Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today. You can read the full message below:

Hello, 

You will have heard that a general election has been called in the UK for Thursday 4 July. Young people and students are among the least likely to be registered to vote, but you have an essential role in advancing democracy.

Registering to vote for UK students, is a quick step that ensures you will be able to have your say in this general election and future elections. The deadline for registering to vote in the upcoming general election is 11.59pm on Tuesday 18 June.

Everyone now needs to bring photo ID when voting in person – if you do not have suitable ID you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

In this article on the Student Hub we have shared all the information students need to know to vote in the general election on 4 July. Make sure you take this opportunity.

In addition to voting, there are many other ways in which you can make an impact on our local community and our wider society. Next week (3-9 June) we will be celebrating Volunteers’ Week, a chance to recognise the contribution of volunteers and the impact of their work. Read student blogger Tugce’s latest post about her experience as a volunteer and the benefits of volunteering, including gaining points towards a Spirit of Sussex Award.

If you are a postgraduate student, you can also take part in the Postgraduate Taught Experience survey before Thursday 13 June. It only takes 10 minutes and your responses will help shape the future for other postgraduates.

Congratulations to all undergraduate students finishing your academic year, and I particularly look forward to seeing you at your graduation ceremony in July if you are a finalist. For postgraduate students and undergraduates with resits, I hope your academic work over the summer goes well. I very much look forward to welcoming returning students back in September and I wish you all the very best over the summer.

Remember that student services will continue being available to you during the summer, whether you are on campus or not. Read below for more information. I will also keep in touch with a monthly update.

Please read on for your regular update, including:   

• Accessing University support during the summer
• Call to international students – UKVI is making the transition to all digital eVisas
• Celebrate women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) at Brighton beach this Saturday
• Last chance to apply to the Student Loans Company for 2023/24 academic year financial support 
• Get free tickets for the Fabuloso, Pride in the Park Festival this summer by joining our walking parade
• Join Sussex Connect. 

Accessing University support during the summer

University support services will continue to be available during the summer months. Some facilities may operate different hours. Check the Student Hub for information on opening times over the summer period, including those for the Library and sport facilities.

The Sport Centre will close at 6pm on Friday evenings between 28 June and 13 September, and will also be closed at weekends between these dates. The Falmer Sports Complex will remain open 7.30am-10pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm at weekends.

On the Student Hub you can find information on wellbeing support, and you can access My Sussex portal for answers to frequently asked questions and to make appointments with our friendly advisors.

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

Call to international students – UKVI is making the transition to all digital eVisas

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is moving from physical biometrics residence permits (BRPs) to eVisas. For more information about this and what you might need to do, please read our recent student news story.

The UK government has also completed a review of the Graduate route visa and confirmed that the route will be retained in its current form. See this news story on the Student Hub for more information.

Celebrate women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) at Brighton beach this Saturday

Soapbox Science Brighton will be returning to the Brighton & Hove seafront on Saturday 1 June, taking place by the i360 between 11am and 2pm. Thirteen female scientists (10 from Schools across the University of Sussex) will be stepping onto their soapbox to deliver short and entertaining talks on their area of expertise, from animal-computer interactions and dark energy to building lasers or exploring the brain. Check the programme on the Soapbox Science Brighton website for more details.

Last chance to apply to the Student Loans Company for 2023/24 academic year financial support

Tomorrow (Friday 31 May) is the last day to apply to the Student Loans Company (SLC) for financial support and tuition fees covering the current academic year, 2023/24. You can find out about who is qualified to receive SLC funding on the UK government website. Read our update on the Student Hub for more information.

The deadline to apply to the SLC for financial support for next academic year, 2024/25, is Friday 21 June. Eligible students applying by this deadline will get their funding for the start of the academic year.

You can also find information 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.

Get free tickets for the Fabuloso, Pride in the Park Festival this summer by joining our walking parade

The University of Sussex is once again an official partner of Brighton & Hove Pride, and will be entering the Pride Community Parade with a walking party. Current students, staff, Students' Union staff and alumni (former students of the University) are all welcome to join us on Saturday 3 August.

Those who attend our walking parade will be given a complimentary ticket for Fabuloso, the Pride in the Park festival, for Saturday 3 August, where you can enjoy great acts like Girls Aloud, Billy Porter and House Gospel Choir. Find out more and book your place.

Join Sussex Connect

With the end of the academic year and, for some of you, graduation approaching, remember to join Sussex Connect, the mentoring and networking platform that connects you with our global network of fantastic Sussex alumni. All you have to do is sign up, through LinkedIn or email, and within minutes you will be connected to thousands of professionals from across the globe.

In the last edition of Flint magazine for this academic year, you can watch a video by our Digital Media Creators Malini and Sapna about the benefits of being part of Sussex Connect.

With best wishes,  
   
Kate

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

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