Kate O'Riordan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all students earlier today. Below you can read her email to returning undergraduate students:

Hello,

As we get ready for the start of a new academic year, I would like to welcome you all, whether you will be starting with us in the coming weeks or are returning for another year of your undergraduate course.

You should have received instructions for how to complete online registration or re-registration via Sussex Direct. If you have not done this yet, please register as soon as possible for the 2024/25 academic year. Remember that if you are a new international student you will also need to attend an in-person registration session to collect your ID card and biometric residence permit (BRP), unless UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has granted you a digital visa.

If you are a new student expecting a student loan instalment, you need to complete online registration and collect your ID card for the Student Loans Company to make payments to you and ensure the payment of your tuition fees to the University. If you are a continuing student, re-registration triggers release of any payments you may be expecting. See more information on the UK government website.

Each week during term-time I will keep you updated with essential information, news from our community and regular opportunities to let us know your ideas and feedback about what it is like to study, work and live at Sussex. From next Monday, you will also receive your online magazine, Experience Sussex!, straight to your University inbox every two weeks, helping you to make the most of your time here. Find out more about how we will communicate with you.

I am looking forward to seeing you all around campus soon!

Please read on for your regular update, including:  

• Have you joined The Big Read?
• Becoming a Student Rep and Students’ Union elections
• Check you are up to date with your vaccinations
• Important action for all student visa holders
• Library changes: extended loan periods and removal of late fines
• Apply for University-managed accommodation
• New look for the SussexMobile app

Have you joined The Big Read?

As I mentioned in my previous update, we are taking part in the Big Read, an award-winning shared-reading scheme. This year the selected title is Everything is Everything by multiple award-winning BBC journalist and Sussex alumnus Clive Myrie.

If you are a new student, you might have already received your copy in the post. All other students can collect a free copy from the Library Service Desk at the beginning of the academic year.

By taking part in The Big Read, you can also log five Spirit of Sussex Award points in the Society and Media Membership category under “Are you a member of a book club or reading group?”

Becoming a Student Rep and Students’ Union elections

Student Reps act as the link between the student body and course convenors to make sure you are receiving an education that works for you. Any student can become a Rep and join the work of building a better Sussex.

Nominations are also now open for the University of Sussex Students' Union's Autumn Elections – your first chance this academic year to lead your students’ union and help to shape student life here.

Voting will take place in October for:

• Union Councillors
• Student Reps
• LGBTQ+ Students Officer
• Trans and Non Binary students’ Officer
• BAME students’ Officer
• Postgraduate Officers
• Student Trustees
• Wellbeing Committee
• Mature Students Representative
• Part-time Students Representative
• First Generation Scholar Representative
• Student Parent Representative
• Sustainability Committee
• International Students' Committee members.

Ready to make a positive difference? Visit sussexstudent.com/elections to find out more or see the Student Reps page for detailed information about Rep roles.

Check you are up to date with your vaccinations

If your vaccinations are not up to date, I encourage you to get vaccinated against mumps, measles and rubella (MMR), Meningitis ACWY, and HPV before the academic year starts. You may be able to get these free of charge if you register with a doctor. Find out more about vaccinations.

Important action for all student visa holders

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is replacing physical immigration documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with an online record of immigration status called an eVisa. If you are an international student with a BRP, you should create a UKVI account and access your eVisa as soon as possible. See the UK government website for more information and follow the instructions.

You can find more information about your student visa on the Student Hub.

I also encourage you all to be wary of scammers targeting international students. Please ensure that you always pay your own fees. Never give your login details to a third party and only use University-approved payment routes through Sussex Direct.

Library changes: extended loan periods and removal of late fines

From now on, all physical library books will be issued for a six-week period, with automatic renewals, allowing users ample time to make use of borrowed materials.

We have also eliminated late fines for books, DVDs, documents and other physical items, including those that are overdue or have been recalled. The aim is to reduce financial stress and encourage a more positive borrowing experience.

Fines will still apply to laptop loans and Interlibrary loan materials, and invoicing for unreturned or lost items will remain in place to ensure the return of valuable resources.

You can read more about these updates on the Student Hub. For more information about library services, visit the Library website.

Apply for University-managed accommodation

If you are a new or returning student and you would like to live on campus, we have rooms available. To find out more, please contact: housing@sussex.ac.uk. You can also visit the Student Hub for information about accommodation.

New look for the SussexMobile app

Make sure you have the latest version of the SussexMobile app on your phone to easily access your digital library card, email, links to support services and more. The app has a new and improved look, and I will keep you updated on further improvements to app features planned for later in the academic year.

With best wishes,  
   
Kate 

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