University of Sussex

Program Reviews

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Marco
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Term Abroad

My term abroad was very exciting, I made new friends that I still speak to after two years now. I got to learn different subjects in a deeper way within my career, and the idea for my dissertation project back in Mexico was born during my stay at Sussex University.

I am very grateftul with Sussex University for my experience during my term abroad. I would definitely go back for a Master Degree. The academic approach is very good and all of the students were highly motivated to keep learning!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would definitely stay for another full term if possible.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for reviewing us, Marco! Isn't it great that you made some lasting friends from your time here, which is more common than people might think! We'd love to welcome you back for a masters, and hope to see you again on campus sometime!

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KARA
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fulbright Program during Summer School

I was extremely honored to be selected as a Fulbright Summer Institute participant at the University of Sussex Summer School. I took a Field Biology course with Professor Sarah McKenzie, and it was one of the best science courses I've ever taken. It was short (only 4 weeks) but the instruction was of incredibly high quality. There was just enough in-class work/lecture to prepare you for the field, and then the majority of the learning was hands on – with a kind, supportive, knowledgeable, fun, and passionate professor. We were able to travel to many different locations around the Brighton area to learn about 4 different habitats, and I was able to see and experience sites and beautiful communities that I would have never seen if traveling for leisure. The class had just enough work/assignments to keep you busy but not stressed and there was still plenty of free time to explore England. Lastly, Professor McKenzie was so caring and attentive and planned a special excursion so that I could better explore my passions in agriculture.

I absolutely LOVED my U Sussex trip to the Harry Potter Set/Studio! The Bath trip was also really fun and the staff were kind, upbeat, and easy going but organized. There was an opening celebration/party for us at the beginning of our stay, and I also believe there was an ending party too - what a welcoming community! The campus was very pretty is a natural way with beautiful wildflower meadows and trails across campus to exercise and explore. I took advantage of the free workout classes at the gym, and they were engaging and challenging. While I had some troubles with homesickness while I was there, I really did love the UK. I loved the practicality of public transportation, the amazing history and gardens, and the overall ease of society. I would DEFINITELY recommend this program for any student interested in experiencing a new way of life while expanding their educational horizons.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Definitely read travel books before coming so that you know where you want to do. 4 weeks is a short time and you don't want to spend your days looking at what you want to do - just go do it! Also, compared to what you might hear about the rest of England, Southern England is pretty warm. I didn't need many sweaters or long pants. Shorts and Tshirts/capris with a jacket for the evenings is what I needed most of the time.

Make a Paypal account and use it for buying bus tickets and doing laundry. For some reason, some of the applications wouldn't accept my credit card and billing address (from the US) but PayPal worked!
Response from University of Sussex

"I would DEFINITELY recommend this program for any student interested in experiencing a new way of life while expanding their educational horizons." - thank you for your lovely review Kara.
We're so pleased to hear that your summer with us has left a lasting impression, and you had the opportunity to explore your academic interests and the social activities!
It's always great hearing from our Fulbright scholars - congratulations again.

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Thao
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

I had my exchange semester in Fall 2017. I really enjoyed my time in Brighton studying at Sussex. Teachers and coordinator are very supportive of my learning. They helped challenge me. I made great friends during the exchange semester who I still keep in touch with.
Brighton is a great location by the sea with easy access to many cities as well as old towns in the South of England for those who want to explore. Beautiful beach, a hip atmosphere and nice weather. I would highly recommend doing a semester at Sussex.

Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Thao for your great review! We're so glad to know you had a wonderful time when you were studying here.

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Jeanette
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester at Sussex

I really enjoyed my semester abroad at Sussex uni. The only thing that was difficult was to find housing for me, and that happened before I even came to Brighton. Therefore I think I would recommend going for the autumn semester, because I went in the spring and naturally people are going to keep their student housings all year.

When I arrived the uni had a lot of activities planned for exchange students and it was easy to get to know other students. There's also a lot of discussion in class, so you will get to know your classmates as well.

Brighton is also probably the nicest place in all of England, and also the most vegan friendly place. Side note: visit Purezza pizza.

All in all I would really recommend Sussex uni and Brighton:)

What would you improve about this program?
It should be easier to get student housing, so you don't have to go into the private marked.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your review, Jeanette, and your helpful recommendations. Thanks also for a great wrap of our uni and Brighton!

