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 73 - 80 of 141 reviews
Blanca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Home away from home.

The experience of spending one entire year at the University of Sussex was without a doubt the best experience of my life. Brighton is a small city but one that would become like anyone’s home during the stay. The University of Sussex provides you with great courses as well as an exceptional student environment in which one can make friends from all over the world. I think this experience is great for anyone that would like to travel away from home and get to know a bit another culture, country and having all the fun at the same time.

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

It's so nice to read your review, Blanca. Thanks!

Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Year of My Life

I am so happy and grateful for my year at Sussex in 2016/17. I was continuing my Bachelor in English Studies there and had the best time. I loved the location of the campus and studying and living in this beautiful nature of Stamner Park. Unfortunately the housing situation in Park Village was rather poor and noisy, dirty and we have had rats in the house at several times throughout my stay. Yet, the housing was probably the only negative about my stay. I loved the community and the staff was extremely helpful at all times. No matter if I was seeking for help for job applications, courses, my health or finance, I have always had someone extremely competent to talk to and despite being on my own in a foreign country, I never felt alone or helpless. My favourite part about my stay were the societies of Sussex. I joined Show Choir and I was lucky enough to make friends for live there, but also in my courses, throughout the buddy scheme and the many events for international students. Most importantly, I completely fell in love with Brighton as a city and I have been returning for a visit at least once a year ever since.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most out of your time and try to see as much as possible and do not take your Studies TOO seriously. We even got this piece of advice from our professors - travel, see things, do things. You only have a certain amount of time there, so be sure to enjoy it to the fullest.
106 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

So great to read your review, Jessica!! It's so nice that these several years later you have such fond reflection of your time with us. Housing is something the University has worked on a lot, and with more new and modern housing opening up in recent years and years to come.

Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Review

While abroad I made more friendships that I ever would have anticipated. I had the opportunity to meet and travel with people from completely different cultures than my own. Because of the study abroad program at the University of Sussex, I have travel partners and people that I will be able to continue learning from for the rest of my life. I also had the opportunity to take classes that are not available to me at my home university. I got to take courses on the history of England and speak with professors that were experts in subjects that I had never learned about.

What would you improve about this program?
I would make housing opportunities more available to prospective students.
122 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks Julia for your great review and also your feedback!
Great to know you took some interesting classes that were real points of difference for you.
And lovely photos!!

Brock
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dream Semester in Sussex (Spring, 2018)

I absolutely LOVED my exchange semester at the University of Sussex. The campus is beautiful, and the study abroad office was super supportive! I loved the educational excursions that the Study Abroad Office put together -- I got to visit London, Bath, Alfriston, Eastborne, and several other cities with my fellow international students! The professors were also top-notch. I studied history and English, and I found everyone very accessible/willing to chat during office hours. Oh, and Brighton is beautiful!!! I lived in a University-managed hotel downtown. The opportunities for biking/eating/urban exploring are next to none. I can't recommend Sussex and Brighton enough!!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Sussex Cream Tea. It's amazing -- classic English tea and a scone with clotted cream on it.
122 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

This is so great to hear, Brock!
It's so great to know you had such a great experience in Brighton and at Sussex!

Elsa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend

My semester at the University of Sussex was the perfect study abroad experience during my junior year of college. Brighton is a lovely, exciting town, and it was great to experience the British seaside. The uni offered so many opportunities for study beyond what I had been exposed to at home. I studied in the geography and international development departments. I would highly recommend this program to anyone pursuing international development because the department is highly ranked and prestigious!

What would you improve about this program?
The housing provided by the uni was cramped and far away from campus.
125 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for the review and feedback, Elsa! Great to know you enjoyed both the lifestyle and academic side of your experience.

Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of my Best Uni Experiences

My semester spent at the University of Sussex in Brighton will always be one of my favorite memories of my time at university. Brighton is such a fun, hip, and safe town where I always felt comfortable to go and explore even on my own. The actual University of Sussex is also wonderful, I took some very interesting classes ranging from Vertebrate Physiology to American Popular Music. The format and grade breakdown of the course is very different from US schools, but the profs are very understanding & accommodating to help you adjust. All in all, I would absolutely recommend it.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
You're 30 minutes by train to Gatwick airport. Definitely take some time to go explore other countries, but don't neglect London and Sussex! It's so beautiful with so much history.
124 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for the great review, Megan!
We're so pleased you had an amazing time in Brighton and loved your classes.

Braydon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Autumn 2017 - Term Abroad

Great experience - the people of Brighton are very friendly, and the town is full of plenty to do!

The housing situation: bit disappointing since they only secured on-campus housing for students staying at least 1 year. Setting aside dorm space for those staying 1 term would be a good idea to get them integrated into campus life.

Overall, if you’re looking for a british experience & prefer a smaller city compared to london (which is just a 1-2 hour train ride away), this is a great choice!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
To join clubs/groups on campus! Seemed a great a way to make friends and I missed out on that opportunity.
117 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for your review, Braydon! And we also really appreciate the feedback.

Erika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The greatest, unforgettable experience of my life

As I got the chance of studying in Brighton, I wasn't even aware which terrific time would await me. I always liked the idea of living in England as far as I knew London and by the sea, this dream seemed to be complete, and it was. Yet it's not only about the hipster flair Brighton is offering or the surrounding countryside of Sussex which made the time in Sussex unforgettable. It was the rich in international people studying and teaching there. I've learned much for a lifetime. Brighton has got so many options to spend a good time, either it's for afternoon tea, Sunday roasts, Fish'n'chips or a chilled open air cinema or a concert by fantastic British musicians! A real recommendation is the Language Café Society, a society organised by the university where you can get to know people from all over the world and practice your language skills! The workload of the classes is of good amount and it's good if you take classes with international students. The new housing on campus is more than comfortable and amazing at the same time and so are the leisure time activities on campus (Falmer Bar, Room 76, Northield Bar, sports clubs and societies). The infrastructure Sussex is providing its students is the best I can imagine - Brighton is one of most liveable city in England and that's not without a reason, I miss every second of its pleasurable life there!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take every chance to do something and get to know places and people - so you can make the most and best out of it! The most important is: go out, try new things, open yourself up & get out of your comfort zone! That is the most easing and relaxing thing you can do! Do as much as you can do and time allows - time flies so fast when you are having fun! The diverse student culture and the mixture of living away from home are providing as much freedom where you need brevity to open yourself up to all the open-minded, spirited people who you will be meeting throughout all of Sussex University.
123 people found this review helpful.
Response from University of Sussex

Thanks for this amazing review, Erika! It sounds like you had just the most fantastic time in Brighton and at Sussex.

Questions & Answers