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

Hello and happy Diwali to all those of you celebrating the festival of the lights.  

Autumn is upon us, and hopefully you’ll have begun to enjoy the Halloween activities that the Student Experience team has been running since yesterday in the Student Centre. These include scary films, spooky games, craft workshops, free snacks and a photo booth. You will also have the chance to speak to the teams who can support you, including support specifically for international students.

Applications for our masters courses open in November, so this is also a good time to think about postgraduate study if you are an undergraduate. We offer masters scholarship opportunities for all current Sussex students, and a range of scholarships for British and International students. For example, the five Aziz Foundation scholarships for British Muslim students who want to do a masters degree. On Monday 18 November, the Aziz Foundation will be hosting an event on campus as part of Islamophobia Awareness Month, where undergraduate students will be able to hear from inspiring speakers and learn more about the scholarships.  

There are lots of scholarship opportunities for all students, so if you’re interested in furthering your education via a masters, please look at the support on offer.

Click on the list below for this week’s essentials:

• Leave a Whatuni review about Sussex and you could win a £5 Munch voucher!
• Are you taking full advantage of University support?
• Looking after your wellbeing during the colder months
• One-to-one writing support for students
• Virtual Masters Open Day, Saturday 22 November, 10.30am-2.30pm
• Terrance Higgins Trust webinar on HIV awareness
• Foodie Forums are back 
• Remember, Remember the 5 November 

Leave a Whatuni review about Sussex and you could win a £5 Munch voucher!

We are giving away 50x £5 Munch vouchers to spend on food and drink on campus, to students who leave reviews about Sussex at whatuni.com. All you have to do is leave a review on the Whatuni website, and you’ll automatically be entered into the prize draw. Read the Terms and Conditions of the prize draw.

You will also start seeing us out and about on campus collecting student reviews, starting this Thursday 31 October. Leave a review with us in person and you’ll not only be entered into the prize draw, but you may also get a spooky Halloween cupcake!

Are you taking full advantage of University support?

It is always okay to ask for help from the University. From your academic advisors and wellbeing staff to career consultants, we provide a wide range of support throughout your time at university. Read this post by Tugce Erten, one of our student bloggers, and find out some of the many ways you can be supported during your time at Sussex.

Looking after your wellbeing during the colder months

As the days become shorter and colder, it is good to be mindful of our wellbeing. To help th Student Centre is organising chair mobility sessions on next Thursday 7 November, to de-stress through simple, effective movement.

Here are also some self-care tips to help you manage the changing of season.

One-to-one writing support for students

Worried about an essay or report? Not sure how to structure an argument? Want to improve your grades? Need more confidence in your academic writing? As part of the Royal Literary Fund’s Fellowship Scheme (RLF), the Library hosts three professional writers who offer free one-to-one tutorials during term-time for students wanting to improve their writing. To book an appointment, visit the Library website.

Virtual Masters Open Day, Saturday 22 November, 10.30am-2.30pm 

If you’re thinking about studying a Masters, join teaching and support staff online on Saturday 23 November to find out more about Masters study. The Masters Open Day will give you the opportunity to attend live online subject sessions with the academics who teach our Masters courses, as well as join sessions to find out more about postgraduate support, how to apply for your course, sources of funding, and what life as a postgrad is really like. Find out more and book your place.

Terrance Higgins Trust webinar on HIV awareness

Join us for an online workshop with the Terrance Higgins Trust, focused on HIV awareness on Thursday 8 November, 1-2pm. Learn about the latest developments in HIV research, prevention methods, and support resources. The knowledgeable speakers will provide valuable insights and answer all your questions. Register now to secure your spot.

Foodie Forums are back

The first Foodie Forum of the academic year kicked off on Monday 21 October, in the ACCA café on campus. This month’s theme was Catering Events and Innovation, and nine students joined and shared their feedback on catering at Sussex with a small team of staff.

Remember, Remember the 5^th of November

Bonfire Night will soon be upon us. There are lots of local festivities that you can join in to enjoy fireworks displays and bonfires locally but please remember, Lewes Bonfire is exclusively for Lewes town residents and fireworks are not permitted on campus. 

On Tuesday 5 November, there will be significant travel disruption around campus, including the early closure of Falmer Railway Station – if you’re going to be on campus that day, check-out our travel advice.

With best wishes,  
    
Kate

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