University of Sussex

I really love coming to Sussex, because it's in the South Downs you don't feel overwhelmed or like you're trapped like you can do in a big city. All of the staff are really welcoming and you don't feel uncomfortable asking them for help with your course. If you do feel uncomfortable talking to people you don't know, you have your own academic adviser who can really help you with course issues but also if you are having any personal problems. I would say that a down side is definitely the price, the shops on campus are all really expensive and the accommodation is expensive and sometimes you end up having quite a few problems in your flat over the space of a year.

Amazing university. I went to LSE after this and thought it was absolutely rubbish for a so called “world class institution”. Sussex is flexible to the world outside of university and doesn’t live in a bubble like other universities. Where most universities rejected me for entrance to do a bachelors because of my poor a-levels Sussex accepted me and I achieved a first class degree, Sussex sees potential where others don’t. I wouldn’t have got to LSE if it weren’t for them.

Having already completed my undergraduate elsewhere, I thought I knew what to expect when coming into fresher's week. However, at Sussex there is a huge effort made to foster a real sense of community among students. There are always activities put on by the SU, for undergraduates as well as postgraduates. There are also many eating facilities on campus, with food that caters for all dietary requirements. Things such as the weekly food market are elements that really show what Sussex is all about. On the academic side, all of the lecturers seem to be specialists within their fields - and everyone that I have been taught by appears really passionate about their subject area, which makes it that much easier to learn! As a postgrad student, I think it is easier to feel excluded from academic guidance, however I have always known that I have the option to go and seek help from any of my lecturers, even though I don't have a personal tutor.

I studied my MA at the University of Sussex. I met people all over the globe. The knowledge process was marvellous. The teachers were experts in their fields. I was able to attend congresses, conferences and seminars with expert speakers. Highly recommended.

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.