsh on grading (maybe depends on the prof.) the online system is easy to use, professors/tutors usually reply your email quickly.

Activity: lots of societies that you may join, sports, hiking, music, dog walking, media, gaming and more, very interesting
Other: Brighton Stadium is right next to the campus, you may watch a match if interested, very exciting

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I had once seen a fox on campus! There are also rabbits, squirrels, and lots of seagulls
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your feedback, it's much appreciated!

Maggie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

The location of the campus was convenient in that buses frequently stopped there, and it was a quick commute to the city and to Lewes, where many exchange students lived. The housing that I was given was a little far, but it was very spacious and I lived comfortably. Most of my professors were also very responsive and helpful if I had any questions. The campus has an abundance of resources available to students, and everyone I talked to if I had problems regarding anything was incredibly helpful.

What would you improve about this program?
I wish they gave me recommendations for grocery stores and restaurants in the area I lived in
Response from University of Sussex

It's great to read your positive comments, Maggie, and thank you for coming to Sussex and Brighton! We appreciate your specific recommendation too.

Brianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying Abroad in Sussex

Studying at Sussex for a semester was amazing for the first 2 months. The location of my housing in town was ideal, and campus was only a 30 minute bus ride away. Unfortunately because of COVID-19 and the strikes, my time there was cut short and the online teaching was not a good experience. However, I would still recommend Sussex as the staff, specifically the health resources, has been very supportive online. They are also very good at maintaining communication with students throughout this difficult time.

What was your funniest moment?
A seagull snatched a rice cake out of my hand in downtown Brighton as I was walked to a bus stop... they are vicious!!!
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your feedback, Brianna, and we're pleased you had a good time while you were here. Your seagull story makes us laugh too - all too typical of the gulls here in Brighton!

Marcela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience, full of adventures

I catalogue my whole experience as amazing! The international experience office was really helpful since the beginning, they really helped me with all my application process, housing and module enrollment.
When I got to the university, at the beginning I felt a little bit lost, but everyone there was really friendly and willing to help.
I made friends thanks to many events that the university sponsored, and also from my clases.
The academic field is not that hard in my point of view. It is a lot of self study, but teachers are always willing to answer questions, and the technology used for clases, homework and assignments is really good, everything is through Canvas website.
The facilities are pretty well kept, and inside the university there is a supermarket, a gym, mass, restaurants and housing, which is very convenient.
Brighton is such a beautiful place and full of different things to do, from a walk in the pier to the British Airways i360 tower to the lanes and the beach. The weather is really windy and rainy most of the time, but when the sun is out you can make the most out of this beautiful city. It is also convenient that it is just one hour and a half from London by train, and it is really easy to catch it!
Finally, Sussex is a really international school, people from all around the world come to study at Sussex, which makes it a great opportunity to meet new people and get to experience other cultures.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most out of this place. You only understand Brighton if you live there! It is a random place but it has so much charm that all prejudices go away. In this place you can be your true self no matter what. Also it is full of really nice restaurants and cafes you shouldn’t miss, and at relatively cheap princes.
Response from University of Sussex

It's great to read your really positive review, Marcela, and especially your take on the weird and wonderful city that is Brighton! We hope you come back again.

Camila
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester abroad at University of Sussex

I had the bad luck of going on a semester abroad in the spring of 2020, so my program was sadly cut short by the global COVID-19 crisis. Still, I really enjoyed the time I had in Brighton and at the University of Sussex. The city is beautiful, with a great variety of restaurants, shops, and places to visit. Being close to the ocean is a great experience as well. The campus in itself is very cool as well, with great views and grounds located at the edge of a natural park. The teachers provided loads of support all throughout the term, and the community around International Students was very helpful and always available. I was sad to go but I loved to have had the opportunity.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would love to have a different experience with housing, maybe finding something outside of the university program.
Response from University of Sussex

We're really glad you had a great time here at Sussex, Camila, despite the impact of Covid-19. We really appreciate your feedback.

Marisa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Abroad

There were tons of ways to get involved! I joined two societies and signed up for international student day trips with the study abroad office. I made a ton of great friends, both local students and international students. We had fun getting to know the Brighton and South Downs area as a whole, and there are tons more things I would still like to do. The Brighton bus system is cheap and incredible: you could get anywhere in the city in under 40 minutes. I wish I could have stayed longer, but COVID sent us home early.

What would you improve about this program?
The classes were not as challenging as I would have liked, which was partially due to the four week strike that happened after the first month of classes. I missed out on a lot of in person lecture time.
Response from University of Sussex

It sounds like you made the most of your time, Marisa, and got out and about to make great friendships! Thanks for coming to Sussex and Brighton for your study abroad!

Rianna
3/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Bit Disorganized

I was at Sussex an entire academic year, and out of 22 weeks of classes, 6 weeks of classes were canceled due to strikes. This meant a lot of independent study, but I found it easy to do the assignments without a ton of prep work. I did well in my courses, and there’s usually only one or two assignments the entire semester (except maybe for STEM classes). Brighton is a really pretty city and there’s lots to do. I loved the proximity to London. If I were given the option to redo, I don’t think I would’ve gone to Sussex. I would suggest it if you’re a new traveler and this exchange would be a new experience for you.

What would you improve about this program?
Housing for international students isn’t the best, but you are together so it is easier to make friends who want to travel. Honestly, it’s a fine program if you want easy classes and want lot’s of time to travel.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your feedback, Rianna, and we also regret the impact of the strikes on students' studies! We also appreciate your feedback on the housing, an area the University is making major efforts to upgrade. We're glad you still had a great time and got lots of time to go travelling!

Danila Lorena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience I had so far

I met so many people from all over the world, and I built some amazing friendships. The campus and the people I met, made me feel every day as I was home. The campus has all I needed and more, staff is always there to help you for anything, and the buildings are modern and cozy. The university is next to a national park, and I really enjoyed walking and hiking there to explore the English countryside. In my spare days, I would take the bus or the train to go to Brighton to see the sea or visit this unbelievable city. I can’t wait to come back.

Response from University of Sussex

We're so pleased you had a great experience here, Danila. Wonderful to hear how you got out and enjoyed the natural environment around the Sussex campus! I hope you get to come back again before too long!

Mallaury
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great year

I had a great time at the university of Sussex. I loved that there were so many foreign and exchange students. Brighton is a beautiful city and the university of Sussex is a great uni. Would recommend visiting the city and enjoying the student life. The life on campus is super nice, I was staying at Northfield, which is a nice housing. Classes were good as well and I liked the fact that every class was recorded and put online because it makes it easier for exchange students to understand the classes and work.

Response from University of Sussex

It's great to read your really positive comments, Mallaury! We're so pleased you had a great time here at Sussex and Brighton.