This email is being sent to all returning taught undergraduate and postgraduate students
|
|
|
 |
Hello,
Welcome back to a new term and a new year. As 2026 begins, I wanted to share a few updates to help you settle in. Eat Central is offering free breakfast for students, giving you an easy way to start your day well. If you are hoping to get active or unwind, Active Arches has a range of fitness and yoga classes available for just £2.
With many of you preparing for assessments, the library is now open 24 hours a day until the end of the semester one assessment period, closing at midnight on 16 January.
This week also marks the launch of the Sussex Awards, which give you the chance to recognise the teaching staff and postgraduate researchers who help make your Sussex experience memorable.
Finally, I want to highlight the support available for anyone affected by the events in Venezuela and Iran. Our global community is one of Sussex’s greatest strengths, and support is here for both students and staff.
Please read on for this week’s news including: |
Have breakfast on us with a free breakfast at Eat Central
Sussex Uni Food is supporting you through the assessment period from Monday 5 January to Friday 16 January with free Purple Berry breakfast bowls, available from 8am to 11am in Eat Central. A nutritious, build-your-own bowl is the perfect way to stay energised and focused, whether you are heading to an exam or settling in for a day of revision. Take a moment for yourself and enjoy a customisable breakfast packed with fresh fruit, seeds, peanut butter and more to help you perform at your best. Read more on the Student Hub.
| UK students, have you applied for your student loan?
If you have not already done so, do not forget to reapply for your student finance. Comprehensive information and advice on money and finance, including how to contact a money advisor is available on the Student Hub.
For all students, if you pay your tuition fees directly, the next installment will be due on Tuesday 13 January. If you live in University housing your rental fees will also be due then.
You can find information on paying fees, financial advice and information on what to do if you are facing difficulties with paying your fees on the Student Hub. | |
Special gold membership offer from Sussex Sport and get active at The Arches
Keep active during the assessment period and beyond with discounted gold membership from Sussex Sport. With anytime gym access, dozens of group fitness classes and early-access court booking, there's something for everyone!
From immersive sound baths and mindful breathing to gentle, restorative yoga, these £2 sessions are open to all students. No previous experience is required, and you should leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and recharged from the inside out. Book your place via the Student Hub.
|
Voluntary Leavers scheme for staff
You may start to hear about our staff Voluntary Leavers Scheme in the coming weeks. Like many UK universities, Sussex is facing significant financial challenges due to long-term underfunding, ongoing inflation, and a drop in international students. Despite our efforts to make savings over the past year, we now need to reduce costs further to ensure the University's long-term financial sustainability. The Voluntary Leavers Scheme offers Sussex staff the opportunity to leave voluntarily with a leavers package. The scheme has now started, and we will provide further updates as we move forward.
This decision will not distract us from ensuring that you continue to receive an inspirational and high-quality education, and excellent student support services. Our support services are available if you need any help - please do reach out via My Sussex, the Student Centre, or the Chaplaincy.
| Nominate now in the Sussex Awards
The Sussex Awards celebrate the work of our staff and postgraduate researcher (PGR) community who help make your student and learning experience the best it can be.
The Sussex Awards provide you with the opportunity to say thank you to individual staff or teams, in your faculty or the wider university, who have had a positive impact on your time at Sussex. Find out how to nominate. | |
Easy living, there is still time to apply to live on campus
Returning students can now apply for campus accommodation for next year, and it is a great choice if you want something simple, supportive, and close to everything. There is no deposit or UK guarantor required, which makes it especially helpful if you are applying from abroad or hoping to avoid upfront costs. You can choose who you live with and enjoy being right in the heart of campus life, close to lectures, social spaces, and plenty of events. Find out more.
| Gain real world work experience as a student consultant
Applications for the Spring Student Consultancy Programme are now open, offering final year undergraduates and taught postgraduates the chance to gain flexible, real world experience on live projects with external organisations. It is a great way to build skills in business, community or sustainability focused work alongside your studies. Learn more and apply.
| With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O'Riordan Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |
|
|
|
 |
Seagull standing on Brighton Palace Pier. |
|
|
|
|
| Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
|
|
|
|
|
