image.

This email is being sent to all taught undergraduate and postgraduate students

Vaccinations and health information, spring break support, half‑price theatre, green careers, and more

Hello

You may have seen recent media reports about a meningococcal disease (meningitis) outbreak in Kent. I know news like this can feel worrying, however the outbreak is currently contained in Canterbury and Kent, and no cases are linked to the University of Sussex or any other schools or universities outside of Kent, so the risk to Sussex students is low. 

The strain behind cases in Kent has now been identified as Meningitis B (known as MenB). I encourage you to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of meningitis, and ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations. You can read more about this on the Student Hub

Tomorrow marks the final day of spring term, and I hope you are able to take a well‑earned break. Remember, you can access our online wellbeing resources 24/7 on My Sussex

Spring vacation is also a great chance to start preparing for next term, from upcoming assessment revision to dissertation planning. If you want some support or inspiration, check out the study resources on the Student Hub, including revision and exam guidance and writing and assessment tips

For those of you staying in Brighton over the vacation period, there is still lots happening on campus and support available for you - check out the Student Hub to see updated campus opening times. 

In the meantime, this week, our annual Varsity sporting competition is still on. I saw Sussex Mountaineering win their event on Sunday. Congratulations to everyone involved! 

Finally, if you are a final year student, do not forget that once you have completed the National Student Survey (NSS) you can collect your free t-shirt from your school office. If you are planning on going home for the break, make sure you have collected it before the end of the week! 

Read on to find out about: 

  • Ensure your vaccinations are up to date 

  • Neurodiversity Celebration Week 

  • Attend the Green Futures event and discover the green job market 

  • Half-price tickets to see Bog Witch at the Attenborough Centre 

  • Student Spaces Survey 2025: what students think about campus life 

  • Sussex School for Progressive Futures event today at 5pm 

  • 20% off bikes at Pedal Point@the Travel Hub on campus 

  • Sussex charity netball tournament - a fantastic afternoon on campus 

  • Sussex Snapshot.  

Ensure your vaccinations are up to date 

If you are able, please make sure you have had all your free NHS vaccinations. They help protect you from serious illnesses like meningitis, measles, and more. 

You should be up to date with: 

  • Meningitis ACWY – protects against four types of meningitis and blood poisoning. 

  • MMR – protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. 

  • HPV – helps prevent some cancers and genital warts. 

  • You can also pay for the vaccination for meningococcal group B (MenB) for extra protection. You can only get this vaccination privately at certain pharmacies or travel clinics, unless you have certain chronic conditions. 

Read more about vaccinations on the Student Hub

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) challenges organisations and individuals to create more equitable and inclusive cultures that empower individuals, whilst recognising and celebrating the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals. 

We have been enjoying events throughout this week as part of the Festival of Ideas, led by students and academics from the faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities, two of which celebrate and shine a light on neurodiversity. There is still a chance to check out the events, so take a look at the programme to find out more

Attend the Green Futures event and discover the green job market  

You don’t need the ‘right degree’ to land a green job! Green Futures is your chance to explore the growing green job market and see how your skills can make an impact, whatever you study. 

Join this free one-day event on Thursday 16 April for an exclusive opportunity to get inspiration from people working at the forefront of sustainability, renewable energy and decarbonisation. You will also take part in an immersion challenge, and gain resources to take your next steps towards a green career. 

Apply to attend by Monday 30 March

Half-price tickets to see Bog Witch at the Attenborough Centre  

Following a critically acclaimed London run, legendary performance artist Bryony Kimmings brings her hit show Bog Witch to the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) for three special shows next week, from Thursday 19 - Saturday 21 March. 

Sussex students can get half-price tickets (£10) with the code: BOGWITCHSTUDENTS. 

Book your tickets on the ACCA website

Student Spaces Survey 2025: what students think about campus life 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to take part in the survey. Your voice makes a difference, and your feedback helps to inform how we can make campus life even better.  

The results of the survey revealed that students feel safe on campus and value the study spaces available, while also calling for more wellbeing‑focused sports options and expanded food and social facilities.  

Explore the survey results to see what students say about life on campus

Sussex School for Progressive Futures event tomorrow at 5pm 

Rivers, community action, and environmental accountability – how can citizens make a real difference to the natural world? 

Join Dr Lucila Newell (University of Sussex), Dr Ellie Rotheray (University of Sussex), Sarah Butler (environmental campaigner and citizen scientist), and Ffion Thomas (Friends of the River Medway) for a lively, accessible session exploring the Ripple Effect project and how citizen science and local engagement can protect rivers and biodiversity. 

Taking place in the Library tomorrow, Thursday 19 March, 5-6.30pm - there are still some spaces available! Book your free place.

20% off bikes at Pedal Point @ the Travel Hub on campus 

Pedal Point @ the Travel Hub are holding a bike sale, with 20% off prices until stocks last. You can find them in the Arches, next to the Student Centre, open from Tuesday to Friday,12pm to 6.30pm.  

Find out more about Pedal Point @ the Travel Hub

Sussex charity netball tournament - a fantastic afternoon on campus 

On Friday 6 March, Sussex University Netball Club hosted their annual charity tournament, this year in support of RISE, a Sussex-based charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse and violence  

175 students took part in the tournament, with 22 different teams made up from members of different University sports clubs. 

After a close contest, pre-tournament favourites Sussex Men’s Basketball took home the title for the third year in a row. 

Read more about the tournament and see photos from the day on the Student Hub

With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

image.
Sussex Women's Basketball team post with winners plaque and crowd cheer in background.

Sussex Women’s Basketball won 62-44 at Varsity! Keep up with the latest Varsity news on the Sussex Sport Instagram page

Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex

 
This message was sent to using NewZapp. Follow this link to .