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Esperanza
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life

The year I spent studying at Sussex University was the best of my life. I recommend everything the university has to offer: the accomodation, the courses, the staff, the events, the societies, the fact that is sited in Brighton...I learnt in a year at the University of Sussex more than four years studying in my home town University back in Spain. The social life there was amazing, you have events you can attend everyday and there is a great international community, so you meet people from all around the world! Brighton is an amazing city, the night life is cheaper than other cities in the UK and it's really good and enjoyable. Also it's just 1 hour away by train from London so I had the opportunity to be in a dance company in London (as I am a dancer) and travel there every week. Not many cities can offer me that. Overall, I recommend the University of Sussex 100% to anybody who is open to have a great academic and social experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to try anything, the university has a lot to offer and it's your moment to try for sports, arts or any other society of club. You can make friends anywhere so be there!
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Esperanza for your top review, and it's so nice to hear that you have such fond memories of your time studying abroad at Sussex and in Brighton! And we just love the colours in those photos!

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Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best

My exchange started in September 2016 and since than Brigton has a piece of my heart. The first week was stressful for me and I believe it is stressful to everyone, but the Uni has a lot of lectures that will give you all the anawers you need - about the UK, grading system, what to expect and what is expected from you. Everything is clear and if you need more help, you can always go to the International office or ask a professor. It is easier when you are there than thinking about the exchange at home. Also, there is a lot of activities for students such as gym or one day trips. The city itself is unique and you are never going to be bored. People are friendly and helpful.
If you are thinking of doing an exchange in University of Sussex, don't overthink it, just go. It will be worth it.
The Uni is amaizing, big campus with beautiful library, study places all over the campus and great student who will be your colleagues.

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Hüma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Summer School’18 Experience

I had an amazing opportunity to have fun and learn challenging stuff about my studies at the same time. I made amazing friends, and the lecturer in the course I took was simply amazing: supportive, respected our inputs and provided opportunities for us to express our opinion. It may be a bit tough to finish a course in a month, but I assure you, it was worth every challenge. Moreover, the social trips including Harry Potter World, Oxford and climbing the hills of Sussex provide people with social activities that can be appreciated by anyone, and they have reasonable prices!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be sure to book every social trip in advance, because it gets sold out in minutes!
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for reviewing our programme Hüma. It's lovely to hear you felt supported by your lecturer throughout your summer with us.

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Asra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A thoroughly enjoyable experience

I really enjoyed my summer at the University of Sussex. I come from a big city, so I was really able to appreciate the fact that the campus was situated inside/near a forest. I enjoyed commuting to Brighton for errands and to hang out with friends, and I really commend the social activities that were planned out by the staff, as they gave the students a good opportunity to really get to know each other and bond, and form life long friendships.
The module I chose to study was completely different from what I study back home, so it was an interesting and challenging experience. My professor was lovely, and I enjoyed our class discussions immensely.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was definitely very scared about making friends and fitting in. However, before the program even started, some of the students on the module made a group chat to get to know each other before the program started, and we arranged to meet up on the first day. I would also recommend just putting yourself out there and trying to speak to everyone, which I think definitely helps, as you never know who you'll click with.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your lovely review Asra, we're so pleased to hear that enjoyed the differences from your home institution and had time to explore the surrounding city.

"I really commend the social activities that were planned out by the staff, as they gave the students a good opportunity to really get to know each other and bond, and form life long friendships." - this is what we strive for every year, it's fantastic to hear the social activities helped you settle in and make new friendships!

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Marie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad at University of Sussex.

I enjoyed my semester abroad at Sussex University even if my semester was cut short by the pandemic. Professors and faculty were friendly, helpful, and welcoming. The education system is different from what I was used to, but I enjoyed learning how everything worked and was able to adjust fairly well. The campus is quite diverse and I enjoyed meeting students from all over the world. I also recommend the international student day trips put on by the international office as it was a great and easy way to see different cities or attractions while also meeting new friends.
For my housing, I stayed with a host family and I loved this experience. They were so helpful and friendly and it was a great way to learn more about British culture.
Brighton is a great city that is the perfect size. It is a vibrant and diverse city with many little shops and restaurants that are fun to try and wander around. In the warmer months there is also many arts and music festivals. Additionally, I really enjoyed the location of Brighton and how it was on the southern coast!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I was surprised to learn about all of the nature that surrounded Sussex. The rolling hills and nearby parks are gorgeous! I was fortunate to go on a couple hikes during my time there and I loved being able to explore.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Marie for your feedback, and especially lovely to hear how you enjoyed the natural environment around us, in addition to the city of Brighton!

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Natalie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Year abroad

I had a great study abroad year, though it was cut short because of coronavirus. I loved getting to know the students at Sussex and I loved getting to know Brighton. The nightlife and social scene was great and the classes were super interesting. I became friends with my flatmates and made friends from my program as well. I liked the idea of student trips, though I was never able to go on one. The housing was okay, if not a little old. But I grew to love it and was sad when I had to leave. Sussex is a great school and I would highly recommend it.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would advise future travelers to do something every weekend- whether it's exploring Brighton or a whole new country. And take an umbrella everywhere!
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Natalie for your review and your advice for future participants! It sounds like you had a really great time, which is lovely to hear.