Bye Sussex!

My year abroad at the University of Sussex has had an overall life-changing experience that I will carry in my heart for a lifetime. For starters, the quality of the teaching is undeniably high, and, most remarkably, very different from the methodology of my home university. I had the chance to bond with native English speakers and other exchange students from all around the globe, which veritably expanded my cultural views and career preferences.

The facilities offered to students are simply extrabiliant, with the library and the student centre being open 24h. I also subscribed to the gym (there are two on campus), which was a five-minute walk from where I lived.

Brighton and Hove have been an amazing setting, for my adventure. If you enjoy clubbing and nightlife at large, Brighton is your mecca. Moreover, walks in the wild were for me a matter of routine, as the University of Sussex is the only university in the UK to be located in a national park. Going to London was a one-hour train ride, allowing you to get the best of the city life without renouncing the quietness of the countryside, as well as the seaside.

Of course, my stay has also had some drawbacks, which I think the University should address in the future. Eat Central is way too pricey, and overall offers small variations in the menu proposed (I invariably had to go for the burrito). The cost of living, in general, is decidedly high and could be unaffordable for some students. On top of that, I wish that the study abroad office arranged more events for exchange students, especially at the kick-off of the second term.

However, these few downsides do not overshadow the time I had at Sussex, and I am at pains to go back for run back for a visit to see my mates and hang out where now feels like home