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 17 - 24 of 141 reviews
Leonardo
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nice Experience

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.

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

Thank you Leonardo,

Jordan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Eye Opening

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.

115 people found this review helpful.
Diwei
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

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.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
seagulls!
Pros
  • cozy campus
  • near to nature and sea
  • friendly people
Cons
  • high living cost (nearly as London)
106 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you so much for your review Diwei. All the best for the future.

Dan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad at Sussex Uni

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Look, I can't explain what a meal deal is if you haven't experienced it, because on paper it doesn't make sense why it's so awesome and unlike anything we have the US. But boy did I eat a lot of meal deals.
Pros
  • Brighton
  • Beautiful nature
  • Good location
Cons
  • Uninspiring campus architecture
  • Academics were only ok
108 people found this review helpful.
Olivia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A solid school

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.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The first steps onto campus and getting settled in were definitely the hardest part, the staff was helpful but I would say get there before school starts. Don't put pressure on yourself especially in the beginning to go do everything, you will probably need time to settle in and you should take it.
Pros
  • Easy schooling and nice professors
  • close to london
  • access to walking paths
136 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Oliva.

Xiomara
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Too Short of a Stay!

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.

What was your funniest moment?
I got lost on the bus routes around Brighton and had to continuously call my friends for directions, lol, even when I was across the street from the bus stop.
Pros
  • Classes, especially in political ecology, are engaging and wide in breadth.
  • Campus is walkable and cute!
  • Proximity to the city and multiple options for transit allow for easy access to the city
Cons
  • Construction on Sussex Campus may disturb sleep and study.
  • Food on campus is not diverse and of middling quality.
  • There was no snow this winter :(
127 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Xiomara.

Henning
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very nice experince!

I was at the University of Sussex for over 3 months. I lived on campus in Falmer during that time. It was a great place to live as everything you needed was there, from bars to supermarkets and sports facilities. There were also events on and off campus from time to time. The degree programme was very varied and I found the courses very interesting. The university was quick and uncomplicated in helping you with any issues. Together with travelling, meeting new people and going out partying, I had a really good time!

Pros
  • Help from the university
  • Beatiful city
Cons
  • Search for accomodation
128 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

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

Ahn
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ISEP Sussex Review

My experience in Sussex was exquisite, the bus ride to Brighton was convenient and the student discount saved money. The food in the cafeteria was also delicious and cheap. I however decided to cook most of the time myself with food bought from the local CO-OP store. The classes that I chose were somewhat close by to my dorm room, but because of the construction, I pity anyone who wasn't nearer to the actual campus. I recommend choosing a Swanborough dorm for the closest proximity to classes and food stores and to the local lanundromat.

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

Thank you for your review Ahn.

Questions & Answers