This email is being sent to all taught undergraduate and postgraduate students
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Hello,
It is UK Polling Day today (Thursday 7 May), and while elections are not being held in Brighton & Hove, there are many other areas that are voting – if you are a UK voter use this tool to see if your area is voting. If elections are being held in your area, remember that polling stations are open until 10pm – as long as you are in the queue by 10pm you can still vote. Do not forget to bring photo ID – check which forms of ID are accepted on the Electoral Commission website.
Revision week is now underway and if you have exams coming up, in this update I am sharing some tips below that should help you, from multiple choice techniques to useful pointers for essay-style questions.
I am also sharing guidance and advice over the assessment period, from general queries to health and wellbeing support, plus read more about the free food available for students during your exam period!
Lastly, a big thank you to all the final year students who completed the National Student Survey (NSS) over the past few months – I really appreciate you taking the time to fill this in. Almost 80% of our finalists took part in the survey, providing us with valuable feedback, and help prospective students decide where they want to go to university. The winners of the prize draw will be announced in due course. Read on to find out about: |
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Data breach affecting Canvas users – your action needed The University, alongside other institutions, has recently been notified that Canvas has been a victim of a data breach, resulting from a cyber attack. The attack has been blocked and you can continue to use Canvas as normal.
You should stay alert for suspicious messages, report anything unusual to IT Services, and check that your Canvas account is linked to your Sussex email address (not a personal one). Taking these steps now will help protect you.
Read more details on the Student Hub. | |
Exam tips and techniques
While the revision you have been doing will help prepare for your upcoming exams, there are also things that you can do to make sure you perform as strongly as possible on the day. Some may seem obvious, but some students may forget to do them under the pressure of a timed assessment. Being prepared is the best way to achieve your best possible results.
Check out the Skills Hub which has a number of tips and techniques you can use during your exams, whether you are doing multiple choice papers, working with formulas and equations, or answering essay-style questions. |
Free food during exam period from Sussex Uni Food
Sussex Uni Food are offering free food from Monday 11 May to Friday 22 May: Free Purpleberry Acai Granola bowls from 8am to 11am in Eat Central, while stocks last. Free Sussex Saver Summer Salads in Library Square from 12pm, until they are gone. Free fruit snack pots at The Veg Bowl Café, Arts Piazza Café, Botanical café, Doctors Orders Café and Library Café. The snack pots will be there from opening, until they are gone!
There is one portion per student, per day, and there will be a set number of portions available so come along early. Just bring your Sussex student ID with you. | |
Support over the May assessment period Whether it’s a simple query or support with a more complex issue, there’s a wide range of support available to you during the assessment period.
The Student Centre brings together our student support services, covering areas such as housing, careers, funding, wellbeing, visas and jobs.
You can also access services via the My Sussex portal, which offers 24/7 resources and booking options.
There is also lots of support for your mental wellbeing, from online resources such as Togetherall to Therapeutic Services and our Chaplaincy.
If you have questions about your course, or your assessments, contact your School of study.
Read more about the support available over the May assessment period. |
New changes to renting in the private sector – more rights for tenants
The first phase of the new Renters’ Rights Act came into force on Friday 1 May, introducing significant changes for people renting in the private sector. The reforms are designed to strengthen tenants’ rights and place new responsibilities on landlords.
The new rules will apply to students living in privately rented accommodation where they do not share facilities with their landlord. This includes those renting a house or flat with friends or living independently.
If you rent privately, it is important to understand how these changes may affect your housing arrangements – read the full article on the Student Hub for all the details. |
Free online module as part of our Internationalisation at Home programme
Students are invited to take part in a free, two-week online module, taking place 1-12 June as Global Classroom Series – Design Thinking: Cultural sensitivity in intercultural projects.
The module is being run by our Internationalisation at Home team in connection with our Thai university partners Mahidol University and Mahidol University International College.
It is designed for students who are interested in learning more about developing intercultural competencies and thinking about the importance of cultural sensitivity and environmental sustainability when solving real world problems.
Find out more and apply by midnight on Monday 25 May. | |
Watch the live HackSussex Coders Cup final, 8 May
The Coders Cup is the algorithmic coding competition for students run by Sussex society, HackSussex. The live finals are where they place the top of their qualifiers against each other to win the grand prizes!
In its fifth year, the competition is for undergraduate students to test their programming skills in a fun and exciting way whilst under the pressure of a live show. The previous HackSussex Coders Cup event on Youtube has been watched by over a million people!
Watch the final live on YouTube, tomorrow, Friday 8 May at 12pm. | |
Mental Health Awareness Week, 11-17 May
Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) and the theme for this year is ‘Action: for yourself, for someone else, for all of us’. In 2026 MHAW coincides with the beginning on the May assessment period, so, now is the perfect time to take action for your mental wellbeing. The wellbeing team will be popping up over the week across the University - you can find out where we will be on the ’where is the wellbeing stall’ canvas page.
Read more about our wellbeing support. | |
Summer gold membership offer from Sussex Sport Sussex Sport is running a special gold membership offer for students this summer, starting from Friday 1 May.
The membership costs just £80 and runs until Monday 31 August, regardless of the date of purchase. Membership includes anytime access to our refurbished gym, priority court booking and a huge range fitness classes at no additional cost.
For more information, please visit the Sport Centre reception and speak to a member of staff. | With best wishes,
Kate Professor Kate O'Riordan Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |
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| Look back at some of the highlights from last week’s Sussex Awards in this Instagram video created by two of our student Digital Media Creators. |
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| Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
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