University of Sussex
speciality: Communication

Sussex challenged me to question everything—my stats lecturer once redesigned a whole seminar because we struggled with ANOVA tests, using *Jaffa Cakes* to explain variance! The research opportunities are incredible: I assisted on a autism-spectrum study in Year 2, which led to my dissertation topic. The campus is socially conscious (vegan cafés, free menstrual products), though accommodation is hit-or-miss (East Slope’s 60s charm = dodgy heating). Brighton’s nightlife is a bonus, but the real gem is the faculty—they reply to emails at midnight before deadlines. Downsides? The library gets overcrowded during exams, and some lecture halls are outdated. Still, if you want psychology with a progressive edge, choose Sussex.

Brighton is a great place to live, the campus itself is kind of ugly but it has good facilities, especially for media students. Accommodation is kind of expensive, they recently demolished the only accommodation under £100 a week.

If you’re also looking a university whose ambience compliments your student life experience, then Sussex and it’s community is definitely one to check out.

I studied BA Communications & Media studies and I like they had some guest lecturers come lecture for a day on specific topics, had various events that supported our career prospects e.g. having alumnus and individuals in the industry come speak to us about their experience. Secondly, I liked the fact that as students, our voices/academic issues were heard via our student ambassadors (and they took active measures to resolve them when/if they could). In addition, I also liked the fact the student accommodations (i.e. bathrooms and kitchens) on campus got cleaned once a week (saved the stress for some students).

The university is quite international and diverse with various societies ranging from sports, religion, academics, fun etc. I wish they took the strikes more seriously (in terms of addressing students on their stance, supporting the staff who were part of the union). Also, encourage more international students to apply for positions in the SU, and publicize international events such as the International Food Party. Overall, I enjoyed my stay and experience at the university and would recommend it to prospective students.

Giving it some thought now, as an international student I wouldn’t come to study at Sussex again. I’m currently studying media and communications, a degree without a future but this is my fault. What is not my fault is being taught many irrelevant things for my future. I don’t know if this is true for all their degrees but in my case, I did everything on my own. Everyone encourages you to attend tutorials if you’re unsure about something but the tutors don’t offer you much support or even relevant information to you. You’ll be introduced to various types of assessments but ask me if someone really gives you real guidance on how to do them. Nope. And the feedback is so bad and irrelevant sometimes as if the tutor has been marking your work in 5 minutes.
Moving on to the campus. It really looks old and scary at night. Because Sussex accommodates more students then they should, some seminars or lectures are run until 8 pm. The library which should be a space of study is always cramped and whenever you need to meet with your study group, you won’t find a place to sit. However, they have a lot of different materials, so it’s a good place to start your research. Also, the online library is more convenient if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like interactions.
The canteens: there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars all across the campus. You will even have vegan options. However, it all comes with a price. The food is really expensive, so I prefer bringing my own food if I need to stay on campus and have a break during two seminars. P.S. Don’t make your grocery shopping for Coop. Order something from other online supermarkets. I promise you that with time you’ll save up some money.
On campus accommodation: Based on where you decide to stay, the price ranges from $90 to $160 per week. I would highly recommend staying in East Slope or Swanborough. If you don’t like sharing your bathroom with other people and you would like to stay in the center of the campus near all the important buildings, that’t the perfect place.
Also, try to join the Buddy Scheme or any society if you’re feeling lonely. It really helps to meet people just like you who share similar passions. Don’t worry if you see many Asian students and try to be respectful towards them. They don’t speak a lot during seminars so you’ll have to make up for their shyness.
The University is 30 minutes away from city center and the only way you can travel is by 25 or 25X buses if you’re staying on campus. Moreover, don’t come here without downloading the bus app and push the stop button so that the bus will stop and you’ll be able to get down. Otherwise, it will keep going. And try to sign it to the bus driver if you want to get on the bus. They won’t stop if not. That’s something different for my country and I wish someone would have told me and prepare me for all those things beforehand.