Vacation FAQs

• When is the Library open over the Winter Vacation?

  You can find our Winter Vacation opening hours on the Library website. The Library building will be closed 23-27 December and 1 January. It will be open for self-service 28-31 December. 

• What is available on self-service days (28-31 December)?

  During these 'self-service only' days, we will have security in the building but no library staff. As a consequence some services will be unavailable. Find out which services are available on self-service only days.

• Is there anywhere I can go to study when the Library is closed?

  You will find details about the University’s operational hours over the vacation on the Student Hub. 

• Can I return a book when the Library is closed?

  Yes, if you need to return a book when the Library is closed, you can use the drop box by the step free entrance (next to the IDS cafe):

  

• Can I book a study room in the Library over the vacation?

  We know these rooms are very popular and are pleased to say that you can still book a group study room over vacation on the days that we’re open (including self-service days).

• Will I need to return my book over the vacation if someone else requests it?

  It is possible that a book you have borrowed might be requested by someone else over vacation. However, in our experience, this rarely happens as most students are away from campus and not requesting physical items. All other copies of that book will also have to be on loan for yours to be recalled. Not only that but the system is set up so that books will not be recalled on closure days. In the unlikely event that you do receive an email saying that your book has been recalled, please use our freepost service so that you can post the item at no charge. The freepost address is: Freepost, University of Sussex Library.

• I need to access Library resources but the building is closed / I'm not on campus. What can I do?

  We have more resources available online than we do in the building, so you can continue studying when the building is closed. You can find our electronic books, journals and more using Library Search and your Subject Guide (this is where we’ve grouped together the resources most relevant to your discipline). You’ll also find help on the Skills Hub and Skills Guides which you can work through when staff are unavailable.

• Where can I get IT support over the vacation?

  If you need support when ITS are closed, they have an extensive help section on the website, where you can browse their 'how to' guides or search the FAQs. If it is a printing issue, check the ITS website to view the current service status of printing to see if there are any known issues. You can also download the SussexMobile App which allows you to print and add print credit from your smartphone, in addition to being able to print from your own laptop. If everything seems ok, check that you have enough money in your printing account. You can add money to your printing account using a debit or credit card. Next, follow the instructions on printing from your own device. If you are unable to print from you own device, try logging into one of the PCs and printing from a computer instead. Printing is only available to Sussex students and staff.
  

• Is there anywhere that I can get food on campus over vacation?

  There are various options for eating and drinking across the University of Sussex campus. Although it doesn’t sell food, the Student Centre will be open through the winter vacation where they have facilities to ‘heat and eat’ your own food, with the Co-op also open.