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 41 - 48 of 141 reviews
Georgie
3/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Exchange Semester at Sussex

Sussex is an incredible community, however the university itself massively fails it in this way. Built on a colonialist, capitalist and money-hungry leadership team, The University of Sussex does little to make it's exchange students' time easy or enjoyable. The welcome event consisted of drone shots of the pier with no substantial information about healthcare, academic or financial help. The learning style at the university was so very different and less supportive than my home uni. The SU is wonderful though!

Pros
  • Great Student Union with many opportunities for support and community building.
  • Cute campus with nice flowers
  • Brighton is a cool town
Cons
  • No support for academia, no policy for aggregate grades if ill or in berevement.
  • Exchange students are left with little to no information about healthcare, mental health support or how to function in the UK.
  • The University as an institution is all show and no substance.
171 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Hi Georgie
Thanks for your review, and I'm really sorry that your experience didn't match your expectations. We like to learn from all feedback and make changes where necessary, so it's helpful to receive it.
We try not to duplicate too much information in our presentations that is best kept current on the University's Student Hub website, but we will review our content in our presentations to see how we can signpost this information better, as we agree that ensuring students know about the various student support services and facilities is essential.
Thanks again!

Cameron
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sussex Uni Straight Talk

My experience at Sussex University was absolutely delightful. Not only was the educational aspect very stimulating, it was also noticeably different than my university back home. The greater emphasis on collaboration and interaction between students was quite refreshing, as I believe that the more discussion and comparing of ideas regarding the subject matter is the key to understanding the material. Additionally, the social aspect of the university and of Brighton was unprecedented. The nightlife culture was like nothing I had ever seen, and it was very easy to make new friends around campus to enjoy these times with. I have made international friends that I will never forget and be sure to keep in contact with, for I travelled around Europe with them by my side. My time at Sussex, and in England in general, was undoubtedly the greatest experience of my life thus far.

Pros
  • The educational structure
  • The nightlife
  • The English people as a whole
Cons
  • I couldn't stay longer
157 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks so much – we’re glad you enjoyed your experience!

Blanca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My year abroad

My experience at theUniversity of Sussex was amazing. I’ve tried to make the most of my year abroad by making friends from all over the world, visiting a lot of different places and also learning about what i want to become in the future. The possibilites that the city of brighton gives you are many, from having a fun time with friends in the attractions of the pier to a cultural visit to the royal pavillion. I don’t have enough words to express how i’ve felt during this year and all what i’ve experienced. I’m so glad I chose University of Sussex and Brighton for my study abroad, I can’t wait to come back.

Pros
  • Atmosphere
  • Party
  • Beach
Cons
  • Prices
  • Weather
147 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

So glad you enjoyed your time at Sussex Blanca.

Jaclyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life at Sussex

I really liked going to the University of Sussex! The school and professors are great, and I loved the city of Brighton because it's so close to the Uni, and is a lovely seaside English town. I was only there for a semester, but still felt like a part of the school and of the community. The school had a lot of events from Study Abroad students, like language cafes, roller disco, pub quizzes, and much more. The student housing that I was in (East Slope) was a great building, and had lots of common areas.

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

Thank you for your review Jaclyn.

Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience at Sussex!

When I was a college fresher, everyone who went abroad told me it was one of the best experiences they had in college. Now, coming back from my own adventure abroad, I understand the sentiment completely, and would recommend it to anyone. My experience was unique because I was alone in a new country, but I quickly found people with which to explore it. The people I met opened my eyes to other individuals and cultures, and this sense of open-mindedness is a valuable trait I will hold forever. Go!

Pros
  • Amazing, small, close-knit campus
  • Vibrant young-adult nightlife
  • Rigorous academics
Cons
  • Eat Central had strange hours
  • Everything closes at 6pm
  • The co-op is incredibly expensive
134 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

It's great to hear you enjoyed your time at Sussex.

Lavinia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unique and Special Experience

A semester abroad is simply always an incredibly valuable, instructive time for academic, but above all for personal development. The teaching at the University of Sussex is very good, you are not left alone, but always get help from professors and staff. In addition, the university campus is beautifully located in the middle of a national park. Brighton is only a bus ride away and is simply a great, bright city where a wide variety of people come together. There are many different trips you can make in the surrounding area, such as visiting the Seven Sisters or London. Unfortunately, a semester abroad goes by incredibly fast, so get out there, experience something, enrich your life.

Pros
  • good professors
  • open-minded people
  • nature
Cons
  • poverty
  • limited working options
134 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Lavinia.

Cynara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Year abroad at Sussex Uni

I absolutely loved my year abroad at Sussex Uni. There was a lot of support for international students, many people to meet, and so much to do. The classes were easy to pick and get into, and all of the professors were extremely helpful however you are limited to 60 credits so it may be hard to stay on track for your degree. On campus housing is a really great option and it’s extremely easy to get around using the bus and train. The social life there is great, with so much in the city to do, lots of societies to join and the ability to travel is accessible.

Pros
  • Travel experience
  • Great Professors
  • Social Life
Cons
  • 60 Credits
  • Expensive
125 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

So glad you enjoyed your year at Sussex!

Abby
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester Study Abroad

Brighton is such an amazing city and the Sussex Campus is very inclusive and there is always going on/something to! The food scene is wonderful and there is a wide variety of options. It’s a vegan paradise for sure! The faculty and staff are very welcoming and engage with students in a manner that makes one feel recognized and valued. The night life in Brighton is also really good, there’s somewhere to go every night. Make sure to join on of the numerous clubs on campus in order to find a place you fit and and to make forever friends

Pros
  • Very progressive city
  • Great places to eat
Cons
  • There were teaching strikes while I was there
  • Not having a car or a British bank account was an annoyance at times
139 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for the great review.

Questions & Answers