Study Abroad at University of Sussex, Brighton

I'm afraid I didn't take advantage of my semester abroad as much as I should have. I struggle with social anxiety and depression, and consequently stayed in my dorm and on campus for the first two months of my three month-long stay in Brighton out of fear. I was doubly afraid of and felt inept with making friends but I was approached by three other Black girls that transformed my experience. We shopped, ate, visited the pier and explored, and studied together; without them, I doubt whether I would have never had fun while I was there.

As far as the campus experience, it was great. My home university has very little breadth in its humanities and social sciences courses, so I was particularly excited to visit Sussex and finally explore my interests. My curiosities were satiated, then piqued, then multiplied, and I was so happy to have several post-class chats with my professors after nearly every lecture. My dormitory was a sore spot, however. I lived in Norwich House, which was fine on its face, but my flatmates' inability to keep our kitchen clean was abhorrent, and the continuous construction outside my window made sleep and studying increasingly difficult (on top of my depression). The food on campus is also lackluster and the ethnic options have much to be desired; I had to travel into Brighton to eat other styles of food, and even then there weren't many Latin or Caribbean restaurants.

Overall, I enjoyed my time and wish I had made more of it! It was a wonderful experience.

I was at the University of Sussex for over 3 months. I lived on campus in Falmer during that time. It was a great place to live as everything you needed was there, from bars to supermarkets and sports facilities. There were also events on and off campus from time to time. The degree programme was very varied and I found the courses very interesting. The university was quick and uncomplicated in helping you with any issues. Together with travelling, meeting new people and going out partying, I had a really good time!

My experience in Sussex was exquisite, the bus ride to Brighton was convenient and the student discount saved money. The food in the cafeteria was also delicious and cheap. I however decided to cook most of the time myself with food bought from the local CO-OP store. The classes that I chose were somewhat close by to my dorm room, but because of the construction, I pity anyone who wasn't nearer to the actual campus. I recommend choosing a Swanborough dorm for the closest proximity to classes and food stores and to the local lanundromat.

This program was a lot of fun however I thought they could have provided extra support to exchange students. Often times I would have to reach out to multiple different offices to understand what was happening or what I needed to do (instead of them voluntarily giving me this useful information). I’ve heard other programs where they have exchange students go to programs together/ do a separate orientation but they didn’t do that. Was a lot of fun but definitely could have provided more support.

As an only student coming in into the program from my home university, I was very nervous to partake in this program. But, I made sure that I didn't allow that to stop me from my experience. I met so many lovely friends, colleagues, joined fun societies, and travelled all around. The city is AMAZING! Very cozy, and friendly - with the Brighton beach at the coast. I also made sure to have the famous "fish and chips".

Would definitely recommend coming to study abroad here at the University of Sussex.

Couldn't be more grateful for my time at Sussex and the opportunity to study abroad. I've gotten so much from my experiences, from exploring new cultures, seeing unique architecture, studying in a different educational system, living among local students, meeting fellow international students from around the world, sharing our unique experiences, and traveling across Europe. All this was possible because Sussex provided so many resources and events to explore the city and connect with other students. And most importantly, I made meaningful friendships that made my time at Sussex most enjoyable and memorable. Definitely would recommend anyone still considering to take this opportunity.

Studying abroad at Sussex marked only my second time leaving the United States. While it took a little while to get adjusted to navigating a new country on my own and meeting new people, I was pretty settled in after the first week or two. Only having one other student from my US college at Sussex with me, it was harder to find a group to do activities and travel with, but Freshers' Week really helped me find my people. Between the diverse student body, dozens of unique societies, and the beautiful coastline city of Brighton, I would not trade my experience for the world. Part of me wishes I could stay for the whole year!

I did not understood the thing with having two homes. Now I do (Odense in Denmark and Brighton in United Kingdom). By other words, being abroad have changed my life - especially because of all the people around me, going at the best university, and living in the most lovely city. Both my academic skills (because of the high level university) and personal development (because of me being “alone” in a whole new country even though I have not had a single day by myself) have never grown with such a speed, and I do not complain at all. I really have nothing bad to say!!!!!