Whether you’re a new or returning student, we can't wait to welcome you to Sussex this September.
On this page:
- What to expect at Welcome Week
- Arriving and registration
- Academic induction
- Welcome Week events
- Free food during Welcome Week
- The Recharge: Connect, create and chill
What to expect at Welcome Week
Welcome Week is your introduction to life at the University of Sussex. It’s a week-long programme of events where you can get to know our beautiful campus, discover our student services, meet other new students and get settled in. It's the first week of term and runs from Monday 22-Friday 26 September.
Download the SussexMobile app to explore all the Welcome Week events and tailor your Welcome Week schedule to suit your interests. Whether you’re into film nights, roller discos, table-top games or free food, My Welcome Week is your essential guide for what’s on where in your first week. You can also pick up a printed copy from the Welcome Tent in Library Square when you get here.
If you're not sure where to go, our friendly staff and students will be on hand to help. Look out for the orange ‘Ask Me’ signs and badges.
Arriving and registration
Arrivals Weekend runs from Friday 19-Sunday 21 September: find out more about getting here, and advice if you'll be arriving late.
Here's what to do when you arrive on campus. If you haven't already begun your student registration online, this is when you can get set up on our systems.
If you're a UK student, find out when you can collect your ID card from the Student Centre.
If you're an international student, find out when to come and register in person at the Student Centre.
Academic induction
Academic inductions give you the chance to meet key faculty members, get to know your course-mates, and learn about your upcoming studies at Sussex. Each School of study runs its own events to give you a better understanding of your course and how you’ll learn.
Explore the School timetables for:
- Education and Social Work
- Engineering and Informatics
- Global Studies
- Law, Politics and Sociology
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Media, Arts and Humanities
- Psychology
- University of Sussex Business School
- Foundation Years.
Welcome Week events
Most Welcome Week events are free and many are drop-in, but some have limited numbers and require a ticket. Explore our ticket pages to find out more and book your tickets:
University of Sussex Welcome Week Tickets
- Life at Uni Fair, Monday 22-Friday 26 September
How can I connect to the Wi-Fi on campus? How do I join a sports team or club? Where can I do my washing? Come to the Life at Uni Fair and meet friendly representatives from teams across Sussex. We're here to answer your questions, explain the support services available, and help you elevate your university experience. There'll also be games, quizzes, free merchandise and the chance to meet other new students.
Teams you'll meet include:
- Housing
- International Advice
- IT Services
- Money Advice and Student Funding
- Finance
- Student Advice
- Wellbeing
- Library Services
- Careers and Entrepreneurship
- Residential Life
- Student Engagement and Enhancement
- Student Union
- Sussex Sport
- Sustainability
- Spirit of Sussex Award
11am-3pm
Location: Atrium, Student Centre
- Freshers' Fair, Wednesday 24 September
The Freshers' Fair is is your opportunity to find out about the hundreds of societies and sports available at Sussex. With over 180 student groups, there are so many to choose from - you are bound to find something you like along with discovering things you have never heard of before! You can also snag fantastic freebies from a wide array of local businesses and big brands, and explore employment and volunteering opportunities. Don't miss this chance to discover new passions, meet new people who have similar interests and kickstart your university experience.
12 noon-4pm (accessibility hour 11am-12 noon)
Locations: Mandela Hall, Falmer House, ACCA Lawns and the Sports Centre - Welcome Celebration Day, Friday 26 September
Friday 26 September is the final day of Welcome Week, culminating in the Welcome Celebration Day. You can expect to find performers, musicians, and even a few animals across campus!
Find out more and book your free place at the Vice-Chancellor’s Welcome Celebration event.
Free food during Welcome Week
To welcome you to Sussex, we're offering free, nutritious meals throughout the week.
Arrivals weekend (Friday 19-Sunday 21 September)
Join us for a hot dinner in Eat Central between 5-7pm. The food will be free until we run out, so come early to avoid disappointment.
Welcome Week (Monday 22-Friday 26 September)
- Breakfast: Our breakfast bar will be serving free breakfast from 9am-11am every day.
- Dinner: Win free dinner vouchers during Welcome Week! Every day, you can take part in our scavenger hunt to find a different secret location. The first students to arrive at the secret location will receive a free voucher for dinner on campus. Find the daily clues on the @sussexunisee Instagram. We'll give out the dinner vouchers from the secret location between 3pm-4pm, or while supplies last.
Find out all the places where you can eat and shop, on and off campus.
The Recharge: Connect, create and chill
The first few days of university can be a lot to take in. Look after your wellbeing, go at your own pace and make time to relax as well as socialise! Throughout Welcome Week, The Recharge will be in the Student Centre, offering two different spaces for you to unwind in.
In the Courtyard, you'll find games, including air hockey, table tennis, and unlimited Pac-Man. In Woodland 5 we have free activities designed to help you connect, create and chill, including painting and creating, card games, cup stacking tournaments, and Nintendo Switch sessions.