Each year Sussex Day is an opportunity to celebrate our local communities and history across the counties of East and West Sussex. Sussex Day falls on 16 June, a date chosen because it is also St Richard’s Day, which marks the life of St Richard, Bishop of Chichester.

Our Falmer campus has a unique spot in the local landscape, nestled between the South Downs National Park, the sea and the vibrant city of Brighton & Hove. We are also proud to have Hastings, Eastbourne, Lewes, Worthing, Arundel, Chichester and other areas of interest on our doorstep. Lots of our current and former staff, students and alumni live and work in these neighbouring communities.

Did you know?

• Sussex has some of the most beautiful countryside in England, with much of the area being rural and several areas designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sussex also boasts a wealth of wildlife. For example, there are 45 regular breeds of butterfly species here. The most famous is the Chalk Hill Blue, which lives in chalk grassland on the South Downs.

• “Sussex won’t be druv” is the unofficial county motto. It is a Sussex dialect phrase meaning “we will not be driven”, reflecting an independence of spirit. The motto asserts that people from Sussex have minds of their own, and cannot be forced against their will or told what to do. It is used as a motto of the Sussex Bonfire Societies and, since 2016, has been used as a strapline by Harvey's Brewery of Lewes.

• Sussex was vital in the build up to D-Day, with troops from Allied forces camped across towns and villages in their hundreds of thousands. Stanmer Park was one of the main camps with 2,800 men from the British 3rd Infantry Division. They left from Shoreham and Newhaven for Sword Beach. Read more in the Brighton Argus.

Share what you love about living or working in Sussex

Around Sussex Day we will be sharing photos and comments from our University community that highlight your favourite parts of the local region and what they mean to you. Join in by sharing your own post on Viva Engage (staff), or on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) using #SussexDay and tagging @SussexUni.

Please also share any local events you are aware of or may be involved in to mark Sussex Day. For example, there will be a showcase for local produce, art and crafts at Parham House and Gardens nearby in West Sussex.

Our local impact

An economic impact report published in 2023 showed that University of Sussex contributes £454 million to the economy across Greater Brighton, East Sussex and West Sussex, supporting 6,800 jobs in the region. The independent report by Oxford Economics measured the University’s impact on the UK economy during 2020/21. The findings demonstrate the important economic and social contributions we make within the region and across the UK.

Another recent insight report found that two thirds of residents said they felt proud or very proud to have the University in their region. People referred to the value of having a prestigious university in the local area, and appreciated the job opportunities on offer, as well as the wider contribution to the local economy.

Students and staff can also make an impact locally by voting in the upcoming general election. Read our news story for information covering how to register, photo ID required on polling day and more. Our Public Affairs team has published detailed advice and guidance for members of the University community in the lead up to the general election.

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