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 89 - 96 of 141 reviews
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!
106 people found this review helpful.
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!

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.

120 people found this review helpful.
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.
104 people found this review helpful.
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!

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!
110 people found this review helpful.
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.

Laleeta
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Abroad Review

I really liked the time I got to spend at the University of Sussex. Honestly I was just sad I didn't get more out of my program. The campus was absolutely beautiful and so fun to attend, but industrial action (professors on strike) meant that a ton of my classes were cancelled, like for weeks at a time. I only really got to attend class for the first three weeks, after that the strikes took over and not long after that we all had to leave due to the coronavirus. Online teaching from Sussex is not the same and it's way harder to navigate as an exchange student. We don't have any idea of our grades or our standing in our classes, not to mention that for most courses our entire grade (up to 80%) is attributed to our final essays - which we have to write from home, and have no prior knowledge on, considering the essay style and requirements can drastically differ from culture to culture.

What would you improve about this program?
I would notify students beforehand of the industrial action occurring. We had no idea that so many professors at Sussex would go on strike however this was not a new thing apparently. Once we arrived kids from the university informed us that the strikes have been ongoing for the past couple semesters. Would have been nice to know that beforehand.
112 people found this review helpful.
Marie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great year!

Regardless the strikes and the corona virus that disrupted the year it was an amazing year! The modules and teachers were amazing! Staff is always helpful and nice to foreign students. I had some problem with my accommodation (Lewes Court 2), but that's the only negative aspect of my year at Sussex. Brighton is such a great town for student and foreigners! Lit to see, people are nice and friendly, the architecture is incredible! Sussex Uni is really well located: close to nature but not too far from Brigthon city center.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be shy with people and make the most of your year!
102 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

It's great to read your positive comments, Marie, and thanks for spending your study abroad with Sussex!

Charlotte
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Uni Exchange

It was an amazing experience that was unfortunately cut short, the uni was very supportive and ensured opportunities to get to know a variety of people. I recommend using the Sussex House Hunt Facebook page to arrange accommodation as this is what I did and ended up in a great flat with amazing people at Sussex without the hassle of often sub-par uni housing, and for not much more cost wise. Disappointing that it only lasted 8 weeks, however it is 8 weeks I wouldn’t have traded for anything. Sad I won’t be able to experience this again

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most of every opportunity presented, don’t be afraid to make friends with different people. Go out and explore the local area, get involved in clubs and societies and enjoy the nightlife in Brighton!
112 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your review, Charlotte, and we're glad that despite the impact of Covid-19 that you still had an amazing time at Sussex and Brighton!

Melanie
5/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Good and welcoming university

I’m a visiting student for the whole academic year of 2019-2020 and I spent such an amazing year, even though it was cut short. The team of Sussex Abroad is really helpful with everything and quite quick at answering any queries and the whole university is really open and welcoming to international students. Moreover, there are a lot of events for international students. The societies are generally really nice (especially Strictly Sussex, the ballroom and Latin dance society, who were welcoming with everybody, whether you’ve danced before or not).

104 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Melanie for your review and for giving detail of what you got involved in! We hope you come back to Sussex and Brighton again in the future.

Questions & Answers