Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students

The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, Kelly Coate emailed all taught students earlier today. You can read her full message below:

Hello,

As we wrap up teaching sessions for this term, I’d like to say well done for your work over the last few months. I’m sure many of you are looking forward to enjoying time with loved ones over the holidays and coming back refreshed in the new year, ready for assessments and a new term.

Please remember that our support services can be accessed through the Student Centre if you need them. As a starting point, visit the Student Centre page on the Student Hub or the Centre’s Welcome desk in person. Whether you have a simple query or need support with a more complex issue, our teams provide a wide range of information, advice and guidance.

This week’s update also includes:

• Winter vacation opening times and festive events
• Staying on campus over the holidays? Fun events, socials and more
• Mental health and wellbeing resources for all students
• Your feedback: WhatUni Student Choice Awards
• Catering survey open until Friday
• Cost of living support
• Skills Hub and other study tools
• Housing support through Sussex StudentPad
• Upcoming train strikes

Winter vacation opening times and festive events

Please see the latest winter vacation opening times of facilities on campus, including retail outlets.

You may have spotted our planted Christmas tree near Falmer House, as well as several potted trees around campus. Earlier this week, the Chaplaincy held a Carol Concert in the Meeting House and lit the Menorah ahead of Chanukah. See below for details of upcoming Residential Life events and check out the VisitBrighton website for more festive events in Brighton & Hove this month.

Staying on campus over the holidays? Fun events, socials and more

We have gathered information on the Student Hub for those of you staying over the holidays. There are festive social events in the Meeting House on 20 December and on Christmas day itself.

The Belong at Sussex programme team have produced this leaflet too. It has ideas for activities and details of events run by the Residential Life Connectors, including a Holiday Hangout (13 December, 7-9pm) and Classical Music & Mingle (19 December, 10am-3pm). Follow @ResLifeSussex on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date.

A couple of weeks ago we invited undergraduates staying on campus over the holidays to sign up for a little gift package. These will be delivered directly to you soon!

Mental health and wellbeing resources for all students

The Student Hub, our website designed for current students, has information covering all aspects of student life. There you’ll find answers to many questions and useful links about our Health, support and wellbeing services.

A wide range of information, advice and support is also available online and in person via the Student Centre.

We have resources on good mental and emotional health – including looking after yourself while studying, the Tea and Talk peer support network, and self-help guides on a range of issues.

Additional mental health and wellbeing support can be found at:

• Togetherall: free, 24/7 online support – simply register with your Sussex email address.
• Student Minds: the UK’s student mental health charity.
• Student Space: online resources and a free text service – if you need support, text STUDENT to 85258.

Please note that the Division for the Student Experience will be closed on Tuesday 13 December for a staff development day and all online resources will remain available.

Your feedback: WhatUni Student Choice Awards

You could win £2,000 in vouchers by leaving a review for the University in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards! Like other forms of student feedback you provide, your reviews will help us to understand what's going well and how we can improve the areas that matter most to you. It will only take a few minutes of your time.

Catering survey open until Friday

Our survey about food services on campus closes this Friday (9 December). So far, 1,970 of you have taken part. Have your say and you could win a Munch Money card to spend on food and drink on campus. The first wave of prize winners have already collected their £50 cards!

Cost of living support

Please visit the Money and funding section on the Student Hub to find financial advice and information provided through the university. We have also partnered with BlackBullion to provide useful resources and guidance on a range of financial topics (such as budgeting, debt and saving). You can read our previous update about cost of living support on the Student Hub.

Skills Hub and other study tools

Remember that our refreshed Skills Hub has lots of resources to help you with your studies, including support around referencing and revision. You can watch the welcome video as a starting point.

Housing support through Sussex StudentPad

You may be starting to think about accommodation for the next academic year. Take a look at StudentPad, the University's private sector housing search website, where you can search for student housing in the Brighton, Hove and Lewes areas.

You can also request to join the ‘University of Sussex House Hunt’ Facebook group to find others looking for private sector housing and then search together. Visit the Student Hub for more information about housing options.

Upcoming train strikes

You may be aware that the RMT union has announced strike action at Network Rail and train operators for 13, 14, 16 & 17 December 2022 and on 3, 4, 6 & 7 January 2023. Please check the Southern Railway website for the latest information.

With best wishes,

Kelly

Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students