Study Abroad at University of Sussex, Brighton

Studying abroad at Sussex was one of the best decisions of my life. From experiencing and immersing myself within a new culture, to the lifelong friends I made, to the challenging and thought-provoking academics, and to the fun nightlife and social side at Sussex, it was everything I could have asked for. As an exchange student from Chicago, culture in the UK was very different and I was anxious at first, but immediately upon my arrival at Sussex, I met loads of great people that I now consider my close friends. Sussex offers a variety of clubs and sports that I engaged in, all of which led me to meeting new friends. The student-body in general is full of welcoming and friendly people. Brighton as a city is very diverse with a lively nightlife from a variety of pubs, restaurants, and clubs and feels like it is its own little world. I personally bought a bus pass and would constantly go into Brighton where I quickly learned where everything was located and experienced everything the city has to offer. Also, the professors at Sussex are engaging and caring, yet challenge you and push you to be the best version of yourself.

I really enjoyed my time at the University of Sussex. Classes were challenging and intriguing enough to keep me on my toes, but not overwhelming. Professors and support staff were helpful and available for questions. Student Wellbeing team was particularly helpful in navigating challenges that arose, they provided great support in light of serious issues. Social scene was a lot of fun—Brighton is a great town for students and anyone 18+. Tons of fun bars, clubs, and other nightlife opportunities, all easily accessible by bus and train from campus.

It was a nice experience, mostly academic wise. The support was quite useful many times as for an Erasmus students some things are not so straightforward. The modules were really great, and I was mostly satisfied by them. The quality of life is the one thing that was a bit concerning, especially hygene level of other flatmates, but also in general. I would have preferred that the academic enlightment was backed by good food and nice living conditions, that would have helped the study experience.

This experience was very unique to me because this was my first time out the country. It felt very eye-opening to experience another part of the world and see how different the culture was in another country. I was able to make many friendships and long lasting connections to help me adjust through these times. Studying at the University of Sussex was not only amazing because the connections I’ve made, but also because of the prestige facilities and staff as well. The learning style was very self reliant and independent but the staff was there to willingly help guide you along the way.

Brighton is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been to, and it holds a special place in my heart. I absolutely love the views, the atmosphere, and the people there. The city’s vibrant yet relaxed vibe is truly unique, blending the energy of a lively town with the calm serenity of its beautiful seafront. The sound of waves crashing, the stunning sunsets, and the charm of Brighton Pier made every day feel like a gift. Walking along the beach or exploring the colorful streets always brought me a sense of peace.

My time at the University of Sussex was equally amazing. Nestled in the South Downs National Park, the campus felt like a perfect mix of nature and academia. It was here that I met some of the most wonderful people, who quickly became lifelong friends. We shared so many memorable moments, from late-night chats and group projects to exploring Brighton’s vibrant city life together. The diverse community at Sussex made every interaction meaningful, and I learned so much from the people around me.

Another significant part of my journey was how Brighton helped me recover from an illness I had been struggling with. The uplifting atmosphere, combined with the fresh sea air and the positive energy of the people, worked wonders for both my body and mind. I truly believe that the time I spent there played a key role in helping me heal. It gave me space to breathe, grow, and reconnect with myself.

Looking back, I really miss my time in Brighton and at Sussex. The city’s unique charm, the supportive community, and the unforgettable experiences made it a chapter of my life that I’ll always cherish. To anyone considering studying or visiting Brighton, I highly recommend it. It’s a place that offers so much more than just scenic beauty—it’s a space for growth, inspiration, and building connections that last a lifetime. Brighton will always have a piece of my heart.

I had a great time and would highly recommend. That said, I wouldn't consider Sussex Uni to be all that special. The campus is nice, but it's 1960's Brutalist architecture, not unlike many campuses closer to home. The academics were decent and engaging, but didn't stack up to the high caliber and intense stuff that I was doing at my home uni. That's not necessarily their fault though; I wasn't really going to be able to integrate and commit fully to a four month program the way I can with a four year degree. And I chose an easier course load to be able to spend more time exploring and experiencing. Brighton is lovely, and Falmer is well connected to Brighton as well as other nearby towns and Gatwick airport.

The University of Sussex was a great place to study abroad as it has so many international students; it is easy to make friends who are doing the same thing as you! I really appreciated the location because being on campus was calming and not in a busy area but a short bus/ train ride could bring you to Brighton where there was always something to do. I also appreciated how easy it was to travel to Gatwick airport if you are looking to see other countries while abroad. I found the school to be quite easy academically compared to my home university, which was nice to be able to explore the area without a lot of school stress. My biggest critique is that if you are looking to go somewhere with a completely different culture and really immerse yourself this may not be the place for you, from an American perspective.

I'm afraid I didn't take advantage of my semester abroad as much as I should have. I struggle with social anxiety and depression, and consequently stayed in my dorm and on campus for the first two months of my three month-long stay in Brighton out of fear. I was doubly afraid of and felt inept with making friends but I was approached by three other Black girls that transformed my experience. We shopped, ate, visited the pier and explored, and studied together; without them, I doubt whether I would have never had fun while I was there.

As far as the campus experience, it was great. My home university has very little breadth in its humanities and social sciences courses, so I was particularly excited to visit Sussex and finally explore my interests. My curiosities were satiated, then piqued, then multiplied, and I was so happy to have several post-class chats with my professors after nearly every lecture. My dormitory was a sore spot, however. I lived in Norwich House, which was fine on its face, but my flatmates' inability to keep our kitchen clean was abhorrent, and the continuous construction outside my window made sleep and studying increasingly difficult (on top of my depression). The food on campus is also lackluster and the ethnic options have much to be desired; I had to travel into Brighton to eat other styles of food, and even then there weren't many Latin or Caribbean restaurants.

Overall, I enjoyed my time and wish I had made more of it! It was a wonderful experience.