Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today:

Hello,

As you prepare for the assessment period, please do remember to balance your wellbeing alongside your academic commitments. Perhaps plan out time for focused studying and also for regular breaks to recharge – whether that is some physical activity, a chat with friends or taking part in a hobby. Research shows that taking short breaks can help our brains to consolidate information as we develop new skills.

Help is here if you need it too- you can find more details about University support services below. Alongside the Skills Hub I mentioned last week, the My Sussex portal has information on study support too.

We have an exciting month ahead with the start of the Brighton Festival, which offers a good way to take a break from your studies and connect with Hope, Magic, Wonder and Fun (the festival theme for 2024). In the latest edition of Flint magazine, you will find lots of ideas to enjoy the festival on a budget, or even for free! As we are the Higher Education partner for the Brighton Festival, we often have free competition and ticket offers exclusively for Sussex students. Check the Student Hub for the latest offers.

I am also pleased to share that the Sussex StreetLaw clinic has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award by LawWorks, in the ‘best contribution by a team of students’ category. This year’s StreetLaw project focused on marginalised young people in community settings, working with The Crew Club, Class Divide, and Friends, Families and Travellers. This recognition highlights the impact of the clinic in building relationships and promoting legal support within the community.

Over on our student blog, Similoluwa discusses the idea of being a "Jack of all trades", encouraging you to embrace diverse skills and experiences as valuable assets in today's fast-paced world.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Accessing University support
• Please share feedback about your modules by 10 May
• Railway industrial action - Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May
• Find out about green jobs and resources following Green Futures 2024
• Disabled student? Snowdon Trust disability-related study cost grants information
• The new Atrium Market is now open at the Student Centre
• Eat Central receives prestigious Sustainable Restaurant Association standard.

Accessing University support

Remember, the University offers advice and support on any issue that may be affecting you. The Student Hub has information on the wellbeing support available and you can access support and find answers to frequently asked questions using our My Sussex portal, where you can make and manage appointments with our friendly advisors too.

You can also contact the Student Centre in person at the Welcome Desk or by phone (01273 075700).

You can find out more about money and funding support on My Sussex and the Student Hub. This includes information around how to get financial support through Hardship funding and short-term welfare loans.

Additionally, the University provides all students with access to Blackbullion, an easy-to-use online learning platform filled with short videos, articles and quizzes covering a range of financial subjects including budgeting, avoiding scams, and tips for international students.

If you are renting accommodation in the private sector, you can find helpful advice and guidance to understand your private tenancy agreement.

Please share feedback about your modules by 10 May

Thank you to those of you who have already completed the end of module evaluation questionnaires (MEQs) for Semester two modules. Your feedback will help your tutors and convenors to understand what is working well and what could be improved next time the module runs.

If you have not taken part yet, you have until Friday 10 May to do so. There is a separate survey link for each School, which you will receive from your module tutors or convenors, and from that link you can choose your module. You will need to complete the survey once for each module you have taken this semester.

The survey should only take around 3-5 minutes per module and it can be completed on your own devices. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!

Railway industrial action - Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May

A new railway industrial action period has been announced for next week. The most affected day will be Tuesday 7 May when a strike is expected to take place. Check the National Rail enquiries website before every journey, if you plan to come to campus next week.

Find out about green jobs and resources following Green Futures 2024

Following the success of the Green Futures event earlier in April, our Careers and Entrepreneurship teams have launched a new insights booklet. This is designed to provide a recap of key points from the day and information about our speakers. It also offers a list of opportunities and resources, from within and beyond Sussex, to help you to expand your green skillset and plan your career goals. Log into CareerHub to access the booklet.

Disabled student? Snowdon Trust disability-related study cost grants information

Applications are now open for Snowdon Trust disability-related study cost grants. Disabled students who have access needs which are not met by the Disabled Students’ Allowance, other statutory means or by reasonable adjustments provided may be eligible to apply for a grant of up to £5,000. Find more details on the Snowdon Trust website.

The new Atrium Market is now open at the Student Centre

Our new Atrium Market, the first contactless store at a UK university, opened in the Student Centre today (2 May). Stop by to find coffee from local brand Redroaster along with a range of sandwiches, snacks, Tanpopo sushi and gyoza, and Japanese and Asian halal ready meals. Apart from a little downtime for restocking, the store will always be open when the Student Centre is.

Eat Central receives prestigious Sustainable Restaurant Association standard

I am really pleased to share that Eat Central, our largest dining hub, has received the highest accreditation available (three stars) for their latest Food Made Good Standard, from The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA). This recognises our catering partners’ commitment to sustainability and their continuous efforts to benefit both people and the planet. Read more on the Student Hub.

With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O’Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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