Settling into uni

Learn more about settling into university from our students. They've got tips for making friends, living on campus, and why you don't need to worry about moving to the city.

Three people under an umbrella

Joining the UK’s happiest university

Our students have some great tips for you about finding your place here, meeting people, and how to settle in to life at Sussex. We’re thrilled that they've also voted us th UK’s happiest university, according to .

Making friends at Sussex

You’ll have a ready-made social group in halls

Most of our first year students choose to live in halls on campus, which is like a self-contained village surrounded by the South Downs National Park on the outskirts of Brighton.

Living in halls means you have a ready-made social group, and it allows you to easily get involved in all the welcome events, , which are great ways to meet people and make friends.

Video transcript: Start your social life at Sussex

[Student standing outdoors, in front of a campus building]

STUDENT 1: There’s quite a few different ways of meeting people at Welcome Week. So obviously you’ve got your flat and stuff like that. You can go clubbing, whatever, but I think the best way personally is joining societies and getting really active in the student community.

Student ambassadors standing outdoors on campus]

STUDENT 2: If you just want to meet friends that are just like you, like-minded, societies are your best option. Download the society app. Sign up and then just go to the meetings and I promise you you’ll be smooth sailing.

[Student standing outdoors, on a grassy campus area]

STUDENT 3: If there’s any sports you do, some of the more casual events are quite fun where things are a bit less competitive.

[Student standing outdoors, on a grassy campus area]

STUDENT 4: Sports and societies were the biggest thing where I made friends because I was able to find people who are link-minded and just vibe with them.

Join a society

There are over to experience. They’ll give you a chance to try new things, make connections and get to know people who share your interests.

Coming to university for the first time is exciting. You’ll want to make connections and friends as soon as you can. There are lots of ways to do this, from Fresher’s events to meeting other students in your residences or on your course.” Tugce

Join our Buddy Scheme

“Join the student union’s Buddy Scheme. It’s a peer-to-peer support system that helps new students settle in to Sussex. One way or another you will find your friends – some that may last a lifetime.” Abby

What to do if you miss home

Living away from home for the first time is a big life change. It’s an exciting prospect, but for some it can be daunting. Many people will feel homesick at some point, it's totally normal.

Tips to help you settle in

Spend time exploring the campus, the more familiar you are with where you’re living and studying, the more it’ll feel like home. Getting out in the fresh air will boost your wellbeing and our campus really is beautiful with plenty of hidden spots for relaxation.

Take the bus into Brighton, walk on the beach, go vintage shopping, or sample the many coffee shops. You’ll soon find a favourite hangout which you can share with your friends and family when they visit.

Join the and take one of our friendly canines out for a walk. is also a recognised way of boosting wellbeing and there are lots of local charities that would love to have you.

Our Student Services team based at the offer advice and support on emotional wellbeing. If you think you need help, you can access this through confidential pre-booked, face-to-face, or online appointments.

Video transcript: Make it feel like home

[Student standing outdoors, on a grassy area of a campus]

STUDENT 1: My advice to anybody moving into accommodation is right after you meet your flatmates, plan a trip to go groceries shopping in town. It’s a really great way to meet all of your flatmates and become friends, and also get your first week of groceries.

[Student seated outdoors, campus building and greenery in background]

STUDENT 2: I think try to get excited about how you want your room to look and what you want to have in your room. And, like, get an idea of what you want to pack. Because this is going to be your own space and maybe for the first time, your own space that you haven’t had before. So it would be really nice to make it your own, make it a safe place. And like, a home from home so you don’t feel really homesick or anything right at the beginning. It can be nice to settle in right away. I’d also try to go on Facebook or sometimes there are Instagram groups to try and find people who you’ll be living with next year and you can get chatting to them before. And get a sense of kind of meeting them online before meeting in person which might make you feel a bit more excited and less anxious about the prospect.

Campus life

Diverse and welcoming, we have staff and students from over 170 countries on our campus. Whether you’re from as far away as China or as close as Brighton you're sure to feel at home.

Living on campus can’t be beaten for convenience

You’ll be minutes away from friends, and from the library, lecture theatres, cafes as well as facilities like the pharmacy and medical centre.

It’s also the quickest and easiest way of settling into life at Sussex and making friends.

Our are with you from arrivals day, holding regular events and meet-ups to help you get to know the people you’ll be living with and settle into your new home.

If you’re a first year undergraduate and you accept a firm offer from us by our housing deadline then you’ll be guaranteed accommodation on campus.

Find out more about what’s on campus, our accommodation, and student life.

Video transcript: Best things about living on campus

[Student standing outdoors, on a grassy area of a campus]

STUDENT 1: I lived in Northfield during my first year, and my favourite part of living in accommodation was first of all, how close you are to classes. You can basically roll out of bed in five minutes and get to class on time, which is great. And then also how easy it is to make friends. Everyone’s always hanging out, whether that’s in your accommodation or other accommodations nearby, and it’s really fun.

[Student standing outdoors, on a grassy area of a campus]

STUDENT 2: It was really good. So I lived with twelve other flatmates. So this gave me like a huge opportunity to make a lot of new friends just within where I lived with so that made me a lot more comfortable within the first couple of weeks when I hadn’t necessarily started talking to people in lectures and stuff, so it’s a great way to make friends.

[Student seated outdoors, campus building and greenery in background]

STUDENT 3: I really enjoyed living on campus in first year. I lived with 11 people, which sounds really intense, and it was at times. But I met two of my best friends now and some other great people that I’m still in touch with. Also, what’s great about living on campus is everyone is in one place and everything’s in one place, and there’s pubs and shops and study spaces and everything, and it’s really convenient. Yeah.

Brighton – the UK’s happiest city

People sitting outside cafes and walking down the street

One of the best cities in the world

Brighton has been voted one of the best cities in the world (), and its residents voted it the .

Explore what Brighton has to offer

Brighton’s famous pebble beach and parks are perfect for recharging your batteries with a walk or run after a busy day. Its eclectic cafes and eateries serve a choice of international flavours, and the Lanes are home to colourful independent shops full of vintage treasures. With the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinema, live music venues in every corner, theatres, comedy clubs, bars and restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice for where to visit first.

There are also year-round events in the city including the , community celebrations like , and watching at the Amex stadium.

It’s easy to . You can be in London in just over an hour, or the historic town of Lewes in around 15 minutes from campus. You can explore the South Downs straight from campus as there are bike paths, green lanes and public footpaths through woods and farmland for miles around.

Explore what Brighton has to offer

Video transcript: Best things about Brighton

[Student standing in a coffee shop]
STUDENT 1: The best thing about Brighton for me is the spirit.

[Student standing outdoors, on a grassy campus area]
STUDENT 2: Love the beach.

[Student standing outdoors, in front of a campus building]
STUDENT 2: The acceptance I would say.

[Student standing outdoors, in front of a campus building]
STUDENT 3: The best thing about Brighton is it’s very energetic, very electric city, very vibrant. Everyone is so happy.

[Student standing outdoors, in front of an event booth]
STUDENT 4: Brighton is just so open minded in every sector, sexuality, race.

[Student standing outdoors, on a grassy area in front of a campus building]
STUDENT 5: There’s really sort of everything from the countryside, to the seaside, to the city, and it’s a really good range. I don’t think you get it in many other places in the UK.

Settling into uni

Joining the UK’s happiest university

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Making friends at Sussex