- The Report of the Committee on Higher Education (the Robbins Report) published in October 1963 accelerates University intentions to expand student numbers to 3,000. This is now planned for October 1967, therefore completing in six years what had been planned for 10
- There are 20 applicants for every arts space and 10 applicants for every science space, with the University experiencing ongoing problems of attracting students to study science. More students are taking A levels but not in the sciences
- The tutorial system at Sussex gives it a high profile for teaching
- There is ongoing development of the School for African and Asian Studies: from 1963 it focuses on history, economics, geography, politics, social anthropology and philosophy rather than language and literature; a radical approach which sets Sussex apart from other universities. This new school has 50 students including two postgraduates
- The Library is opened by the Queen in November 1963
- The Vice-Chancellor moves into Ashcombe House near Lewes as plans to build a residence on the campus are shelved
- Building the University Chapel is delayed as an agreement on where it is to be located can't be reached
- The Sports Pavilion is expected to be completed in October 1965, but plans for a swimming pool, sports hall and gym have to be abandoned through lack of funds
- The Isle of thorns, a residential conference centre at Chelwood Gate in the Ashdown Forest, is leased from April for conferences and vacation courses
- The first graduation takes place on 30 June 1964 in the Refectory in Falmer House: 38 students graduate and Leonard Woolf, Dame Marie Rambert and Albert Finney are made honorary Doctors of Letters
- The University Central Council on Admissions (UCCA) comes into force in 1963
- The 'A scheme' begins: a scheme to admit 18-22 year olds without the usual minimum A level entrance requirements. A stringent test is imposed
- Rag Week is held for the first time in October 1963 and raises £3,000
- The bookshop opens October 1963 in Falmer House
- A University Voluntary Service Group is formed to focus on helping in the local community
- Students' Union holds an arts festival in the summer term, including plays, concert, revue, barbecue, political forum and exhibitions
- May 1964 sees the first printed edition of union paper The Wine Press
50 years
