This email is being sent to all taught undergraduate and postgraduate students
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Hello , You may have heard that we are currently consulting with staff about potential redundancies. Throughout this process, our commitment to providing you with an inspiring, high-quality education, and to supporting our staff, remains our highest priority
Like many UK universities, Sussex is facing very serious financial pressures because of long-term underfunding of the higher education sector, rising costs, and a decline in both home and international student numbers. Despite two years of efforts to reduce expenditure, further cost reductions are necessary to secure the University's long-term financial sustainability, and we are now working with staff to explore changes to the way we operate. Very sadly, some of these changes may result in redundancies. Decisions about this will be finalised by September and I will continue to update you through this process.
This will be our final weekly all taught Student Update before the summer vacation, however, I will be keeping in touch over the summer with updates for continuing students in June, July and August, with opportunities and information that might be useful to you. If you are a postgraduate taught student, I will be sending an update to every three weeks in the summer with key information and opportunities.
Please note that campus opening times and services may change over the vacation period. Check the Student Hub for more information and updated opening times.
If you are a final year student graduating in July, or want to spend your summer on campus, you can also read more about housing over the summer.
Lastly, I am delighted to share that Sussex has been recognised as the happiest university in the UK, securing the top spot in the Unifresher Happiest Universities 2027 Guide for the second year running. Building on last year’s success, we have also strengthened our performance across several other categories – you can read more about this below.
Read on to find out about: | | |
University of Sussex named happiest university in the UK for second year running! The University of Sussex has been recognised as the happiest university in the UK for the second consecutive year, in the Unifresher Happiest Universities 2027 Guide.
The ranking reflects our continued commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment where students feel happy, heard and at home. Building on last year’s success, Sussex has not only retained its number one position for student happiness, but we have also strengthened our performance across several other categories.
Read more on the Student Hub. | |
New Health and Wellbeing Centre: everything you need to know
Opening later in June, the West Slope Health and Wellbeing Centre will bring University Wellbeing Services and NHS GP services together in a new, purpose‑built space. It is located on Refectory Road, opposite the Student Centre and adjacent to the existing Health Centre.
The existing Health Centre will close on Friday 12 June and NHS GP services will reopen in its new location on Monday 15 June, followed by Wellbeing Services on Tuesday 16 June.
There will be no interruption to NHS GP services during the move. Opening hours will remain as advertised on both Friday 12 June and Monday 15 June.
Read more about the new Health and Wellbeing Centre. | |
Got an idea to make the world a better place? Apply for a £500-£2,000 bursary from the Careers and Entrepreneurship team!
There is still time to take part in the Changemaker Challenge, where you can apply for a bursary of between £500-£2,000 to develop and deliver an environmental or social impact project.
Open to all current students and recent graduates, and projects can be led by individuals or teams. We welcome ideas that aim to reduce carbon footprints, promote sustainable practices, address climate change; enhance physical and mental wellbeing; celebrate and support culture, heritage, and creativity; or contribute to more equitable opportunities.
Learn more and apply (by midnight on Monday 8 June) on the Student Hub. |
Researching Progressive Futures: The science of human flourishing - from molecular engines to social brains, 15 June
Join the Sussex School for Progressive Futures for this free event, where we explore the transformational theme of Human Flourishing from different perspectives, bridging structural biology and behavioural neuroscience to spark bold, interdisciplinary conversations.
Taking place on Monday 15 June, 5.30-7pm at the Chowen Lecture Theatre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Book your free place. | |
Free talk: Uncomfortable Truths: Our Bodies, Diet, Menstruation and Environmental Realities Join Chris van Tulleken, Professor of Infection and Global Health, UCL, and media personality; Claire Smith: Professor of Anatomy at BSMS; and Dr Chi Eziefula: Associate Professor in Infection at BSMS for a talk about our bodies, diets, periods and the environment – no sugarcoating, just truths. Come curious, leave enlightened!
The event takes place at the Jubilee Building, University of Sussex on Thursday 4 June, 2-3pm. Find out more and book your free place. |
Free Digital Skills Training worth up to £3600 available this summer: register now!
In partnership with Creative Process Digital, you can join a free part-time or full-time training course (valued between £2600-£3600) this summer and develop an essential toolkit of digital and creative skills. The courses are classroom-based at the Creative Process training centre in central Brighton and led by industry-leading certified tutors.
Courses are available in AI for Business, Google Digital Marketing and Analytics, Software Development (Intermediate Level), Video Gaming Technical Art, Digital and Video Skills.
Places are limited and subject to availability, and eligibility criteria applies. Visit the Student Hub for eligibility information, course information, and to register. |
With best wishes, Kate Professor Kate O'Riordan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) |  |
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Sussex is taking part in the Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade on Saturday 1 August 2026 and students are invited to take part! The parade will start at Hove Lawns and will finish at Preston Park - find out more on the Student Hub. |
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| Sent by
Internal Communications, University of Sussex |
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