This email is being sent to all taught undergraduate and postgraduate students
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Hello,
This week I am excited to share with you all the ways you can get involved in the creativity, and connection that make Sussex such a special place to study. This week you can take part in an Active US session, offering a fun way to stay active, connect and make friends with other students. Next week, take part in With love, from Sussex which is your opportunity to take part in special activities that celebrate your Sussex community, and join us for an event about hope in difficult times, From Despair to Action, at the ACCA.
You can join celebrations that highlight our vibrant LGBTQI+ and Black at Sussex communities. I would also like to encourage you to explore the support available across campus, whether through study spaces, academic guidance, or wellbeing resources. All these opportunities are part of how we as a university foster connection, inclusion, and support across Sussex.
There are also opportunities for final year students to tell the world about your time at Sussex through the NSS and collect your Class of 2026 T-shirt.
Finally, there is still time to apply for 2026/27 on-campus accommodation, and I encourage all returning students to consider the benefits of living within our supportive campus community.
Wherever your focus lies this week, I hope you take advantage of the resources, events and networks available to enrich your time at Sussex. Please read on for this week’s news including: | |
Celebrating community, connection and inspiration. With love, from Sussex
The University of Sussex community continues to show the heart and spirit that make Sussex a special place to be. From creative projects, student stories and campus highlights to shared moments that reflect what we value as a community, With love, from Sussex brings together voices and experiences that remind us why we belong here.
We are particularly excited to host a special LGBTQI+ celebration, alongside Black at Sussex: Meet & Eat creating welcoming spaces to connect, share experiences, and celebrate together. See the full list of activities from across the university. |
Get ready for Glimmer, a new light and lantern festival
To allow the ticketed Glimmer trail to be managed safely there will be restricted pedestrian access leading on and off Library Square on Thursday 12 February from 5.00pm - 9.00pm.
You are welcome to be on campus as usual and the Library will be open, those wishing to enter or exit via the Library main entrance will be able to do so. Where possible pedestrians not attending the event will be asked to use alternative pathways with event stewards on hand to support. Important event information will be emailed via The Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts box office to all ticket holders.
| Reflective Writing workshops in February
As part of the Skills Hub’s ongoing support for your academic development, Reflective Writing workshops are taking place in February to help you strengthen your ability to think critically about your learning and articulate your insights clearly. These workshops are ideal if you are preparing reflective assignments, portfolios or professional development documents.
On Wednesday 11 February, there will be an on campus Reflective Writing workshop from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, with a corresponding online session on Thursday 12 February from 2.00pm to 3.00pm. Both sessions cover the same material and are designed to offer practical techniques, examples and time for practice. Reflective writing is a valuable skill that can enhance your academic work and support your personal and professional growth.
| Final year students, complete the NSS and pick up a free Class of 2026 T-shirt
The National Student Survey (NSS) is now open and this is your opportunity to tell the world about Sussex. Your responses help prospective students make informed choices about what university they want to study at, just like you did. The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and is anonymous.
As a thank you for taking part, you can also pick up a free NSS T-shirt once you have completed the survey. Look out for NSS stalls in the Library, Student Centre or your Faculty Office where you can show your completion screen and collect yours, while stocks last. Your feedback matters, and this is one of the most important ways you can share your time as a Sussex student. |
Careers support and opportunities
The University of Sussex offers a wide range of careers and employability support to help you plan your next steps and build the confidence and skills you need for life after university. The Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you explore your options, polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and connect with employers through one-to-one appointments, workshops and events.
You can access resources on CareerLab, a programme of opportunities tailored to your year of study, including skills development, internships, student consultancy projects and insight visits that help you gain real-world experience and meet potential employers. |
Transfer your Munch Money vouchers to the Time2Eat app
Good news for food lovers on campus, you can now use your Munch Money vouchers more easily by transferring them to the Time2Eat app. This means you will be able to pay for food and drink at Sussex Uni Food outlets straight from your phone using the app, giving you a quick, convenient and modern way to enjoy your favourite meals and snacks.
The Time2Eat app also lets you browse menus, order ahead and explore offers across campus food outlets. To get started, download the app and follow the instructions to move your Munch Money balance into your app wallet so you can spend it where you like around campus. | |
Take part in Active US. run by students, for students
Active US is a social sports programme designed to help you move, have fun and feel part of campus life. Active US offers a range of relaxed, commitment-free opportunities to get involved, meet others and enjoy physical activity throughout the term. You can take part in casual drop-in sessions, join development groups to build your skills, or enjoy friendly competition in weekly leagues. Sessions are affordable at just £2 per activity, equipment is provided, and no experience is needed.
Active US welcomes everyone, encourages inclusivity and tries to fit around your schedule. It also works alongside other campus partners and student groups to bring themed events and social sport activities to a range of locations on campus.
To book a session, log in with your Sussex ID via the booking portal and choose the activities you want to join. Find out more and secure your place on the Active US section of the Sussex Sport website. |
Essential work at the Student Centre
From Monday 9 February, essential work will be taking place in the Student Centre as part of the Network Replacement Project. This work will significantly improve Wi-Fi coverage across the building, helping to create a better experience for students using the space.
There may be some disruption during the week, with certain areas temporarily closed at different times. Staff will be available at the Student Centre desk throughout to provide guidance and support, so please speak to them if you have any concerns or need help while the work is underway.
If you are looking for different places to focus, revise or work in a calm environment, the University offers a range of alternative study spaces across campus that have a strong Wi-Fi connection. |
From despair to action: building progressive futures
Join the Sussex School for Progressive Futures for a panel discussion on hope and action in an uncertain world on Wednesday 18 February 2026, 5.30pm to 7.00pm at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. This session brings together leading thinkers and activists to explore how people are responding to global challenges with practical, positive ways of living, organising and collaborating. The session will explore how we can sustain hope amid the climate crisis, growing inequalities and social unrest.
The discussion will be chaired by Professor Peter Newell, Theme Lead in Environmental Sustainability, and will feature Dr Caroline Lucas, Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability; Andrew Simms from the New Weather Institute and Rapid Transition Alliance; and Jean McLean from the Green Economy Coalition. All students and staff are welcome to attend, which also reflects our commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and positive action through the Sussex 2035 strategy.
| Need accommodation for the next academic year?
There is still time for current full-time undergraduate and postgraduate Sussex students to apply for 2026/27 on campus housing. Living on campus comes with a range of benefits, including no deposit or guarantor required, heating, water and electricity included in your accommodation fee, and the convenience of being within walking distance of your lectures. You can also apply to live with friends, and we will do our best to accommodate you together where possible. Communal areas are cleaned once a week, making it easier to focus on your studies while enjoying a supportive campus community. Consider applying for campus housing today.
| Race Equality Week and LGBTQI+ History Month
This February, the University of Sussex community has marked Race Equality Week and LGBTQI+ History Month, each highlighting our ongoing commitment to inclusion, diversity and respect across campus.
During Race Equality Week 2026, Sussex joined universities and organisations across the country in focusing on race equality, reflection and action. The week provided opportunities to learn, engage and consider how we can all contribute to a more equitable community where everyone feels valued and respected.
February is also LGBTQI+ History Month, when we celebrate the history, contributions and achievements of LGBTQI+ people past and present and spotlight the work of the LGBTQI+ workstream at Sussex. This includes activities, events and focused work to support LGBTQI+ students, raise awareness and strengthen a culture of inclusion, respect and belonging for everyone.
These occasions reflect our collective ambition to nurture a university environment where difference is championed, voices are heard and every member of our community can thrive. | With best wishes,
Kate Professor Kate O'Riordan Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |
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| Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
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