University of Sussex

Program Reviews

Jeremiah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Experience to Cherish for a lifetime

Couldn't be more grateful for my time at Sussex and the opportunity to study abroad. I've gotten so much from my experiences, from exploring new cultures, seeing unique architecture, studying in a different educational system, living among local students, meeting fellow international students from around the world, sharing our unique experiences, and traveling across Europe. All this was possible because Sussex provided so many resources and events to explore the city and connect with other students. And most importantly, I made meaningful friendships that made my time at Sussex most enjoyable and memorable. Definitely would recommend anyone still considering to take this opportunity.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would begin the semester finding and joining societies more actively. I found an amazing society that resonated with me, but only after a few weeks to a month had passed. I missed out on making deeper connections and friendships in the society because I was too afraid of joining local students, and I regret not exploring more societies early on.
Pros
  • Meeting a diverse set of local and international friends
  • Great location for travel (MUST visit Seven Sisters, Canterbury, Bath, etc)
  • Final assessments for Engineering & Informatics modules are all online (very flexible)
Cons
  • Construction on campus making it difficult to reach accommodation, especially with luggage
  • Weather can be tough with extreme wind and rain (get a raincoat, not an umbrella)
  • Fall semester is very short compared to the USA
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for the positive review Jeremiah.

Shane
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved Sussex Uni!

Studying abroad at Sussex marked only my second time leaving the United States. While it took a little while to get adjusted to navigating a new country on my own and meeting new people, I was pretty settled in after the first week or two. Only having one other student from my US college at Sussex with me, it was harder to find a group to do activities and travel with, but Freshers' Week really helped me find my people. Between the diverse student body, dozens of unique societies, and the beautiful coastline city of Brighton, I would not trade my experience for the world. Part of me wishes I could stay for the whole year!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Even if it seems scary, travel as much as you can! I had class 5 days a week, but I tried to make the most of all the time outside of school I did have, and was able to hit somewhere different every weekend! The train system in England can take you anywhere in the country, which has led me to some pretty amazing hidden gems and big cities!
Pros
  • location by the south coast and in the city of Brighton (so much to do!)
  • closed campus
  • proximity to a train station, London, football stadium, and many other cool locations!
Cons
  • many students live off-campus, so can be hard to hang out with friends often on campus
  • harder to find smaller, close-knit communities at a bigger school (coming from a smaller school)
Anne-Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best time of my life

I did not understood the thing with having two homes. Now I do (Odense in Denmark and Brighton in United Kingdom). By other words, being abroad have changed my life - especially because of all the people around me, going at the best university, and living in the most lovely city. Both my academic skills (because of the high level university) and personal development (because of me being “alone” in a whole new country even though I have not had a single day by myself) have never grown with such a speed, and I do not complain at all. I really have nothing bad to say!!!!!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would not only have been on exchange, I would have changed my master to be in England - omg the dream!
Pros
  • You get a wider network
  • You learn cultural differences
  • You improve your English
Cons
  • It is expensive (but worth it)
  • It can be chaotic before
Response from University of Sussex

So glad to hear you enjoyed your time at Sussex Anne-Sophie.

Rachael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good Experience

My friends and I had a lot of time abroad at the University of Sussex. The school system is more relaxed than in Canada, as there are only a few assignments that make up the grade. It was nice to have our own bathroom in housing as I know in my own first year that wasn’t the case. I really enjoyed meeting the other students there, and our neighbors especially I won’t forget :). I found there was only really one prof that I really felt taught the right way, so thank you to Rayan Fawaz, she was the best! I’ll definitely miss Sussex a lot :’).

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
We planned to do a lot of Europe travel while being abroad, we booked trips around assignment dates so we would be prepared. However, one of the exam dates were moved and we ended up writing an exam in Paris. I would definitely have chosen different days for Paris if I knew that would happen, plus the weather was pretty bad there too.
Pros
  • Meeting New People
  • Learning Opportunities
  • Course Structure
Cons
  • Expensive Transportation
  • Class Times
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Rachael. Glad you enjoyed your time with us.

Roisin
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Uni of Sussex

Samantha
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Fun (Academically, Socially and Locationally)

Overall, I had an awesome semester and made some unforgettable memories. I fell in love with Brighton the moment I got there. Though disappointed by the on-campus housing (it was not as clean or new as the videos made it seem) and the extent of construction on campus through the term, I had a wonderful semester. I LOVED taking modules (classes) at Sussex Uni, as well as exploring Brighton with my flatmates and new friends, also on the exchange program. As a woman, I felt very safe on the campus and in the surrounding area. It was nice to be in such an international community, where you were never the only one from abroad! The BEST part was being so close to the South Downs (literally in my backyard) so that I could hike in the morning, then take the bus into town and sit on the beach in the afternoon! Brighton also has great vegan/vegetarian-friendly food options and amazing, unique independent shops. The atmosphere is so inclusive of all kinds of people!

Pros
  • small class sizes
  • great location (hiking, shopping, the beach, close proximity to London)
  • Everyone I met was so friendly and helpful!
Cons
  • tons of construction on campus -- loud and obnoxious
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for the lovely review Samantha. So glad you enjoyed your time with us.

Lara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great environment for a semester abroad!

Was a fun and sociable semester, and the course itself was very interesting and had great tutors! Would recommend to anyone, and Brighton is lively as. Only issue was that Sussex itself was undergoing a lot of construction for new housing, but hopefully that doesn’t go on for too long. Living on campus was easy and the bar in Northfield definitely helped! Stanmer Park also surrounds the campus and we did many walks up the hill, gorgeous views always. Overall it is now one of my favourite memories going to Sussex and hope to return soon.

Pros
  • Sociable
  • Pretty national park
Cons
  • Construction
Response from University of Sussex

Great to hear you enjoyed your time at Sussex Lara. Thank you for the review.

Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Sciences

It was an incredible experience. I really enjoyed all of the teaching modules. Accommodation on campus is also a good option. Due to the strikes, some of the lectures were canceled, unfortunately. The only thing that bothered me was rebuilding of roads and blocks, it was noisy and inconvenient some times. Prices are quite high, but reasonable. I would recommend buying most of the groceries in big supermarkets in Brighton, as coop on campus is too expensive. I would definitely recommend to study here.

Pros
  • Knowledge
  • Campus
  • Location
Cons
  • Strikes
  • Prices
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for the positive review Julia. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us.

Natalia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Review

In terms of academics, it is challenging but sufficient resources are provided to offer students’ success. The university has a friendly environment and everyone feels welcome. Housing was overall okay, there were problems with appliances and electricity.

Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Natalia.

Jada
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Review

Studying at the university of sussex was made to be overall such an easy experience. With such a stressful event such as studying abroad for the first time, the Sussex staff made the transition very easy and offered any support that you might need as well. The academics matched that level of enjoyment too. The diversity of people that you are able to meet at Sussex is unmatched. The housing is clean and overall a really great experience. Overall I would say that the ease of it all is what makes Sussex great.

Pros
  • Community life
  • Night life
  • Diversity
Cons
  • Travel to main city
  • Not for city lovers
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Jada. Great to hear that you enjoyed your time with us!