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University of Sussex

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TSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University of Sussex


The University of Sussex is based near the village of Falmer four miles from the centre of Brighton and is surrounded by open countryside. By comparison to many UK universities Sussex is small with nearly 12,500 students in attendance at any one time. Sussex first opened its doors to students in the 1960’s where is was one of the “plate-glass universities. However the idea of having a university in Brighton had been around for many years. It is believed to have first been suggested in 1911 however this had to be put on hold with the onset of the First World War. The idea was brought up a second time in 1950’s as part of the plan to build a new generation of red brick university. This plan was finally given the go ahead in 1958 and Sussex received its royal charter in 1961.

Departments

Sussex university is made up of a number of departments

  • Humanities
  • Life Sciences
  • Science and Technology
  • Social and Cultural Science
  • Science and Technology policy research
  • Sussex institute
  • Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS)

Video Tour

Facilities

Libraries

Sussex Library can be found in the center of campus. The Library is a nice and quiet place to study with a place to eat in the basement if you choose to spend the whole day. You can study individually or in groups as there are eight good sized group work rooms. Sussex University Library has access to over 20,000 journals many of which are online so you can access from your home computed. There are also of course many books on any subject that you might be studying and also audio visual facilities to help with your course. There is computer access in the library including a wireless network should you choose to bring your own laptop to work from. You don't have to queue up to check out or return books as there is an automated book issue and return system. There are always librarian and library assistants to help you if you have any questions.

IT and Computing

Sussex university has a wide range of IT services available to students both on and off campus. As with most universities on arriving and Sussex University you will be given an email account you will also be given access to Sussex direct which gives you access to information about your degree such as your timetable and your module results. There are over 450 computers located on campus for students to use many of which are available 24 hours a day as well as printing facilities. Each campus room has internet access supplied to it and there is also a wireless network that can be connected too over much of the campus. Students are given training on how to use the extensive IT facilities that Sussex has to offer on arrival but there is always someone who you can phone to help you if you are having problems.

Sports

There is a huge amount for those who are interested in sport to choose from at Sussex. A program called Sussex sport means that if you make a payment of £35 you can participate in any university sports activity that you choose. Sport is an important part of life and Sussex and the varsity between Sussex and the University of Brighton is always an exciting event within all sports teams and the general population of the university.

 
 
General Information
Visit our discussion forum.
Established: 1961
Location: Falmer, Brighton, UK, UK
Address: University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH
Telephone: 1273 606755
Website: www.sussex.ac.uk
SU/Guild website: www.ussu.info/
UCAS Code: S90
Type: Plate Glass

 
 
Statistics
Total students: 12,415
Undergrad: 9,115
Postgrad: 3,300
Part-time: 443
International: 21%
Mature: 18%
Male:female 43:57
Staff: 2120
Typical offers: 300-360
Applicants per place: 8

The sports which are currently available at Sussex are as follows

  • Archery
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing
  • Cricket
  • Fencing
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountaineering
  • Netball (women only)
  • Rugby
  • Sailing
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Squash
  • Water sports
  • Trampolining
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball
  • Diving (subaqua)

If you can’t find what you are looking for here it is likely that you will be able to find a group of people in Brighton or the surrounding area to do what you want to do.

The sports facilities can be found in two main areas. The sports centre where all indoor sports can take place, the other is the Falmer sports complex where outdoor activities take place. Finally there is also a gym with sports equipment for people who want to use it.

Welfare

There are good student support facilities at place at the University of Sussex, people will be assigned a tutor who they can go and talk to if they are having any problems in with the course or personal problems. There is also support available for students who are struggling with their finances, careers and accommodation. Finally there is a group called UniSex who support all students in matters to do with sex, relationships and orientation.

Healthcare

There is a good range of on campus healthcare provided at Sussex, students can register with the health center in their first year and they will be assigned a GP, this enables them to go to the health center whenever they need to throughout their three years. Some students after the first year will choose to register with their local GP once they have moved into town. There is a GP surgery, a dentist and a pharmacy on campus.

