This email is being sent to all returning taught undergraduate and postgraduate students
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Hello,
This week’s update brings essential information and opportunities for returning students. Congratulations to all students graduating this winter. Your hard work, dedication and resilience have brought you to this milestone, and we celebrate your achievements and the journey you have completed at Sussex. I also want to highlight that nominations for the Sussex Awards are now open. These awards recognise the staff and postgraduate researchers who make your learning experience exceptional and contribute to the student experience here at Sussex. You can find ways to help care for yourself during the exam period, including free breakfasts, wellness sessions, and academic skills support.
As well as this, you can find opportunities to get involved in student representation, explore engaging campus events such as Canine Cuddles and the Black Creatives Lab, and keep on top of important finance and tuition deadlines. Whether your focus is wellbeing, enhancing your academic skills, or connecting with campus life, there is something here to support and enrich your student journey.
Please read on for this week’s news including: Message to those impacted by events in Iran Nominations are open for the Sussex Awards Winter graduation Staying active and looking after yourself during the exam period Students’ Union leadership elections – represent your community Black Creatives Lab launches exclusively for Sussex students UK students, have you applied for your student loan? Exceptional circumstances for assessments Update to Sports Centre access for gym users Volunteering opportunities Canine Cuddles is back for semester two | |
Message to those impacted by events in Iran
We know that global events can have a profound impact on students and staff, whether directly or indirectly. In response to recent events in Iran and Venezuela, the University of Sussex has reached out to those who may be affected and wants to ensure you are aware of the support available. This includes information and guidance on wellbeing, access to online and in-person services, specialist advisors via My Sussex, and help from the Welcome Team in the Student Centre. There are also free therapeutic services, confidential support groups, online mental health support via Togetherall, and support through the University Chaplaincy. If your financial situation has been affected, hardship and funding advice is also available.
| Want to recognise a member of staff who made a difference to you?
The Sussex Awards celebrate the staff and postgraduate researchers who help make your learning and student experience exceptional.
This is your opportunity to recognise and thank individuals or teams, within your School or across the wider University, who have made a meaningful difference during your time at Sussex. You can find out more about the awards and how to nominate on the Sussex Awards webpages. |
Winter graduation
Winter graduation ceremonies are taking place soon, and we would like to wish good luck to all students who will be graduating. This is an important milestone and a moment to celebrate your achievements, hard work and resilience.
The University of Sussex winter graduation ceremonies take place from Wednesday 21 January to Thursday 22 January 2026 at the Brighton Centre. Well done to all those who are about to complete their journeys here at Sussex. | |
Support during the assessment period
During this exam and assessment period, we continue to provide a range of opportunities to help support you and make sure you are at your best. Start your day with a free Purple Berry breakfast bowl from Sussex Uni Food, available from 8am to 11am in Eat Central between Monday 5 January and Friday 16 January.
Active Arches is offering a range of low-cost wellbeing sessions during the exam period, including sound baths, soundscape sessions, Yoga Nidra, gentle yoga and breathwork classes. These sessions are designed to support relaxation, and help you reset, whether through guided rest, mindfulness or calming sound. Taking time to pause and recharge can support both your wellbeing and your focus as you work through the exam and assessment period.
Alongside looking after yourself, you may find it helpful to refresh your academic skills. The Skills Hub offers guidance, resources and workshops to support revision, academic writing and study strategies, helping you feel more confident and prepared during this exam period. |
Your chance to represent your fellow students in the Students’ Union
Students’ Union leadership elections are now open, offering you the chance to represent your fellow students and make a real, positive impact on campus life. By standing for election, you can help ensure the SU delivers what students need and want, have your voice heard at all levels of the University, and contribute to meaningful changes across the student experience. These roles also provide valuable experience and transferable skills, helping you develop leadership, communication and teamwork abilities while shaping the community you are part of.
No prior experience is needed to take on these enjoyable and accessible roles. You can find out more about the opportunities available and how to nominate yourself on the Students’ Union leadership elections page.
If you are interested in standing but want to learn more first, you can attend the candidate information session for the leadership elections, which provides guidance on the process and what to expect from the roles. |
Black Creatives Lab launches exclusively for Sussex students
A new opportunity for students who are creative and aspiring industry professionals has been launched at the University of Sussex. The Black Creatives Lab, an immersive one‑day experience designed exclusively for Sussex students and looking to support, celebrates and elevates Black talent interested in careers across the creative industries.
The Lab brings together industry insight, interactive workshops and networking opportunities, helping students build professional confidence and practical skills as they prepare for creative careers. | |
UK students, have you applied for your student finance?
If you have not already done so, please ensure you reapply for your student finance. Comprehensive information and advice on money and finance. You can find guidance on paying fees, financial support, and what to do if you are facing difficulties on the Student Hub.
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Exceptional circumstances for assessments
If you have recently experienced a short term, unexpected situation that has negatively affected your ability to study, prepare for, or complete an assessment or exam relating to the first semester, you should consider submitting an Exceptional Circumstances claim. Submitting a claim allows the University to take account of the impact these circumstances may have had on your academic performance and, if your claim is accepted, to put appropriate remedies in place.
You must submit your claim, including any requested evidence or further information, by 11.59pm on Monday 26 January 2026. This deadline applies to all students, including Online Distance Learning students and those studying at the joint AI Institute at Zhejiang Gongshang University.
If you think your circumstances may have impacted your assessments, it is important to submit a claim by this deadline. Waiting until after you receive your marks will be too late.
Further information about the Exceptional Circumstances process and how to submit a claim is available on the Student Hub. If you need advice or support with making a claim, you can contact the Student Centre or the Students’ Union support and advocacy service.
| Update to Sports Centre access for gym users
From Monday 19 January, there will be a change to the way gym users access the Sports Centre at the University of Sussex. Gym users will need to scan a QR code through the Sussex Sport app when entering the Sports Centre and gym rooms, which will help improve security and reduce waiting times at reception.
If you have not yet set up the Sussex Sport app or the QR code function, instructions are available and staff will be on hand at the Sports Centre to help when you arrive. If you do not have a smartphone or choose not to use the app, a temporary access card can be provided at reception with suitable identification.
Please note that this access change applies only to gym entry. For scheduled classes and other activities, please continue to sign in at the reception desk as usual. | |
Volunteering opportunities
The university is currently working with The Social Society to support the pilot scheme 1000 For Change, a new volunteering and events community designed to make giving back to your community simple, flexible and meaningful.
Finding volunteering opportunities as a student can sometimes be challenging, and 1000 For Change offers a different way to get involved. It focuses on active volunteering opportunities, including micro volunteering that can fit around your time, helping you to build skills and experience while connecting with a community of other Sussex students.
If you are interested in volunteering, this could be a good way to get started. Spaces on the pilot are limited, and you can secure your place here:
Volunteering can also help you earn points towards the Spirit of Sussex Award, recognising your achievements beyond your studies.
The 1000 For Change pilot scheme complements the wider range of volunteering opportunities and support available through the University CareerHub. |
Canine Cuddles is back for semester two
Care dogs are returning to campus thanks to a collaboration between the Spirit of Sussex Award, the Student Wellbeing Team, and the Buddy Scheme with Canine Concern. This is a chance to spend some time relaxing and having fun with some friendly dogs.
Sessions are designed to reach students across different faculties, but all students are welcome to attend sessions in other locations if there is space. Sessions held in the Meeting House, Student Centre, or Students’ Union are open to all.
| With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O'Riordan Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |
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A snowy Brighton day. Image from Adobe Stock |
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| Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
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