University of Sussex

Program Reviews

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Davide
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bye Sussex!

My year abroad at the University of Sussex has had an overall life-changing experience that I will carry in my heart for a lifetime. For starters, the quality of the teaching is undeniably high, and, most remarkably, very different from the methodology of my home university. I had the chance to bond with native English speakers and other exchange students from all around the globe, which veritably expanded my cultural views and career preferences.

The facilities offered to students are simply extrabiliant, with the library and the student centre being open 24h. I also subscribed to the gym (there are two on campus), which was a five-minute walk from where I lived.

Brighton and Hove have been an amazing setting, for my adventure. If you enjoy clubbing and nightlife at large, Brighton is your mecca. Moreover, walks in the wild were for me a matter of routine, as the University of Sussex is the only university in the UK to be located in a national park. Going to London was a one-hour train ride, allowing you to get the best of the city life without renouncing the quietness of the countryside, as well as the seaside.

Of course, my stay has also had some drawbacks, which I think the University should address in the future. Eat Central is way too pricey, and overall offers small variations in the menu proposed (I invariably had to go for the burrito). The cost of living, in general, is decidedly high and could be unaffordable for some students. On top of that, I wish that the study abroad office arranged more events for exchange students, especially at the kick-off of the second term.

However, these few downsides do not overshadow the time I had at Sussex, and I am at pains to go back for run back for a visit to see my mates and hang out where now feels like home

Pros
  • Great people
  • Location
  • Library and student centre
Cons
  • Eat Central and Co-op on campus (too expensive and little choice)
  • Bus fares (too expensive)
  • Lack of events for exchange students (especially second term)
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review. It's great to hear that you enjoyed your time with us.

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Georgie
3/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Exchange Semester at Sussex

Sussex is an incredible community, however the university itself massively fails it in this way. Built on a colonialist, capitalist and money-hungry leadership team, The University of Sussex does little to make it's exchange students' time easy or enjoyable. The welcome event consisted of drone shots of the pier with no substantial information about healthcare, academic or financial help. The learning style at the university was so very different and less supportive than my home uni. The SU is wonderful though!

Pros
  • Great Student Union with many opportunities for support and community building.
  • Cute campus with nice flowers
  • Brighton is a cool town
Cons
  • No support for academia, no policy for aggregate grades if ill or in berevement.
  • Exchange students are left with little to no information about healthcare, mental health support or how to function in the UK.
  • The University as an institution is all show and no substance.
Response from University of Sussex

Hi Georgie
Thanks for your review, and I'm really sorry that your experience didn't match your expectations. We like to learn from all feedback and make changes where necessary, so it's helpful to receive it.
We try not to duplicate too much information in our presentations that is best kept current on the University's Student Hub website, but we will review our content in our presentations to see how we can signpost this information better, as we agree that ensuring students know about the various student support services and facilities is essential.
Thanks again!

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Cameron
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Uni Straight Talk

My experience at Sussex University was absolutely delightful. Not only was the educational aspect very stimulating, it was also noticeably different than my university back home. The greater emphasis on collaboration and interaction between students was quite refreshing, as I believe that the more discussion and comparing of ideas regarding the subject matter is the key to understanding the material. Additionally, the social aspect of the university and of Brighton was unprecedented. The nightlife culture was like nothing I had ever seen, and it was very easy to make new friends around campus to enjoy these times with. I have made international friends that I will never forget and be sure to keep in contact with, for I travelled around Europe with them by my side. My time at Sussex, and in England in general, was undoubtedly the greatest experience of my life thus far.

Pros
  • The educational structure
  • The nightlife
  • The English people as a whole
Cons
  • I couldn't stay longer
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks so much – we’re glad you enjoyed your experience!

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Blanca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My year abroad

My experience at theUniversity of Sussex was amazing. I’ve tried to make the most of my year abroad by making friends from all over the world, visiting a lot of different places and also learning about what i want to become in the future. The possibilites that the city of brighton gives you are many, from having a fun time with friends in the attractions of the pier to a cultural visit to the royal pavillion. I don’t have enough words to express how i’ve felt during this year and all what i’ve experienced. I’m so glad I chose University of Sussex and Brighton for my study abroad, I can’t wait to come back.

