This email is being sent to all returning taught undergraduate and postgraduate students
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Hello,
At Sussex, your voice matters, it shapes your experience here and helps us build a stronger, more inclusive community. One way you can make your voice heard is by becoming a Student Rep. Reps play a key role in representing their fellow students, sharing ideas, and helping to create positive changes within Schools. Faculties, and the University as a whole. If you are passionate about your subject and want to help improve the student experience, nominations are now open, it is a great way to get involved and make a difference.
Your voice also matters on a national level. The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are now open, giving you the opportunity to share what you value most about studying at Sussex. Thanks to your feedback, Sussex was named national runner-up for Mental Health and Wellbeing Support last year, an achievement that reflects the care and commitment of our community.
This week we also wish a very happy Diwali to all our students, staff, alumni, and members of the wider community celebrating in the days ahead. Please read on for more updates, including information about active travel, the Spirit of Sussex Award, and how to access support and wellbeing services across the University.
Please read on for this week’s news, including: | |
Get involved as a Student Rep
At Sussex, Student Reps serve as your academic voice, acting as a bridge between students and staff to enable feedback and help shape your course experience. Learn more on the University of Sussex SU Student Reps page.
What can reps do?
Take on roles such as Course Rep, Senior Course Rep, Committee Rep, or specialty roles like Accessibility Rep or International Student Rep. Learn more about the different roles here.
Find out more and become a rep here. Why take the role?
Search for your current reps, read role descriptions, and learn about training through the SU’s Find Your Reps page. | |
Sustainable and active travel at Sussex Choosing to travel actively and sustainably helps reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and boost your wellbeing. Whether you walk, wheel, cycle, or use public transport, there are plenty of ways to make your journeys greener.
Find out more about how Sussex does this, and information on travel discounts, route maps, and cycling support on the Sustainable and Active Travel pages. |
Happy Diwali from the University of Sussex
Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated by many Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrations often include decorating homes, performing prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lighting diyas, enjoying fireworks, and sharing traditional sweets.
At its heart, Diwali promotes compassion, unity, and the light within us all, reminding us to cherish and celebrate life’s blessings. Join the celebration:
Dhaba Café special: On Monday 20 October, from 12.00 to 15.00, Dhaba Café will be serving a special Dal Bowl to mark the festival. | |
Vote for us in the What Uni Student Choice Awards
The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are based entirely on student reviews, which means your voice really matters. By voting for us, you get to highlight what makes Sussex special to you.
| Help protect yourself and others from illness
Now that the new term has started, please make sure you have had all your free NHS vaccines if you are able to do so. Vaccinations can help protect you from serious illnesses such as meningitis, measles, and more.
Find out how to protect yourself and others. | |
Academic reading strategies: build skills to help you thrive
Strong academic reading skills are essential for success at University. Learning how to read strategically helps you manage large volumes of material, identify key arguments, and engage critically with your subject. To help you develop these skills you can attend an Academic Reading Strategies either on campus, or online: |
Find graduate roles, meet employers, find vacation work and more at the Careers Fair 2025
Careers Fair 2025, is your opportunity to meet and speak with employers from a wide range of sectors offering graduate roles, vacation work, placements, work experience, and voluntary positions.
Many of the exhibiting employer's welcome students from any degree subject, making this an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to explore their options and discover potential career paths. To attend, you will need to book a two-hour time slot:
Wednesday 29 October.
Book your place via Ticket Tailor | |
Report and Support at Sussex Sussex is a safe and welcoming community, where we value respect, inclusion, and looking out for one another. However, if you ever face harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, bullying, or any behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, you will be supported if you want it.
Report and Support is Sussex’s confidential service where you can: | |
Spirit of Sussex Award: make friends, feel connected, and showcase your growth No matter what stage you are at in your Sussex journey, the Spirit of Sussex Award (SOSA) is a great way to get involved, connect with others, and explore opportunities beyond your course.
The Award recognises contributions made outside academic studies, from volunteering and joining societies to organising events or taking on part-time roles. By collecting points towards Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels, students can:
SOSA is open to all students, undergraduates, Masters, and doctoral researchers, including those on foundation years, placements, years abroad, or repeat years. Find out more and get started with the Spirit of Sussex Award. |
Five minutes with Bud Johnston: “I’m inspired by people who keep building things even when no one is watching”
In recognition of Black History Month, we celebrate the stories and experiences of Black staff, students, and alumni who inspire our community. This week, get to know Bud Johnston, Project Manager of Black at Sussex, whose dedication, resilience, and passion exemplify the spirit of perseverance and quiet impact.
In this interview, Bud reflects on the small, often unseen moments that shape his work and values. From his personal journey to the principles that drive him, Bud’s story reminds us that meaningful change often starts with consistent effort, even when recognition is not immediate.
Whether you are just starting out in your studies or looking for inspiration to persist in your goals, Bud’s perspective offers insights into resilience, leadership, and community impact.
Read the full interview with Bud Johnston |
With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O'Riordan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |
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Mid-October sees the start of the murmurations by Brighton pier. Photo from Adobe Stock |
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| Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
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