Shops

You can get the basic things that you need on campus, there is a grocery shop in Bramber house as well as the student union shop which will sell a range of products including Sussex Hoodies and stationary. If you need to do a more comprehensive shop then you will need to go to one of the supermarkets in Brighton, however an ASDA and a Sainsburies are a short bus ride away so this is rarely problematic. On campus you are are also just a 10 minute train journey from the center of Brighton with all the high street and alternative shops that you can find there. There is also a post office, a laundrette, a branch of endsleigh insurance and a book shop. Every Tuesday in falmer house there is farmers market which sells fresh organic fruit and vegetables very cheaply. There is also a market which sells hats/bags and second hand books and dvds every week.

Restaurants

You can get food at a number of places on campus. There is a self-service restaurant in Bramber House which serves all three meals and even has a well attended curry night once a week. You can also go to one of the many cafe's on campus to have lunch or just buy a sandwich. Most of the bars on campus will serve lunches so you will never be stuck for somewhere to eat.

Banks

There are a number of cash points to be found on Sussex campus and also branches of Barclays and HSBC banks.

Transport

There are two main ways that students who go to Sussex University commute from Brighton to campus and that is by bus or by train. There are 3 main train stations which you can use to travel to the Sussex University(the local train station is Falmer), the main Brighton station, London Road station and Moulsecoomb station. All of these are within a 10 minute train journey of the university. Students at the University of Sussex can take advantage of the Unizone rail fare discount, especially if they are living off campus. The main bus which goes to campus is that 25 there are four types of 25 the 25, 25A, 25B, and 25C. The 25, 25A and 25B go between campus and the city center and the 25C goes between campus and the county hospital. The journey into town take 20-30 minutes. There are a number of ticket options for students who choose to take the bus. A one-week student super-saver (with NUS) can be bought for £10, a three month student super -saver can be bought for £100 and a one year student super-saver can be bought for £300. There is also a good night bus service to take students back to campus following a night out.

Careers service

CDEC (Career Development and Employment Centre)help students find part time work during their studies as well as jobs on graduation. They also organise workshops and careers fairs throughout the year. They can be found in Falmer house.

Part-time jobs

There are part-time jobs which are available within the union facilities in the bars and shops but most students will go and find jobs in town if they feel that they need extra money. With Brighton having as many clubs and bars as it does bar work is a common job to have. There is also a huge shopping area which many students will work in. CDEC are always there to help students who need to find a part time job.

Religious facilities

Sussex University has the meeting house, this is a quiet area that people of all faiths can go to pray and worship solitary or in small groups. There are also provisions on campus for Muslims to go and pray during the day if they need to. A local church group called CCK (the church of Christ the king) who provide buses to Sunday worship. There are a number of religious societies which students can join if they need to, there is the Christian union, the Islamic society, the Jewish society and the society fro Buddhist meditation.

Social

Bars, Pubs and clubs

There are a number of bars on the Sussex campus with something for everyone. Falmer bar has pub games and quizzes and is a great place to go for a drink or a bite to eat following exams which often take place in the same building or nearby. There is East slope bar which is a a bit louder! There are regular bands and DJ’s playing here and is an infamous student haunt which has attracted bands such as The Kooks and Mystery Jets in recent years. The new club 'The Cube' opened for Freshers in late 2007. Whilst offering cheap drinks and the chance to dance on down with your favourite housemates, most students opt for a night out in Brighton, which being only 10 minutes away by train is often way too tempting!

If you want to escape the campus, nearby Stanmer village, a short walk over the sussex downs, has very quaint tea rooms in which to sit back and absorb the slow pace of the rolling countryside. There are also a number of nearby pubs, a short walk or drive away in the countryside.

Events

There is always something going on at Sussex University ranging from a local band playing at one of the bars on campus to a protest in the main square. There are plays put on by the drama societies and sports matches to go and watch. You will never find yourself without something to do unless you don't put yourself out there and see what's going on!

Clubs and societies

As well as the sports teams there really is something for everyone at the University of Sussex when it comes to student societies. Whether you are interested in drama or politics you will find a group that you can join. For more information about Societies at the University of Sussex then you should read the University of Sussex: Student Societies article.

Accommodation

As Sussex University is a campus university much of the accommodation is found on the Sussex campus at Falmer. There are some smaller off campus residences but these make up the minority. All accommodation at the University of Sussex is self catered and varies in quality and cost. As a new undergraduate, providing you get the housing application in by the August deadline, you are guaranteed University-managed accommodation at the Falmer campus or in Brighton.