Pros
  • Atmosphere
  • Party
  • Beach
Cons
  • Prices
  • Weather
Response from University of Sussex

So glad you enjoyed your time at Sussex Blanca.

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Jaclyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life at Sussex

I really liked going to the University of Sussex! The school and professors are great, and I loved the city of Brighton because it's so close to the Uni, and is a lovely seaside English town. I was only there for a semester, but still felt like a part of the school and of the community. The school had a lot of events from Study Abroad students, like language cafes, roller disco, pub quizzes, and much more. The student housing that I was in (East Slope) was a great building, and had lots of common areas.

Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Jaclyn.

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Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience at Sussex!

When I was a college fresher, everyone who went abroad told me it was one of the best experiences they had in college. Now, coming back from my own adventure abroad, I understand the sentiment completely, and would recommend it to anyone. My experience was unique because I was alone in a new country, but I quickly found people with which to explore it. The people I met opened my eyes to other individuals and cultures, and this sense of open-mindedness is a valuable trait I will hold forever. Go!

Pros
  • Amazing, small, close-knit campus
  • Vibrant young-adult nightlife
  • Rigorous academics
Cons
  • Eat Central had strange hours
  • Everything closes at 6pm
  • The co-op is incredibly expensive
Response from University of Sussex

It's great to hear you enjoyed your time at Sussex.

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Lavinia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unique and Special Experience

A semester abroad is simply always an incredibly valuable, instructive time for academic, but above all for personal development. The teaching at the University of Sussex is very good, you are not left alone, but always get help from professors and staff. In addition, the university campus is beautifully located in the middle of a national park. Brighton is only a bus ride away and is simply a great, bright city where a wide variety of people come together. There are many different trips you can make in the surrounding area, such as visiting the Seven Sisters or London. Unfortunately, a semester abroad goes by incredibly fast, so get out there, experience something, enrich your life.

Pros
  • good professors
  • open-minded people
  • nature
Cons
  • poverty
  • limited working options
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Lavinia.

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Cynara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Year abroad at Sussex Uni

I absolutely loved my year abroad at Sussex Uni. There was a lot of support for international students, many people to meet, and so much to do. The classes were easy to pick and get into, and all of the professors were extremely helpful however you are limited to 60 credits so it may be hard to stay on track for your degree. On campus housing is a really great option and it’s extremely easy to get around using the bus and train. The social life there is great, with so much in the city to do, lots of societies to join and the ability to travel is accessible.

Pros
  • Travel experience
  • Great Professors
  • Social Life
Cons
  • 60 Credits
  • Expensive
Response from University of Sussex

So glad you enjoyed your year at Sussex!

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Abby
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester Study Abroad

Brighton is such an amazing city and the Sussex Campus is very inclusive and there is always going on/something to! The food scene is wonderful and there is a wide variety of options. It’s a vegan paradise for sure! The faculty and staff are very welcoming and engage with students in a manner that makes one feel recognized and valued. The night life in Brighton is also really good, there’s somewhere to go every night. Make sure to join on of the numerous clubs on campus in order to find a place you fit and and to make forever friends

Pros
  • Very progressive city
  • Great places to eat
Cons
  • There were teaching strikes while I was there
  • Not having a car or a British bank account was an annoyance at times
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for the great review.

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Dora Marianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in a year

I had the best semesters here at Sussex. The experience was just like in those Hollywood movies. This ethnically and culturally diverse university offered me a journey I needed to find out who I as a person am. The teachers and staff are the kindest people and are there for you whenever you need them. The students are so open and very accepting that I can only wish the world was full of people like the ones at Sussex. I learnt much more than I could have ever dreamed of and had the best year of my life there. Made friends that are for life and this whole experience was just like a dream.

Pros
  • Making friends
  • Cultural diversity
  • Whole new world
Cons
  • A bit windy