Welcome Week update
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Thursday, 15 September 2022
Following the sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8 September 2022, we have entered into a period of national mourning. This official period of national mourning continues until the end of the day of Her Majesty’s state funeral on Monday 19 September 2022.
Through the period of national mourning, the University will be open, with the exception of the state funeral on Monday 19 September, which has been declared a bank holiday. Please see the updates below.
Campus facilities
- Welcome Week activity originally planned for Monday 19 September will now take place later that week.
- The Students’ Union has a wide range of events and activities taking place throughout the week.
- Falmer House will be open throughout the week.
- Check the Library website for opening times.
- Sussex Sports facilities will be open except on Monday 19 September.
- Some retail outlets on campus - operated by third parties - will remain open throughout the period of national mourning, including on Monday 19 September.
Screening of State Funeral
We are working on plans to screen the funeral on campus for newly-arrived and resident students, who wish to watch it in a communal space. More details will follow.
Support for students
Core wellbeing and support services will continue to be available on the day of the state funeral, and can be accessed primarily through the Student Centre. In addition, the Chaplaincy service will also be available in the Meeting House on campus.
Her Majesty’s passing may provoke strong emotions for many staff and students. Please be considerate of other people’s feelings during the national mourning period and beyond. If you find yourself in need of further support of any kind, you may wish to contact our support services or speak with a member of our Chaplaincy.
Books of condolence
We have books of condolence available in the Meeting House, organised by the Chaplaincy, as well as an online book of condolence on the University website, where you can write a message in memory of Queen Elizabeth if you would like to. Buckingham Palace has opened an online book of condolence and there are also official books of condolence in local Town and County Halls.
Online galleries
You can view our online galleries of Her Majesty’s visits to the University. The first visit was in 1964, to open the Library, and the second was in 2013, to visit The Keep archive.