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 25 - 32 of 141 reviews
Georgia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Sussex Review

This program was a lot of fun however I thought they could have provided extra support to exchange students. Often times I would have to reach out to multiple different offices to understand what was happening or what I needed to do (instead of them voluntarily giving me this useful information). I’ve heard other programs where they have exchange students go to programs together/ do a separate orientation but they didn’t do that. Was a lot of fun but definitely could have provided more support.

What was your funniest moment?
Going out to the clubs with my housemates and then hanging out at the beach afterwards
Pros
  • A lot of fun/ amazing restaurants
  • Easy to travel throughout england from this location
  • Beautiful beach
Cons
  • Kinda expensive
  • Not a lot of support from university
112 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Georgia.

Grace
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fall '23

As an only student coming in into the program from my home university, I was very nervous to partake in this program. But, I made sure that I didn't allow that to stop me from my experience. I met so many lovely friends, colleagues, joined fun societies, and travelled all around. The city is AMAZING! Very cozy, and friendly - with the Brighton beach at the coast. I also made sure to have the famous "fish and chips".

Would definitely recommend coming to study abroad here at the University of Sussex.

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing that I would improve is having more programs on campus for study abroad students. In this way, it would help foster the community of study abroad students.
Pros
  • Lovely weather
  • Fun people
  • Relaxing atmosphere
Cons
  • Transportation delays
  • Class culture
  • Lack of programming
111 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Great to hear you enjoyed your time with us Grace.

Jeremiah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Experience to Cherish for a lifetime

Couldn't be more grateful for my time at Sussex and the opportunity to study abroad. I've gotten so much from my experiences, from exploring new cultures, seeing unique architecture, studying in a different educational system, living among local students, meeting fellow international students from around the world, sharing our unique experiences, and traveling across Europe. All this was possible because Sussex provided so many resources and events to explore the city and connect with other students. And most importantly, I made meaningful friendships that made my time at Sussex most enjoyable and memorable. Definitely would recommend anyone still considering to take this opportunity.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would begin the semester finding and joining societies more actively. I found an amazing society that resonated with me, but only after a few weeks to a month had passed. I missed out on making deeper connections and friendships in the society because I was too afraid of joining local students, and I regret not exploring more societies early on.
Pros
  • Meeting a diverse set of local and international friends
  • Great location for travel (MUST visit Seven Sisters, Canterbury, Bath, etc)
  • Final assessments for Engineering & Informatics modules are all online (very flexible)
Cons
  • Construction on campus making it difficult to reach accommodation, especially with luggage
  • Weather can be tough with extreme wind and rain (get a raincoat, not an umbrella)
  • Fall semester is very short compared to the USA
132 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for the positive review Jeremiah.

Shane
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved Sussex Uni!

Studying abroad at Sussex marked only my second time leaving the United States. While it took a little while to get adjusted to navigating a new country on my own and meeting new people, I was pretty settled in after the first week or two. Only having one other student from my US college at Sussex with me, it was harder to find a group to do activities and travel with, but Freshers' Week really helped me find my people. Between the diverse student body, dozens of unique societies, and the beautiful coastline city of Brighton, I would not trade my experience for the world. Part of me wishes I could stay for the whole year!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Even if it seems scary, travel as much as you can! I had class 5 days a week, but I tried to make the most of all the time outside of school I did have, and was able to hit somewhere different every weekend! The train system in England can take you anywhere in the country, which has led me to some pretty amazing hidden gems and big cities!
Pros
  • location by the south coast and in the city of Brighton (so much to do!)
  • closed campus
  • proximity to a train station, London, football stadium, and many other cool locations!
Cons
  • many students live off-campus, so can be hard to hang out with friends often on campus
  • harder to find smaller, close-knit communities at a bigger school (coming from a smaller school)
118 people found this review helpful.
Anne-Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best time of my life

I did not understood the thing with having two homes. Now I do (Odense in Denmark and Brighton in United Kingdom). By other words, being abroad have changed my life - especially because of all the people around me, going at the best university, and living in the most lovely city. Both my academic skills (because of the high level university) and personal development (because of me being “alone” in a whole new country even though I have not had a single day by myself) have never grown with such a speed, and I do not complain at all. I really have nothing bad to say!!!!!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would not only have been on exchange, I would have changed my master to be in England - omg the dream!
Pros
  • You get a wider network
  • You learn cultural differences
  • You improve your English
Cons
  • It is expensive (but worth it)
  • It can be chaotic before
106 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

So glad to hear you enjoyed your time at Sussex Anne-Sophie.

Rachael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good Experience

My friends and I had a lot of time abroad at the University of Sussex. The school system is more relaxed than in Canada, as there are only a few assignments that make up the grade. It was nice to have our own bathroom in housing as I know in my own first year that wasn’t the case. I really enjoyed meeting the other students there, and our neighbors especially I won’t forget :). I found there was only really one prof that I really felt taught the right way, so thank you to Rayan Fawaz, she was the best! I’ll definitely miss Sussex a lot :’).

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
We planned to do a lot of Europe travel while being abroad, we booked trips around assignment dates so we would be prepared. However, one of the exam dates were moved and we ended up writing an exam in Paris. I would definitely have chosen different days for Paris if I knew that would happen, plus the weather was pretty bad there too.
Pros
  • Meeting New People
  • Learning Opportunities
  • Course Structure
Cons
  • Expensive Transportation
  • Class Times
93 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Rachael. Glad you enjoyed your time with us.

Roisin
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Uni of Sussex

126 people found this review helpful.
Samantha
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Fun (Academically, Socially and Locationally)

Overall, I had an awesome semester and made some unforgettable memories. I fell in love with Brighton the moment I got there. Though disappointed by the on-campus housing (it was not as clean or new as the videos made it seem) and the extent of construction on campus through the term, I had a wonderful semester. I LOVED taking modules (classes) at Sussex Uni, as well as exploring Brighton with my flatmates and new friends, also on the exchange program. As a woman, I felt very safe on the campus and in the surrounding area. It was nice to be in such an international community, where you were never the only one from abroad! The BEST part was being so close to the South Downs (literally in my backyard) so that I could hike in the morning, then take the bus into town and sit on the beach in the afternoon! Brighton also has great vegan/vegetarian-friendly food options and amazing, unique independent shops. The atmosphere is so inclusive of all kinds of people!

Pros
  • small class sizes
  • great location (hiking, shopping, the beach, close proximity to London)
  • Everyone I met was so friendly and helpful!
Cons
  • tons of construction on campus -- loud and obnoxious
133 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for the lovely review Samantha. So glad you enjoyed your time with us.

Questions & Answers