Preparing for Sussex
You've accepted your offer and you want to know what to do next. Use our guide below and start preparing for Sussex today.
Before you arrive
This information is for full-time undergraduate, Masters and PhD students starting in September.
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February – 1st August
Check if you are guaranteed housing and make sure you apply for University accommodation by 1st August. If you are not guaranteed housing, we can help you look for private accommodation.
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From April
Check if you need to apply for a visa.
After you have accepted your offer and your place is confirmed as unconditional, we send you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if you need to apply for a Student Route Visa.
Please see the information on how to apply for a Student visa on the Student Hub.If you have dependants
If you want to bring dependants with you to the UK, you will need to check if you are eligible. Find out more about eligibility for a dependant visa on the Student Hub.
Consider the significant cost and challenges of securing suitable accommodation before you make firm plans to travel with dependants.
- Family accommodation – as it becomes more difficult to source family accommodation in Brighton and Hove, you will need to consider where you live and start making arrangements in advance of arrival. Speak to our private sector accommodation team who can provide advice and guidance on finding family appropriate accommodation in Brighton and Hove.
- Childcare – There is a nursery on campus that provides childcare. Places are limited so once you are sure you will be studying at Sussex, start making enquiries. You may wish to look in the Brighton and Hove area.
- Schools – if your child will be going to school, you will need to apply for a place. This can be difficult while you are waiting to secure accommodation but it is good to start looking and making enquiries early. See more information on finding a school place on the Brighton and Hove City Council website.
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30th June: UG housing application deadline
If you are a full-time, first-year undergraduate student applying through UCAS to be guaranteed University-managed accommodation (from September), you must submit your housing application by 30 June.
Check if you’re guaranteed University-managed accommodation at Sussex. -
From July to August
You should arrange travel insurance for your trip to the UK and health insurance if you need it.
If you are applying for a Student Route visa you will pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. For more information on your entitlements and the UK National Health Service (NHS) please read the information on the Student Hub.
Budget for your time in the UK and exchange currency. You can also register for Blackbullion – a platform that helps you learn how to manage your money and provides advice and guidance on budgeting with specific tips and information for international students.
Students studying here over six months are recommended to open a UK bank account. There are various different bank accounts to choose from, make sure to find the best one to suit your needs.
If you have a bank account in your home country, find out if your bank has any special arrangements with banks in the UK.
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1st August: Masters and PhD housing application deadline
If you are a Masters or PhD student you must submit your housing application by 1st August to be guaranteed University-managed accommodation (from September).
Check if you're guaranteed University-managed accommodation at Sussex.
If you are a disabled applicant, have a learning difficulty or ongoing physical or mental health condition, let us know by providing us with more information about your needs.
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By 31st August
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From 1st September
Register online through Sussex Direct and arrange to pay your fees.
You can pay for fees, accommodation or set up a University payment plan online through our Sussex Direct site.
If you pay your fees before you arrive, this makes the registration process easier. You can choose to pay in instalments or in full.
Arrange your travel and check when you can arrive.
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Final checklist for pre-arrival
- Have you arranged your accommodation?
- Have you checked if you need a Student visa and applied for it?
- Are you eligible to bring dependants? Have you applied for a dependant visa, arranged family accommodation, childcare and school places?
- Do you know your healthcare entitlements and set up the necessary travel and health insurance?
- Have you let us know about your disability or long-term health condition?
- Have you arranged your travel to the University?
- Is your hand luggage ready with all your necessary travel documents?
What to expect as an international student
Our international students section within the Student Hub provides information on:
- student visas and immigration
- health and insurance
- money and how to budget
- accommodation
- bringing your family to Sussex
- how to settle into Sussex and meet other students
Arrival in the UK
Immigration and passport control
Ensure your travel is fully arranged and you have checked when you can arrive.
When you arrive in the UK you must come through immigration and customs at your port of entry.
In your hand luggage, carry your offer letter from Sussex and evidence that you have sufficient funds to stay in the UK – even if you have a visa or entry clearance.
Your documents are checked on the train if you travel through the Channel Tunnel on the Eurostar.
Location – travelling to Brighton
Our campus is located in Falmer, four miles from the centre of Brighton & Hove and four miles from Lewes.
It is a good idea to arrange your travel to the University before you arrive.
If you would prefer to arrange your own transport from the airport or sea port, our campus is well served by buses, trains and taxis.
Find out more about how to get to the University of Sussex.
Meet and greet service
You can book a coach directly to the University if you land in Heathrow airport. Students landing at Gatwick are recommended to travel by train.
Contact
If you have any further queries, contact our International Student Advice team.