For more information look at the University of Sussex accommodation article.

Student union

The student Union is based at Falmer house and provides a range of facilities. There is CDEC (Career Development and Employment Centre) which helps students find part time work during their studies as well as jobs on graduation. Falmer house is also where students go for welfare advice and general student advice. There is also unisex where students can go to get advice on anything of a sexual nature. The student union building is also home to the student media including the badger which is the newspapers and the magazine. The union also organises regular markets in the courtyard.

The Sussex student union is involved in many political campaigns one of which is the boycott of Coca-Cola due to “un-ethical practices” which has resulted in the ceasing of coca-cola sales from any union shops or bars on campus. The “Sort US out” campaign was well publicised and was the students response to problems that they felt there were at the university.

Environment

Architecture

As it was previously stated the Sussex university campus is based near the village of Falmer four miles from the centre of Brighton. It is the only university in England to have a campus based entirely in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Sussex campus was designed by Sir Basil Spence who drew influence from everyday objects to influence his original design for the campus. For example the library design is based on a book and Falmer house is meant to look like a camera. The campus while modern still has many green areas and has been kept up to date through refurbishment over the last forty years.

The article on the Sussex University Campus can be found here

Local area

The University of Sussex is situated close to the City of Brighton and Hove. Brighton is a city on the south coast which including its outlying areas has an estimated population of 480,000 people. There are two universities in and around Brighton the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton and so students make up a considerable proportion of the population meaning that there is always something to do. Brighton is traditionally a seaside resort and so has a large number or hotels restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.

Perhaps one of the most famous things about Brighton is the pier or piers there is the east pier which is still a popular tourist attraction and the west pier which following a fire is no more than a wreck. There is also the Pavilion which is a beautiful building in the centre of Brighton where some of the university events are held. Brighton being by the sea means that it has a large number of very beautiful beaches. In the summer there are a number of city wide events which you can take part in including the Brighton festival and Brighton fringe festival in May, the London to Brighton Bike ride and the Gay Pride march which happens in August.

Teaching quality

Sussex is an academically world-renowned university, excelling in subjects such as Chemistry, Media Studies and English. According to the Good University Guide 2009, the University ranks overall in 29th position out of 113 Universities across the UK. The Guardian University Guide 2009 ranks Sussex 34th out of 117 universities.

Although suffering from poor student satisfaction scores, the university ranks highly for research and average A-Level entry requirements, especially for subjects such as English (AAA), Law (AAB) and Psychology (AAB).

Research ratings across the sciences and humanities are expected to increase in the latest RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) to be published in December 2008.

Subject Profiles

English (Q303)

Good University Guide 2009 Position: 34th Average Offer: AAA with an A in English Research Rating: 5A Student Satisfaction Score(2009): 3.58 out of 5


Law (M100)

Good University Guide 2009 Position: 38th Average Offer: AAB Research Rating: 4B Student Satisfaction Score(2009):3.94 out of 5

International Relations (L250)

Good University Guide 2009 Position: 22nd (Politics) Average Offer: AAB Research Rating: 4A Student Satisfaction Score(2009): 3.66 out of 5

Biochemistry (C700)

Good University Guide 2009 Position: 20th (Biological Sciences) 7th (Chemistry) Average Offer: ABB Research Rating: 5B Student Satisfaction Score(2009): 3.86 out of 5

Medicine (A100)

Good University Guide 2009 Position: N/A Average Offer: AAB excluding General Studies Research Rating: N/A Student Satisfaction Score(2009): N/A

(Recently established Medical School)

Anthropology (L600)

Good University Guide 2009 Position: 6th Average Offer: ABB Research Rating: 5A Student Satisfaction Score(2009): 3.47 out of 5

Maths (G100)

Good University Guide 2009 Position: 35th Average Offer:AAB with an A in Maths Research Rating: 4A Student Satisfaction Score(2009): 3.91 out of 5

Applying to Sussex

Thinking of applying to Sussex? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here?

Other Sussex Articles

Why not read these other Sussex Articles?

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