Study Abroad in Brighton, England at University of Sussex

Study Abroad in Brighton, England at University of Sussex

4.62 · 141 reviews
Location
  • England
    • Brighton
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
University
University of Sussex
Degree Level
Bachelors Masters PhD.
Housing
Dormitory Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

$15,750
Price Details
Autumn / Spring semester: £11,750

Full year: £23,500
What's Included
Some Activities Classes
Jun 12, 2026
Jul 26, 2026
55 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Study abroad in Brighton, one of the UK's most vibrant student cities, with a semester or year abroad at the University of Sussex. Located beside the South Downs National Park and minutes from the seafront, Sussex combines academic excellence with an outstanding student experience.

Choose from more than 1,000 classes across nearly 30 subject areas and build a programme that fits your interests while earning credits towards your degree at a leading UK university.

Brighton is famous for its beaches, festivals, arts scene and inclusive culture. Central London is just over an hour away by train, and Gatwick Airport is only 30 minutes from campus.

Students value Sussex for its supportive teaching, international community and memorable student life. If you're looking for a semester or year abroad in England, Sussex offers the ideal mix of academic choice, global connections and life in a dynamic seaside city. Join students from over 150 countries and experience life at Sussex!!

Program Highlights

  • Ranked the happiest university in the UK in the Unifresher Happiest Universities 2026 Guide.
  • Constantly ranked among the top universities in the world. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 placed Sussex 201-250th in the world overall.
  • Sussex is ranked in the top 10 universities in the UK for Brighton's diverse nightlife (pubs, clubs and music venues) and political activities.
  • Over 1,000 top-tier classes to choose from - Sussex is known for its Humanities and Social Sciences field, with its Development Studies program being placed at number 1 globally in the QS World University Ranking.
  • Home of Premier League football team Brighton & Hove Albion

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

The University of Sussex offers comprehensive support for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) students through various initiatives, resources, and student organizations. These efforts aim to create an inclusive and equitable campus environment, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for BIPOC individuals within the university community.
The University of Sussex is committed to providing robust support for LGBTQIA+ students, creating a safe and inclusive campus environment. Through its dedicated LGBTQ+ society, counselling services, and educational programs, the university works to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. These efforts contribute to a vibrant and respectful community that celebrates LGBTQIA+ individuals and their contributions.
We offer comprehensive support for neurodivergent students, recognizing the unique strengths and challenges they bring to the academic community. Through its Disability and Dyslexia Support team, specialized accommodations, and tailored resources, the university ensures that neurodivergent students can access an inclusive and accommodating learning environment. By promoting awareness, providing assistive technologies, and fostering a culture of understanding, Sussex strives to empower neurodivergent individuals to excel in their academic pursuits.
The University of Sussex is dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all students, offering a range of support services to accommodate diverse needs. With a commitment to inclusivity, the university provides accessible facilities, assistive technologies, and personalised accommodations through its Accessibility Services team. These efforts contribute to an environment where every student can fully participate in academic and extracurricular activities, promoting equal opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging for all members of the university community.

Impact 🌎

We are deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, actively integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations, curriculum, and campus development. Through initiatives such as sustainable transportation options, waste reduction programs, and renewable energy projects, the university strives to minimise its ecological footprint. By engaging students, faculty, and staff in sustainability efforts, Sussex creates a culture of environmental responsibility that prepares future leaders to address global challenges.
The University of Sussex places a strong emphasis on ethical impact by fostering a culture of social responsibility and ethical awareness among its students and staff. Through interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and partnerships with ethical organizations, the university addresses pressing societal issues and seeks innovative solutions for a more just and sustainable world. By integrating ethics into academic programs and encouraging critical thinking, Sussex aims to empower individuals who are equipped to make positive ethical contributions to society.

Popular Programs

Students in lecture theatre

The University of Sussex has one of the UK's largest schools of Psychology, with specialists in every area of psychology. Our faculty has been recognised for their outstanding teaching & we have over 40 classes to choose from.

The School has approximately 600 m2 of laboratory space, well equipped to support the needs of research groups, and an extensive range of general facilities, including 18 cubicles (for individual testing) and a large room used for the simultaneous testing of groups.

Students in campus building

Sussex's School of Global Studies offers over 60 modules for students in the world-ranked disciplines of Development (1st globally) and IR (world top 100).

You will learn from experts making a difference across the world who are committed to social justice and challenging global inequality, addressing the most pressing global issues of our time – global inequalities & justice, climate/environmental change, war & peace.

About University of Sussex

University of Sussex
University of Sussex Logo
City
Brighton
Students:
17,300
Year Founded:
1959
International Students:
5,000

The University of Sussex is a leading research-intensive university near Brighton. We have both an international and local outlook, with staff and students from more than 100 countries and frequent engagement in community activities and services. Sussex was the first of the new wave of UK universities founded in the 1960s, receiving its Royal Charter in 1961.

Program Reviews

4.62 Rating
based on 141 reviews
  • 5 rating 63.83%
  • 4 rating 34.04%
  • 3 rating 2.13%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.05
  • Support 4.3
  • Fun 4.55
  • Housing 3.8
  • Safety 4.6
Showing 9 - 16 of 141 reviews
Auggie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Enjoy campus life!

My time at Sussex was unlike any other uni experience I've had thus far. Everyone was incredibly friendly, staff were helpful, and there was something fun to do around every corner. I am so incredibly proud to have had this opportunity, especially to have met the people I did. There's a small uni food court, bar and store which is convenient for late nights and early mornings. This is most certainly the most I've been able to grow while at uni because the administration, staff and students are all there to support each individual student.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would want to participate in student activities more and to take advantage of the programs that the school offers (clubs, get-to-know each other events, etc)
45 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Really great to hear that you enjoyed your time at Sussex Auggie!

Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Come at Sussex, you won't regret it!

I absolutely loved my time at the University of Sussex, from meeting a lot of new friends from all over the world to the great teaching. I made so many new friendships with people from my own country but also from countries I did not even heard before! However, the teaching at SU is worth of mention too! it's very different (in a good way) from what I am used to. You'll have seminars where you can express your thoughts on the module in a very confidential way and classes with friendly teachers.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate a pizza made by a pizza-robot located in the univeristy campus. I'm italian and I can guarantee you the pizza was great and surprisingly ready in only 4 minutes!!
Pros
  • new friends
  • experience different culture's traditions (like the mexican day of the deads)
  • living with friends
Cons
  • it only lasts 2 months and an half
50 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Emma. Great to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us.

David
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience most cherished

The experience of taking a semester abroad at the University of Sussex will always be one of my most cherished. I have made some great international friends, experienced living in England and at a university campus (in Czechia, the unis do not have them). I loved the welcoming atmosphere and also am fond of how sweet British people are. I would definitely recommend taking the semester to everyone, especially at University of Sussex with its wonderful study support and teachers. I really liked how communicative, likeable and helpful the teachers were.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to experience and do not be scared to talk to people. It is important to keep reaching out to people because that is the best way to foster connection.
Pros
  • People
  • Campus
  • Food
Cons
  • Expensiveness
  • Sometimes weather
83 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Great to hear that you enjoyed your time at Sussex David.

Madelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformative

University of Sussex hosts a wonderful, diverse community of global learners. As a visiting student I felt safe and welcomed on campus. With close proximity to Brighton's waterfront, South Downs National Park and the AmEx football stadium, there was never a dull moment. The academic environment was engaging and lecturers were great. The access to London was easy and also adds great value to this program. If you are somebody that is looking for a less mainstream study abroad experience, University of Sussex is a great place to start!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would do a full year rather than one semester! So much to see and so much to do in such a short amount of time.
Pros
  • Great location for people who love the city but don't want to live in city center
  • Diverse
77 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

It was great to have you with us Madelyn. Thank you for the review.

Georgia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Georgia Kern Spring 2025

I had a great experience studying abroad at Sussex. I enjoyed the classes I took and the passion the professors had. However, I did not perform as well academically as I expected and normally do at my home university. One of my classes had overall low class grade averages, and I am not sure if that is typical or not. I would have loved to receive grades sooner to help. I attended office hours for one class I was very passionate about, but it felt very rushed and that my professor did not have the time.

I loved the location of my flat to the rest of campus. Having a train station and airport so close was amazing! I was constantly traveling. I appreciated the different events that happened throughout campus

What would you improve about this program?
I would allow more opportunities for study abroad students to mingle with current students. I became closest to other students who were studying abroad, and did not become friends with many UK students.
Pros
  • Classes met once a week
  • Few grades/assignments
  • Location
Cons
  • Large class sizes
  • Grades released too late
  • Campus hours (cafes/food close early)
80 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Georgia.

Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Sussex exchange program

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I recommend all university students to participate in if given the opportunity. What I love about the University of Sussex is that it is hidden away from the busy streets of Brighton, surrounded by trees, fields, and wildlife. I found the staff and students to be kind and welcoming, making living in another country and experiencing new things easier! The University set up exchange meet and greets, but I would recommend joining a sports team or society to embrace the university experience. A short bus ride out of the university and Brighton has so much to see and do! If you like the beach (like me), I recommend you visit during the summertime.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Snow! It was so special to see snow for the first time right outside my window! A bit different from a hot traditional Australian christmas.
Pros
  • Meeting new people and making new friends
  • Experiencing living in a new country
  • Having so many travel opportunities
Cons
  • Expensive living out of home
  • Homesick and missing loved ones
119 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Great to hear about your time at Sussex Lily. Thank you for sharing.

Jacob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Experience at Sussex

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would recommend buying the Brighton and Hove student discounted bus pass for the time you are studying abroad. Buying this pass forced me to into Brighton 3-4 days a week and really immerse myself into the city and its culture in order to get my moneys worth. I would also recommend buying a rail card. I constantly traveled to London, so having a rail card made this affordable and accessible. Overall, I would recommend getting out of your accom and meeting as many new people as you can. There are infinite possibilities and connections you can make. Also, if you North America or a country that does not have international travel as cheap and accessible as the UK, I recommend traveling to other countries. I visited 3 other countries within my time at Sussex and experienced some of the most gorgeous places I have seen. This was very fulfilling.
Pros
  • Welcoming student body
  • Challenging yet achievable academics
  • lively city
Cons
  • none
105 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Hi Jacob, thank you for your review. Great to hear about all the things you got up to while you were at Sussex.

Jacob
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Positive experience at U Sussex

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.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I think it would be more fun to live off campus, in the actual city of Brighton itself. There's so much going on in Brighton; the university itself is great, but Brighton is the place to be. Living on campus wasn't bad, but it did mean I spent less time in the city itself, which I would have liked to get to explore even more.
Pros
  • Great professors and interesting classes
  • Gorgeous South Downs National Park right next to campus
  • Relatively close proximity and easy travel to London Gatwick Airport, made other traveling much easier
Cons
  • Weather wasn't amazing–lots of rain and almost always gray skies
  • On campus housing wasn't the best. Had challenges with hot water and heating, and overall not that nice
102 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Jacob!

Questions & Answers