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Image of Professor Kate O'Riordan. Win up to £5000, career boosts, campus comedy and festival fun!

Hello

As we head into March, there is a lot happening on campus to help you shape your next steps beyond Sussex. Whatever year you are in at Sussex, it is never too early, or too late, to access the benefits provided by our careers support. This week, I am spotlighting three opportunities designed to boost your confidence, expand your network and support your future career. 

The Make it Happen careers events are back with a four‑part series featuring inspiring Sussex alumni who will share how they broke into their industries, what they learned along the way, and the advice they wish they had been given before graduating. Book your place now on CareerHub. Don’t forget you can also log Spirit of Sussex Award points for attending, under the Work Experience category! 

If you are curious about, or already experienced in entrepreneurship, Startup Sussex is for you, offering students or recent graduates the opportunity to win up to £5,000 to fund a business or social enterprise idea, and access business support. This is not just a funding competition – it is also an entrepreneurial community, and a series of workshops open to all students. These allow you to develop your business ideas, gather new skills or sharpen your Startup Sussex application. Explore upcoming workshops and book a place

If you are interested in idea of postgraduate study and research, the Junior Research Associate (JRA) scheme gives Sussex students the chance to work on real research with expert academics. This is paid work, and it’s a great way to build confidence, sharpen your analytical skills, and gain experience that will stand out to potential employers or help with further study. Applications are open until 16 March – find out more

You can also shape your next steps through choices within your course, either through options or, if your course includes them, electives. Many of our electives are designed for learning experiences beyond the classroom. They range from Careers in the Creative Industries and Forest Food Gardens, to the new School Experience Project module, which gives you a chance to apply your subject in a school and inspire younger learners.   

Finally, if you are beginning to think ahead to summer, CareerHub is already filling up with seasonal job opportunities, from full‑time roles to flexible part‑time work. New vacancies are added every week, and you can also follow @SussexUniCareers on Instagram for featured roles.

Please read on for this week’s news including: 

  • Get more for your money when eating on campus 

  • Housing Team Reception moving from 2 March 

  • Gym access for Sussex Sport members during Ramadan 

  • Celebrate the annual Sussex Festival of Ideas this spring 

  • Inclusive Pathways: Exploring Opportunities in Business for Black Entrepreneurs 

  • Become a Residential Life Connector next year

  • Comedy is back with a bang at Eat Central 

  • Share your best photos this World Wildlife Day 

  • Sussex Snapshot. 

Get more for your money when eating on campus

The Sussex Food Wallet is a prepaid meal package you load via the Time2Eat app. Every package comes with bonus credit (up to 25% extra), so you get more food for your money. 

The Semester Boost package covers roughly one full meal a day plus drinks, with loads of flexibility. You’ll find fresh, nutritious options including veggie, vegan and gluten free dishes - plus international flavours and sweet treats.   

As a member, you also get access to fun extras like cooking classes, quiz nights and film evenings, so you can stay connected while eating well.  

Read more about it on the Student Hub.

Housing Team Reception moving from 2 March

From Monday 2 March, the Housing Team Reception will move from the 2nd Floor in Bramber House to the 24-hour reception on the ground floor of Bramber House, north side. 

A member of the Housing Team will be available Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm at the new ground floor reception to help with any housing questions. 

You can also call the team, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm on 01273 678220, or email the team directly at housing@sussex.ac.uk.

Gym access for Sussex Sport members during Ramadan

Between 18 February and 19 March Silver Sussex Sport members observing Ramadan can use the gym at peak times for no extra cost. Bronze members observing Ramadan can use the gym at peak times for off-peak rates (£4.50).

If you would like to take advantage of this, please notify staff at the Sports Centre reception next time you come to use the gym.

Celebrate the annual Sussex Festival of Ideas this spring

The Sussex Festival of Ideas returns with a vibrant programme celebrating creativity, research and community. Curated by the School of Media, Arts and Humanities, this year’s event programme brings together students and academics for thought‑provoking talks, hands‑on workshops and imaginative performances.

From neurodiversity and magic to AI, archives, food futures and student‑led showcases, the festival explores how the arts can help us reimagine our world. Our free student-led programme begins on campus in March.

Visit the Festival of Ideas programme and book your place at an event.

Inclusive Pathways: Exploring Opportunities in Business for Black Entrepreneurs 

Join us to celebrate Black Brilliance in Business, Wednesday 11 March! 

Organised by the Black Brilliance in Business Student Group studying at the University of Sussex Business School, the event brings together the University of Sussex’s Black community, including students and staff, with Black entrepreneurs, business leaders, and researchers to explore business opportunities and pathways. 
 
Funded by the Black at Sussex programme, the event forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement, professional development, and representation within business and entrepreneurship. 

This free networking event will highlight professional experiences and reflections on the future of Black-led enterprise, over delicious African food. 

Book your free place.

Become a Residential Life Connector next year 

Residential Life Connectors work collaboratively with staff to enhance the experience of students living on campus, providing support to students, running activities, and developing a sense of community in the residences. 

We are now taking applications for students interested in this role for next academic year, which is generally about five hours work per week paid at £13.45 per hour. 

To be considered, you must be: a current student at Sussex until at least June 2027, willing to live on campus next year, and able to move back onto campus before 18 September 2026, after the summer break.  

Find out more and apply. Closing date is Sunday 8 March 2026.

Comedy is back with a bang at Eat Central

Eat Central is transforming into a full professional comedy club on Thursday 5 March, with four outstanding acts taking the stage.

This is not your average campus comedy night. These are touring, TV and Netflix-featured, award-nominated comedians delivering the kind of writing, timing, and belly laughs you will remember for days. Tickets are £6.50, or £10 with food.

Find out more and book your place

Share your best photos this World Wildlife Day 

Monday 3 March is World Wildlife Day, a chance to celebrate the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us, including right here on our campus. From squirrels and ancient woodland to birds, insects and grazing wildlife on the Downs, Sussex is home to a rich and varied natural environment. 

To mark the day, we are inviting you to share your best wildlife photos taken across campus. We would love to see how you experience nature at Sussex and celebrate the beauty of the wildlife around us. 

Tag us on social media and we will reshare our favourites: 


With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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lanters lit up as part of Glimmer Festival

Take a look back at the recent Glimmer Festival and watch this highlights video on TikTok made by one of our student Digital Media Creators.

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