Welcome Week 2023

Welcome Week is the perfect time to dive into university life, whether you are just starting out or coming back for another exciting year. You can have a great time, meet new people, and learn about the services and facilities available.

We have highlighted some key activities for you below, but be sure to check out the full Welcome Week schedule and the official Students’ Union Freshers’ pages. Remember to follow us on Instagram (@SussexUni) for the latest updates too!

Social events

Visit the Students’ Union Freshers’ Fair on Wednesday 18 September to explore over 180 societies and sport clubs on campus. Joining a society is a great way to meet new people and make friends.

On Tuesday 17 September, enjoy a Big Night In on campus with the Students’ Union, featuring retro videogames, board games and craft activities. Entry is free and there is no need to get a ticket – just turn up!

New and returning students are invited to the Forest Garden Festival on Friday 20 September. Featuring a vibrant mix of genres and artists, this DJ and sound system event is a must-attend experience this Welcome Week.

Wellbeing activities

It is normal to need a break or some time for yourself during the excitement of Welcome Week. The Wellbeing Tent (10am-4pm) outside the Fulton building is a place to relax, play games and do crafts, learn about the University's Buddy Scheme and meet our wellbeing officers.

We are offering a wide range of free classes during Welcome Week to give a taster of life at Sussexsport. You can also try out the gym facilities at the Sport Centre and Falmer Sports Complex free of charge between 4pm and 8pm on Wednesday 18 September. Just sign in at reception! Download the Sussexsport app for more.

The social boundary walk will be a fun and relaxed way to meet people while you explore campus and the surrounding area too.

Other highlights

The Big Read. This year we are reading BBC journalist and Sussex alumnus Clive Myrie’s Everything is Everything. If you do not have your free copy yet, you can collect it from the Library and join this award-winning shared-reading scheme.

Silent Disco beach clean. Make new friends while moving to the music and doing something great for the planet.

Campus Nature walk. Explore some of the biodiversity hotspots on the west side of campus and learn how you could get involved, from growing vegetables with other students, to helping measure the biodiversity of the sites.

Student life

Check your School induction timetable for essential talks and activities where you will meet your academic advisors and classmates.

Join one of the Library tours this week and find out how to borrow books, access our online collection, use the printers or book study spaces. 

Come and meet the student support services at the Student Centre (11am–3pm, 16-20 September). There will be a wide range of stalls each day, including housing, disability and international student advice.

You might also like to explore campus with a student ambassador.