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 49 - 56 of 141 reviews
Dora Marianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in a year

I had the best semesters here at Sussex. The experience was just like in those Hollywood movies. This ethnically and culturally diverse university offered me a journey I needed to find out who I as a person am. The teachers and staff are the kindest people and are there for you whenever you need them. The students are so open and very accepting that I can only wish the world was full of people like the ones at Sussex. I learnt much more than I could have ever dreamed of and had the best year of my life there. Made friends that are for life and this whole experience was just like a dream.

Pros
  • Making friends
  • Cultural diversity
  • Whole new world
Cons
  • A bit windy
133 people found this review helpful.
María
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Erasmus K013

I completely loved my experience in Brighton. I met such beautiful people and created a lot of amazing memories. I felt more independent and happy than I’ve ever been. I would totally repeat and I would totally recommend the experience.
The only thing you should take into account is that Brighton, going out, food and accommodations are a bit expensive, but it is fine if you manage your money responsibly. You will have a lot of fun in the city and you’ll feel very welcomed as there is a very open and diverse community.

Pros
  • Independence
  • Funny city
  • University life
Cons
  • Far from home
  • A bit expensive
  • Rainy
143 people found this review helpful.
Lavinia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Go abroad!

The university of Sussex is located in a national park surrounded by beautiful nature. Uni-managed accommodations are mostly on campus, some are in Brighton. Since only first year students and exchange students are allowed to live in these accommodations, everyone is quite young. Some accommodations are modern, others (like mine) are quite old and therefore not very nice. But you can check them out on sussex’ website and give a prioritization in your application.
The professors and students are very open-minded and diverse. Professors and staff are always happy to help with any questions. Lectures and exercises are very well structured and there is a range of extra tutorials to practice. Besides studying, there is a huge range of societies and activities. You’ll probably find any sport you can imagine and there are also 2 gyms on campus. If you’re interested in learning a new language, I recommend the language café, where you can practice a language (or even teach as a volunteer like I did) and meet new people.
Brighton is a beautiful city right at the sea with a lot of cute cafés, restaurant and shops. From campus you get there by bus in 30 min. London is only a 1H train ride away, so perfect for a weekend trip (or even day trip). Also, in the surroundings there are a lot of places to visit such as the seven sisters, Arundel castle, the little town Lewes etc.
To conclude, this semester abroad was a great opportunity to get to know a new country (and experience how it is to live there), new people, improve my language skills, visit new places and to grow. Sussex is a great university where professors actually care about what students think. I would always do it again.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Yorkshire pudding, which is definitely not a pudding. But delicious!
159 people found this review helpful.
Anna
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience!

University of Sussex was very welcoming! The environment was friendly and diverse, there were so many events and societies that provided great entertainment and chance to learn from and socialize with people from all around the world. The location (Brighton) is absolutely great for both people who enjoy going out and those who prefer calmer activities like hiking. The train connection with London is great and affordable. The classes were very interesting, however some teachers assumed that the international students know some "technical" things and standards from University of Sussex (for example things like "you've all learnt how to write a literature review like this in your writing class last year so i won't explain it" when none of the international students had taken that class). There were also some difficulties connected with Brexit, especially as far as healthcare was concerned, but everyone tried their best to be very helpful. I would say the housing was the worst aspect of my stay, the price of the accommodation did not match the living standard of it, in my opinion.
Overall, the minor difficulties were definitely worth this great experience!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do not trust the seagulls under any circumstances. They will attack you and they will steal your food. Don't walk near the beach with chips. Ever.
150 people found this review helpful.
Mads Vinfeldt
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of University of Sussex

I had a great experience on University of Sussex. If any international students are interested in coming to England, I would strongly recommend Sussex due to the inclusiveness of the its students and the lovely city of Brighton.
Furthermore, I the university offers a high academic standard while still keeping students from drowning in assignments.
Lastly, I recommend joining different social societies. Personally, I played Ultimate Frisbee during my stay, which makes easier to meet people and friends.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Join societies, they make student life more fun and you will have an easier time making friends.
150 people found this review helpful.
Isabel Martha
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Erasmus

Sussex is a great University, not the most academically rigorous. I did have quite a few issues with the University’s online portal which was irritating and time consuming. emails were often sent to the wrong groups, addresses ect so I often recieved important information regarding events and my studies, late or not at all. sometimes I got emails not meant for me which created a lot of confusion. Sussex is definetly a multi-cultural university and there was great opportunity to interact with others from a variety of backgrounds which I really enjoyed. The campus was well maintained but unusually difficult to navigate and very poorly signposted, I struggled as a native English speaker so can’t imagine how difficult it would be to navigate the campus for other students. The lecturers were friendly and paid special attention to exchange and foreign students which was helpful, but Overall I did find the University’s technology to be outdated and problematic.

What was your funniest moment?
Living in Brighton created so many brilliant memories but I’d have to say attending the Sussex Pole Society’s taster pole dancing event was by far my funniest moment. It was a completely foreign experience which I will always remember!
170 people found this review helpful.
Eva
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad at the University of Sussex

Brighton is a fantastic city to live in, it is lively and there are endless of fun activities in the city. It is perfect for foodies, with many vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants. The beach is right there near the city center and is perfect for your daily walks or runs, or just to hang out with your friends during the day or night, with clubs right at the beach side. The university is amazing as well with many interesting programs and they are always there to help you figure out what you want. I couldn't recommend it more!

What was your funniest moment?
To live in a student accommodation, I met so many people from all over the world.
156 people found this review helpful.
Melissa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

exchange semester university of sussex

The University of Sussex offers many interesting courses which I enjoyed. Furthermore, I found the workload quite manageable in comparison to my home university. The Study Abroad Office staff was always very kind and quick with answering our questions. Once they organised a welcome buffet for exchange and international students which was a nice gesture. The professors were usually also very friendly and open to questions. Additionally, there are plenty of societies and clubs one could join, ranging from a political society to a plant society.

What was your funniest moment?
Seeing people with food in their hands get attacked by seagulls.
120 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers