University of Sussex

University of Sussex Reviews

Hala
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Brighton is a very bright city Indeed

My experience at the University of Sussex was both fun and emancipating. It allowed me to grow both academically and personally. I gained more knowledge and I was able to improve my English language skills. I also made a lot of friends during my stay in Brighton, which stimulated the cultural exchange between students. The university offers all the necessary support for exchange students, the courses were very interesting and the overall teaching was very flexible. As for the city, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun experience abroad. The people are very welcoming and tolerant. It's a bit sunnier than the rest of England and the beach makes it even more pleasant.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have traveled more around the United Kingdom and Europe.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Hala for your review! We really appreciate it.

Cecilia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Short but Sweet 2 Months

Although I didn't know what to expect coming to Brighton, this wonderful city really has it all. From amazing professors and a wonderful on campus life to a fun night scene and scenic shops by the beach, I couldn't have asked for a better place to study abroad. Everything was a train ride away in regards to the major airports, London, and other cities. As a young college student who loves eating good food and having fun at night, this was the most perfect place to have visited for my first time in Europe. Although COVID caused all of us to return home, these two months were amazing as I met so many cool people, and I vow to return one day.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The very first day was very gloomy and cold, in contrary to what I'm used to in California. However, the weather grew on me and Brighton's sunny days were amazing as we hiked Seven Sisters and even the national park right next to our dorms. Although I would at times ponder on attending a university in London or Ireland instead, Brighton's diverse and extremely open/accepting environment made me feel at home immediately.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for this review, Cecilia! So great to read how much you enjoyed Brighton.

Sofia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience of my life

First of all the city: London is 45minutes away and Brighton is probably the most charming place i've never been to. People are from everywhere in the world, they are open minded, calm and helpful and they make you feel home since day one. Also, you really feel the "beach front" mood, with many night clubs and activities for Erasmus students!

Second, the Uni: Sussex University has an incredible campus, with sophisticated tools and with a huge library which is open 24h/24h. You have a lot of facilities, a supermarket in it, a lot of sports and housing facilities.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was living with another student with a British family and during a weekend where I wasn't there, they had an argument. When I came back, the landlord told me that we have a week to figure out where to go because she no longer wants to rent the room and I was in the middle on an exam session. I emailed the University to see if there was a room left at the campus but as 6 month Erasmus + students we didn't have the right to get a place there. I finally found a room with other Students in Hove but then, the last landlord didn't want to give us our Guarantee fees and I had to call the police and make a report. At the end of that, I just chose to forget about it and enjoy my stay in Brighton because I realized that all other people were different and kind.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your review, Sofia!! And it sounds like your turned your nerve-racking moment into a positive ultimately.
So glad you had a great time at Sussex.

Blanca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Home away from home.

The experience of spending one entire year at the University of Sussex was without a doubt the best experience of my life. Brighton is a small city but one that would become like anyone’s home during the stay. The University of Sussex provides you with great courses as well as an exceptional student environment in which one can make friends from all over the world. I think this experience is great for anyone that would like to travel away from home and get to know a bit another culture, country and having all the fun at the same time.

Response from University of Sussex

It's so nice to read your review, Blanca. Thanks!

Nicholas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excited Opportunity for Personal Growth

Studying abroad was probably on of the biggest highlights in my undergraduate career. It was an opportunity not only to get college credit but I felt like it helped me have the chance to discover who I was as an individual. Being thrown into a new country with a different culture and norms can be overwhelming yet it gave me a great appreciation for the world around me and realized how much of the world I have yet to see. Also traveling independent helped me mature and just be able to explore things I might not have been able to with other people.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Travel more during my time off and work on developing more meaningful relationships with people from the University
Response from University of Sussex

It sounds like you've got a lot out of your experience, Nicholas!!
Thanks for your great review.

Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Year of My Life

I am so happy and grateful for my year at Sussex in 2016/17. I was continuing my Bachelor in English Studies there and had the best time. I loved the location of the campus and studying and living in this beautiful nature of Stamner Park. Unfortunately the housing situation in Park Village was rather poor and noisy, dirty and we have had rats in the house at several times throughout my stay. Yet, the housing was probably the only negative about my stay. I loved the community and the staff was extremely helpful at all times. No matter if I was seeking for help for job applications, courses, my health or finance, I have always had someone extremely competent to talk to and despite being on my own in a foreign country, I never felt alone or helpless. My favourite part about my stay were the societies of Sussex. I joined Show Choir and I was lucky enough to make friends for live there, but also in my courses, throughout the buddy scheme and the many events for international students. Most importantly, I completely fell in love with Brighton as a city and I have been returning for a visit at least once a year ever since.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most out of your time and try to see as much as possible and do not take your Studies TOO seriously. We even got this piece of advice from our professors - travel, see things, do things. You only have a certain amount of time there, so be sure to enjoy it to the fullest.
Response from University of Sussex

So great to read your review, Jessica!! It's so nice that these several years later you have such fond reflection of your time with us. Housing is something the University has worked on a lot, and with more new and modern housing opening up in recent years and years to come.

Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Summer School

Studying at the University of Sussex's summer program was the best decision I have made when it comes to academics. I instantly felt at home with the Sussex community and easily made friends on campus. Brighton was one of the most welcoming, bustling, and happy cities that I have ever spent time in. It was impossible to have a dull moment either at the University or in Brighton, especially since the World Cup was going on while I was in England. I received endless kindness from the locals and the staff at the University of Sussex. I would love to study at the University of Sussex again, preferably for a longer period of time!

What would you improve about this program?
I would make the optional activities more accessible to students who may struggle to afford them.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Rachel for your review! We're so pleased to hear you felt at home on our campus - we'd love to have you return for a longer period of time, please do check out our postgaduate study options!
Thanks for your feedback on social activties too, we're always looking to improve the student experience.

Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Review

While abroad I made more friendships that I ever would have anticipated. I had the opportunity to meet and travel with people from completely different cultures than my own. Because of the study abroad program at the University of Sussex, I have travel partners and people that I will be able to continue learning from for the rest of my life. I also had the opportunity to take classes that are not available to me at my home university. I got to take courses on the history of England and speak with professors that were experts in subjects that I had never learned about.

What would you improve about this program?
I would make housing opportunities more available to prospective students.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Julia for your great review and also your feedback!
Great to know you took some interesting classes that were real points of difference for you.
And lovely photos!!

Brock
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dream Semester in Sussex (Spring, 2018)

I absolutely LOVED my exchange semester at the University of Sussex. The campus is beautiful, and the study abroad office was super supportive! I loved the educational excursions that the Study Abroad Office put together -- I got to visit London, Bath, Alfriston, Eastborne, and several other cities with my fellow international students! The professors were also top-notch. I studied history and English, and I found everyone very accessible/willing to chat during office hours. Oh, and Brighton is beautiful!!! I lived in a University-managed hotel downtown. The opportunities for biking/eating/urban exploring are next to none. I can't recommend Sussex and Brighton enough!!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Sussex Cream Tea. It's amazing -- classic English tea and a scone with clotted cream on it.
Response from University of Sussex

This is so great to hear, Brock!
It's so great to know you had such a great experience in Brighton and at Sussex!

Elsa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend

My semester at the University of Sussex was the perfect study abroad experience during my junior year of college. Brighton is a lovely, exciting town, and it was great to experience the British seaside. The uni offered so many opportunities for study beyond what I had been exposed to at home. I studied in the geography and international development departments. I would highly recommend this program to anyone pursuing international development because the department is highly ranked and prestigious!

What would you improve about this program?
The housing provided by the uni was cramped and far away from campus.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for the review and feedback, Elsa! Great to know you enjoyed both the lifestyle and academic side of your experience.