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,

It’s that time of year when students start thinking about accommodation for next academic year, and you may be starting to look at different housing options available to you. But did you know that current students can continue to live on campus after their first year?

There are lots of benefits to living on campus, including cheaper living costs, as it includes bills such as Wi-Fi, heating, water and electric, and no unexpected price increases for the duration of your tenancy. Being close to lectures and campus also makes life easier and means spending less money on travel. Even better – groups of up to eight students can also apply to live together, so you can still live with your friends!

In the next couple of weeks, we will be opening applications for current students to apply to live in campus accommodation next academic year, so keep your eyes out for when we launch this.

At the heart of campus life is our excellent Library, and this year it celebrates six decades of knowledge-sharing, community and innovation with a special exhibition, Chapter 60. Find it in the Library’s Open Learning Space from 13 November to 20 December.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Big Ideas contest: win a trip to California and £10,000 launch funding
• Resources and events to support your wellbeing
• Support for international students
• Brighter Futures Grants: your chance to win £1,000
• Contribute to Sussex Uni Food’s charity collection.

Big Ideas contest: win a trip to California and £10,000 launch funding

The Big Ideas contest is now open for applications until 11 December. Sussex has partnered with UC Berkeley and we are the only UK university bringing this opportunity to our students.

The contest enables student teams to pitch their idea for a better world, in a range of categories. The 'Sussex winner' will win a trip to California to pitch their idea at a Grand Final for the chance to win £10,000 launch funding. In addition, this year for the first time, the 'Sussex winner' will also receive a prize of £2,500.

Detailed information is available on this Student Hub page – click the red button for resources and more within CareerHub.

Resources and events to support your wellbeing

Read the latest update from your Student Wellbeing team to find resources and events to support you throughout November. You may also find their Instagram (@universityofsussexwellbeing) and the Wellbeing pages on the Student Hub helpful. Remember, if you are affected by an issue and would like to speak with a friendly advisor, please do reach out to University services via My Sussex, the Student Centre or the chaplaincy.

Support for international students

On the Student Hub you can find a wide range of information, so you can make the most of your time at Sussex. The pages cover everything from visas and immigration advice to living and working in the UK, opening a bank account or getting healthcare. There are lots of opportunities, events and societies you can continue to get involved in too. Remember you can also contact our International Advice Team if you have a query.

If English is not your first language, we also provide a number of free developmental opportunities to help you improve your academic abilities and assessment results.

Brighter Futures Grants: your chance to win £1,000

In collaboration with Santander, we are giving you the chance to win one of 10 grants, each worth £1,000, to support your academic journey. All students are eligible to enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You do not need to bank with Santander to get involved. Apply online by 11pm on 5 December for your chance to win. Read more on the Student Hub.

Contribute to Sussex Uni Food’s charity collection

If you are able to, help Sussex Uni Food support the homeless people of Brighton and Hove by donating festive foods and unused clothes at one of the donation points set up around campus. Find out more about how you can help those in need this festive period.

With best wishes,  
    
Kate

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