The University of Sussex is an official University of Sanctuary, recognising our commitment to promoting a culture of welcome, safety and inclusion across our campuses and their wider communities. Law student Bee Aumeer recently attended the Universities of Sanctuary conference in York.We caught up with her to learn more about her experience and insights. 

What motivated you to attend the Universities of Sanctuary conference in York? 

As someone with lived experience of the asylum system, I feel a personal connection to the principles of the Universities of Sanctuary movement. My work with Student Action for Refugees and my involvement in the Sussex Migration Law Clinic motivated me to learn more about how universities can support people from migrant backgrounds. I wanted to connect with others who share this vision and explore how we can build more inclusive campuses. 

What was the conference like? 

The experience was incredibly inspiring and energizing. It was particularly meaningful to meet others who had similar experiences to mine, as well as sanctuary scholars whose stories resonated deeply with me. It was amazing to see how much collective effort is being put into creating safe and welcoming spaces for people seeking sanctuary. The atmosphere of collaboration and mutual learning was truly uplifting, and it reinforced the importance of this work. 

What were your highlights? 

One of the highlights for me was hearing the powerful testimonies from individuals who have directly benefited from Universities of Sanctuary initiatives. It reminded me why this work is so vital.  

Another memorable moment was the Book of Refugees workshop, which focused on amplifying refugee voices through storytelling and creative expression, fostering empathy and awareness among participants.  

Additionally, the Building an Arc of Sanctuary workshop offered practical guidance on designing outreach programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by refugee students. It provided strategies for addressing barriers such as language proficiency, cultural adjustment, and financial constraints, ensuring that support initiatives are both inclusive and effective. 

Did you have any meaningful interactions with other delegates? 

Absolutely! I spoke with students and staff from other Universities of Sanctuary, which gave me fresh perspectives on how they’ve implemented their programs. I also connected with activists and advocates who shared practical advice on fundraising and community engagement. 

What ideas or insights did you gain? 

The conference reinforced the importance of centring lived experiences in policymaking and program design. I also learned about innovative ways to involve students in creating sanctuary spaces, such as peer mentoring schemes and scholarship advocacy. These insights have given me new ideas for campaigns and initiatives at Sussex. 

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your experience? 

Attending the conference was a reminder that small, collective actions can create significant change. It also underscored the importance of universities as sites for advocacy and sanctuary. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend and feel more motivated than ever. 

Bee's experiences and insights from the conference highlight the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for all students. Learn more about the University of Sanctuary initiative at Sussex and how you can get involved.