Join our four-day international orientation from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 September to help you settle into Sussex and life in the UK.
About the orientation
Start your UK adventure with a warm welcome from our team! We offer a friendly airport meet-and-greet service, followed by a free coach transfer from Gatwick and from Heathrow (booking essential) to help make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Once you’re here, you’ll join our specially designed orientation sessions, with talks tailored for students who are new to the UK. These sessions cover everything you need to feel confident, settled and ready to begin your studies.
Throughout the orientation days, you’ll also have the chance to join a range of free social events, perfect for meeting new people and building your community. And yes, there will be plenty of free food to enjoy along the way!
From Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 September, visit Eat Central for a free, hot dinner every evening. Food will be free until we run out, so come along early to avoid disappointment. In Welcome Week, from Monday 21 to Friday 25 September, head to the Student Centre between 9am and 10am for a free breakfast each morning.
Come along, get connected and settle into life as a Sussex student.
What to expect
Day 1: Thursday 17 September 2026
- a meet and greet service at London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports
- a free coach transfer from Gatwick and from Heathrow (make sure to book in advance)
- settle in to your accommodation
- join us for an evening social activity.
Day 2: Friday 18 September 2026
- International Orientation Day (you’ll need your university login details to book a place)
- enjoy a free breakfast of waffles and pancakes in the Student Centre
- attend the Life at Uni fair, browse the stalls and ask questions to staff and students
- go along to welcome talks hosted by staff
- participate in relaxing crafts and activities
- enjoy a delicious buffet lunch
- join optional campus tours and bus trips to the supermarket (use your university login details to book your place)
- join us for an evening social activity.
Day 3: Saturday 19 September 2026
- optional group walk to the campus’ neighbouring nature reserve, Stanmer Park and a trip to Sussex’s Butterfly Garden
- further campus tours
- join us for an evening social activity.
Day 4: Sunday 20 September 2026
- Sunday Funday at the Sports Centre, with a dodgeball tournament and drop-in badminton sessions
- further campus tours
- your opportunity to explore or visit somewhere from our selection of suggestions
- join us for an evening social activity.