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 65 - 72 of 141 reviews
Kyle
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fall 2020 exchange

I loved being able to attend Sussex this fall. Obviously it was a bit hard with the Coronavirus pandemic which I definitely think affected my academics both from the teacher and my own engagement. I also found the staff slower to respond to emails than I am used to again probably due to the overall influx of online contact. Outside of school I loved living in the town of Lewes and getting to know other exchange students. It was nice that we had people to talk to during the lockdown and we could walk in local parks which helped with the stress of COVID.

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest times were when it would get late and we would play cards everyone would revert back to their mother tongue and then we would switch back and forth a lot.
178 people found this review helpful.
Myriam
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

The circumstances of my trip were really really strange because of COVID but I still manage to have lots of fun. I met new people and made good memories. I will definitely visit another time when I can travel a lot more freely. I made the choice to live in residence and it was great because my flatmates were very nice so we had good time even during lockdown. The teachers were understanding of the situation so I didn't feel too overwhelmed by my classes. I think my English improved significantly too and it was the purpose so I am glad. My courses were interesting and because I could attend modules that I don't have in my University

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open minded and don't be afraid to try new things and to meet new people. I will advise you to stay in a residence so you'll be sure to meet a lot of people
168 people found this review helpful.
Sarah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester Abroad

Overall, I really liked studying at University of Sussex. Brighton is beautiful, it was easy to get around, and there was lots to do in the area. I enjoyed my classes but wasn't overwhelmed by them. The worst part was definitely housing. I was led to believe I would be living in on-campus housing, but it turns out that semester-long study abroad students live in off-campus housing. We ended up living in a hotel with tiny rooms and one dirty kitchen. Fortunately we were close to the beach and it was easy to get into the city center from our housing. The commute to school was long, but my course schedule only had me on campus 3 days a week, so it wasn't too bad.

What was your funniest moment?
A seagull stole a chocolate bar right from my hand!
169 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your review Sarah! It's great to hear that you enjoyed the local activities in the area. Housing is currently being developed on-campus, and the University is working to provide more new and modern housing options for future years.
Thanks again!

Alexandria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I wish I could study abroad here again!

Studying abroad at University of Sussex was definitely the highlight of my college career. I lived in the center of the city right on the beach and loved every minute of it. There were amazing restaurants, pubs, and people. I still talk to the friends I met through the exchange program from when I attended in 2018. The campus is beautiful and the professors were friendly and helpful. My best friend and I STILL talk about the amazing memories we made in Brighton and even visited this past spring because we missed it so much. Brighton is really a one of a kind city with such a welcoming feeling. You can find a cute cafe to study at every corner and I loved going on morning runs down to the pier by the beach. I enjoyed how walkable the city was and how quickly you could jump on the bus to go anywhere. If I could do this exchange program again I would in a heartbeat!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice would be to enjoy every moment you have in Brighton and to take risks to do things you usually wouldn't. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and went to cafes by myself and explored the city on my own. I would also say meet new people and don't be afraid to go up to someone new. I also would encourage you to try a new restaurant, pub, or cafe frequently to really see what Brighton has to offer. Also, a picnic at the pavilion or on the beach is a must!
175 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review of Sussex, Alexandria! And fantastic photos!

Natalia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cherished Memory

Studying at the University of Sussex is a cherished memory. If I could do it again, I would. I found all the staff members to be very helpful and I enjoyed my classes. The campus itself is picturesque. There was never a shortage of things to do on campus and traveling to Brighton and London was easy. Joining the Buddy Scheme is a great idea because you make friends while exploring your new home. Being friends with my flatmates made my experience so much better and we still video chat on WhatsApp.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
My flatmates and I spent the day exploring London for my birthday and ended up finding Minalima, the company that created all the graphics for the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series.
150 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Natalia for this review! It sounds like you did a great range of things while you were studying abroad here!!

Hala
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Brighton is a very bright city Indeed

My experience at the University of Sussex was both fun and emancipating. It allowed me to grow both academically and personally. I gained more knowledge and I was able to improve my English language skills. I also made a lot of friends during my stay in Brighton, which stimulated the cultural exchange between students. The university offers all the necessary support for exchange students, the courses were very interesting and the overall teaching was very flexible. As for the city, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun experience abroad. The people are very welcoming and tolerant. It's a bit sunnier than the rest of England and the beach makes it even more pleasant.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have traveled more around the United Kingdom and Europe.
143 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Hala for your review! We really appreciate it.

Cecilia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Short but Sweet 2 Months

Although I didn't know what to expect coming to Brighton, this wonderful city really has it all. From amazing professors and a wonderful on campus life to a fun night scene and scenic shops by the beach, I couldn't have asked for a better place to study abroad. Everything was a train ride away in regards to the major airports, London, and other cities. As a young college student who loves eating good food and having fun at night, this was the most perfect place to have visited for my first time in Europe. Although COVID caused all of us to return home, these two months were amazing as I met so many cool people, and I vow to return one day.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The very first day was very gloomy and cold, in contrary to what I'm used to in California. However, the weather grew on me and Brighton's sunny days were amazing as we hiked Seven Sisters and even the national park right next to our dorms. Although I would at times ponder on attending a university in London or Ireland instead, Brighton's diverse and extremely open/accepting environment made me feel at home immediately.
107 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for this review, Cecilia! So great to read how much you enjoyed Brighton.

Sofia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience of my life

First of all the city: London is 45minutes away and Brighton is probably the most charming place i've never been to. People are from everywhere in the world, they are open minded, calm and helpful and they make you feel home since day one. Also, you really feel the "beach front" mood, with many night clubs and activities for Erasmus students!

Second, the Uni: Sussex University has an incredible campus, with sophisticated tools and with a huge library which is open 24h/24h. You have a lot of facilities, a supermarket in it, a lot of sports and housing facilities.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was living with another student with a British family and during a weekend where I wasn't there, they had an argument. When I came back, the landlord told me that we have a week to figure out where to go because she no longer wants to rent the room and I was in the middle on an exam session. I emailed the University to see if there was a room left at the campus but as 6 month Erasmus + students we didn't have the right to get a place there. I finally found a room with other Students in Hove but then, the last landlord didn't want to give us our Guarantee fees and I had to call the police and make a report. At the end of that, I just chose to forget about it and enjoy my stay in Brighton because I realized that all other people were different and kind.
105 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your review, Sofia!! And it sounds like your turned your nerve-racking moment into a positive ultimately.
So glad you had a great time at Sussex.

Questions & Answers