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 97 - 104 of 141 reviews
A
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Interesting year

People: you can expect meeting people from all around the world, I would say quite a number of asian faces.

Campus: not very big, but is beautiful. There is a hiking route nearby. On campus bar, canteen, co-op.

Transportation: You can take train or bus to Brighton (15-30mins)

Housing: on/off campus option. On campus: share bathroom/ en suite. Heating system is not ready when I moved in, also you must report to the department if out of hot water for shower! (they fixed later),as they may not check. Cleaning service every week.

Study: kind of harsh on grading (maybe depends on the prof.) the online system is easy to use, professors/tutors usually reply your email quickly.

Activity: lots of societies that you may join, sports, hiking, music, dog walking, media, gaming and more, very interesting
Other: Brighton Stadium is right next to the campus, you may watch a match if interested, very exciting

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I had once seen a fox on campus! There are also rabbits, squirrels, and lots of seagulls
108 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your feedback, it's much appreciated!

Maggie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

The location of the campus was convenient in that buses frequently stopped there, and it was a quick commute to the city and to Lewes, where many exchange students lived. The housing that I was given was a little far, but it was very spacious and I lived comfortably. Most of my professors were also very responsive and helpful if I had any questions. The campus has an abundance of resources available to students, and everyone I talked to if I had problems regarding anything was incredibly helpful.

What would you improve about this program?
I wish they gave me recommendations for grocery stores and restaurants in the area I lived in
111 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

It's great to read your positive comments, Maggie, and thank you for coming to Sussex and Brighton! We appreciate your specific recommendation too.

Brianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying Abroad in Sussex

Studying at Sussex for a semester was amazing for the first 2 months. The location of my housing in town was ideal, and campus was only a 30 minute bus ride away. Unfortunately because of COVID-19 and the strikes, my time there was cut short and the online teaching was not a good experience. However, I would still recommend Sussex as the staff, specifically the health resources, has been very supportive online. They are also very good at maintaining communication with students throughout this difficult time.

What was your funniest moment?
A seagull snatched a rice cake out of my hand in downtown Brighton as I was walked to a bus stop... they are vicious!!!
103 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your feedback, Brianna, and we're pleased you had a good time while you were here. Your seagull story makes us laugh too - all too typical of the gulls here in Brighton!

Marcela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience, full of adventures

I catalogue my whole experience as amazing! The international experience office was really helpful since the beginning, they really helped me with all my application process, housing and module enrollment.
When I got to the university, at the beginning I felt a little bit lost, but everyone there was really friendly and willing to help.
I made friends thanks to many events that the university sponsored, and also from my clases.
The academic field is not that hard in my point of view. It is a lot of self study, but teachers are always willing to answer questions, and the technology used for clases, homework and assignments is really good, everything is through Canvas website.
The facilities are pretty well kept, and inside the university there is a supermarket, a gym, mass, restaurants and housing, which is very convenient.
Brighton is such a beautiful place and full of different things to do, from a walk in the pier to the British Airways i360 tower to the lanes and the beach. The weather is really windy and rainy most of the time, but when the sun is out you can make the most out of this beautiful city. It is also convenient that it is just one hour and a half from London by train, and it is really easy to catch it!
Finally, Sussex is a really international school, people from all around the world come to study at Sussex, which makes it a great opportunity to meet new people and get to experience other cultures.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most out of this place. You only understand Brighton if you live there! It is a random place but it has so much charm that all prejudices go away. In this place you can be your true self no matter what. Also it is full of really nice restaurants and cafes you shouldn’t miss, and at relatively cheap princes.
114 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

It's great to read your really positive review, Marcela, and especially your take on the weird and wonderful city that is Brighton! We hope you come back again.

Camila
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester abroad at University of Sussex

I had the bad luck of going on a semester abroad in the spring of 2020, so my program was sadly cut short by the global COVID-19 crisis. Still, I really enjoyed the time I had in Brighton and at the University of Sussex. The city is beautiful, with a great variety of restaurants, shops, and places to visit. Being close to the ocean is a great experience as well. The campus in itself is very cool as well, with great views and grounds located at the edge of a natural park. The teachers provided loads of support all throughout the term, and the community around International Students was very helpful and always available. I was sad to go but I loved to have had the opportunity.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would love to have a different experience with housing, maybe finding something outside of the university program.
101 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

We're really glad you had a great time here at Sussex, Camila, despite the impact of Covid-19. We really appreciate your feedback.

Marisa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Abroad

There were tons of ways to get involved! I joined two societies and signed up for international student day trips with the study abroad office. I made a ton of great friends, both local students and international students. We had fun getting to know the Brighton and South Downs area as a whole, and there are tons more things I would still like to do. The Brighton bus system is cheap and incredible: you could get anywhere in the city in under 40 minutes. I wish I could have stayed longer, but COVID sent us home early.

What would you improve about this program?
The classes were not as challenging as I would have liked, which was partially due to the four week strike that happened after the first month of classes. I missed out on a lot of in person lecture time.
105 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

It sounds like you made the most of your time, Marisa, and got out and about to make great friendships! Thanks for coming to Sussex and Brighton for your study abroad!

Rianna
3/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Bit Disorganized

I was at Sussex an entire academic year, and out of 22 weeks of classes, 6 weeks of classes were canceled due to strikes. This meant a lot of independent study, but I found it easy to do the assignments without a ton of prep work. I did well in my courses, and there’s usually only one or two assignments the entire semester (except maybe for STEM classes). Brighton is a really pretty city and there’s lots to do. I loved the proximity to London. If I were given the option to redo, I don’t think I would’ve gone to Sussex. I would suggest it if you’re a new traveler and this exchange would be a new experience for you.

What would you improve about this program?
Housing for international students isn’t the best, but you are together so it is easier to make friends who want to travel. Honestly, it’s a fine program if you want easy classes and want lot’s of time to travel.
111 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your feedback, Rianna, and we also regret the impact of the strikes on students' studies! We also appreciate your feedback on the housing, an area the University is making major efforts to upgrade. We're glad you still had a great time and got lots of time to go travelling!

Danila Lorena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience I had so far

I met so many people from all over the world, and I built some amazing friendships. The campus and the people I met, made me feel every day as I was home. The campus has all I needed and more, staff is always there to help you for anything, and the buildings are modern and cozy. The university is next to a national park, and I really enjoyed walking and hiking there to explore the English countryside. In my spare days, I would take the bus or the train to go to Brighton to see the sea or visit this unbelievable city. I can’t wait to come back.

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

We're so pleased you had a great experience here, Danila. Wonderful to hear how you got out and enjoyed the natural environment around the Sussex campus! I hope you get to come back again before too long!

Questions & Answers