Earlier today, Kate O'Riordan, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Students, wrote to all taught students. Read her full email below:
Hello,
As we head into the Spring vacation, I want to wish a joyous Passover or Happy Easter to those who celebrate and also to wish you luck as you prepare for upcoming assessments.Approaching your assessments involves planning and good time management – I recommend checking the Skills Hub for support across a range of topics. I know some of you will have caring responsibilities or paid work (or both) that continue during the vacation, so I hope you can make time to rest and do things you enjoy, this article from Monday’s Experience Sussex! will help you find the right balance.
If you are staying on campus, you can find information about cafe opening times and transport as well as general advice and information on the Hub. I invite those of you with young families to join us for our family fun day tomorrow (Friday 11 April) and student concession tickets are available for the University of Sussex Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert that evening.
Whatever the vacation looks like for you, you might find the health and wellbeing resources on the Student Hub helpful.
Finally, I wanted to highlight a recent blog post by Naimat Zafary, a PhD researcher at the University and former Chevening Scholar. Naimat writes:
“to me and many hundreds of Chevening scholars from across the globe [Sussex] has been such a haven for free enquiry and open expression.”
You can read more about Freedom of Speech at Sussex on the Student Hub. The updates I send to you will continue after the vacation, with the next edition planned for Thursday 8 May.
Please read on for your regular update including:
Sussex shortlisted for national Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Award
The University of Sussex has been shortlisted for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Award at this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs)! The WUSCAs are an opportunity for students to have their say about their university experience and to recognise institutions that go above and beyond to provide exceptional education and support to their students. We are very proud to have been shortlisted for this award and would like to thank our Wellbeing Team for their work and dedication in supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing.
Read more about our shortlisting on the Student Hub.
Win a ticket to a Brighton Festival event!
Brighton Festival is back from 3-26 May, and as the Festival’s Higher Education Partner we are delighted to provide you with unique access to the programme, and right now we have five free tickets up for grabs for students!
You could win a ticket to Ahadadream on Sat 3 May, 9pm at The Old Market. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is and add your email address and rank the events in order of preference on this form before 4pm, tomorrow, Friday 11 April.
Current postgraduate student? Take part in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey
Complete the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey online by 13 June for the chance to win one of five graduation packages worth £150!
It only takes 15 minutes, and your responses can help us to make postgraduate students’ time at Sussex the best it can be.
Women's Football host Charlotte Swift Memorial Tournament
The Swift Cup was established in honour of Charlotte Swift, who unfortunately passed away in 2020 and is greatly missed by her University of Sussex football teammates. All the money raised goes straight to a youth charity that meant a lot to Charlotte - All Sorts Youth. The event raised over £350, and finals went down to an exciting penalty shootout!
Library accessibility
Our Library, a key part of our campus since the 1960s, remains an essential resource for students. While updating this Grade II* Listed building presents challenges, we are dedicated to improving accessibility. Planned enhancements for summer 2025 include a wider step-free entrance.
Learn more about our efforts and available support.
Stay with US this summer
The University is opening its doors widely this summer and offers members of the public a unique opportunity to book a short stay in our East Slope accommodation. Our rooms are available for booking between 17 June and 5 September 2025. Our short stays are ideal for students of friends and family visiting Brighton over the summer.
Why not book a room for Summer Graduation week or Brighton & Hove Pride weekend? If you know anyone who fits the bill let them know they need to book their stay soon to avoid disappointment.
24/7 support with your wellbeing from Togetherall
Aside from the minimum service days (17-22 April), when very few staff will be working, you can still access support over the vacation and there is lots to do if you are staying at Sussex. The Student Centre will be open for in person support and you can log enquiries on My Sussex.
As a student at Sussex, you also have free, 24/7, immediate access to Togetherall. A safe space for you to air your concerns, get things off your chest and to connect with others.
Playing the Future, 16 April
Step into the world of Our Place, No Place, a tabletop role-playing game by David Blandy, where the complexities of a better future are imagined together. In this collaborative experience, participants create a shared world by drawing a map and defining its landscapes, then step into the lives of characters who inhabit it. As you navigate a year in this imagined space, unexpected local events will shape your story and a community will emerge through play. Book your place now for the first in a series of Immersing in Alternative Futures.
With best wishes,
Kate Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)