Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all postgraduate taught students earlier today. Below you can read her full message:

Hello,  

Firstly, thank you to all our final-year undergraduates. Your feedback in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS) led to improvements in our results for every single survey question and all seven themed categories. Sussex has jumped 18 places nationally for overall positivity, now ranking 6th in the UK and 1st in the South-East for Organisation and Management. Teaching quality hit 94.4% positivity, and you said, “teaching staff were good at explaining things”. Library resources reached 91.5%, and our Students’ Union climbed 10 places.  

These brilliant results reflect the excellent teaching, learning, and student experience that benefit all students, across all levels. They also help to make Sussex a more compelling choice for students, staff employers and partners, and they info league tables and university guides Read more on the Student Hub. 

I am also very pleased to let you know Sussex has once again been recognised for our ongoing commitment to biodiversity, named as a Bees’ Needs Champion by the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This is our fifth consecutive win! This award recognises our commitment to biodiversity and pollinator-friendly practices across campus, from wildflower planting to bee hotels and rewilding projects. 

Finally, I am really looking forward to celebrating with our final year students at graduation next week, and I will be sharing highlights from the graduation ceremony with you all in the next Student Update.  


Please read on for:   

• Resits — what you need to know
• Wellbeing support over the summer
• Sussex Connector Cafe
• Sussex is the best for bees
• Student creativity on display at the i360

Resits — what you need to know

If you have been set any resit assessments by the exam board, make sure to check your module results on Sussex Direct so you’re clear on what is required.

Not sure what your results mean or what you need to do between 4–15 August resit period? Reach out to your School or Faculty Office as soon as possible.

Exam dates for resits will be added to your Assessment Timetable and published during the week starting 28 July, so keep an eye out!

Wellbeing support over the summer 

 
During the summer you can access a range of wellbeing support, both on-campus in the Student Centre and online, via MySussex. The Wellbeing section of the Student Hub includes lots of information to help students get support and advice on all aspects of student life.   

Sussex Connector Cafe 

The Connector Cafe is a relaxed space at Sussex where students can chat, feel heard, and discover other support options with free tea, biscuits, and mindful activities included.

Sessions run every Wednesday from 1pm until 3pm in the Student Centre (Woodland 1) and are led by trained student volunteers who offer a friendly ear, though they’re not mental health professionals.

If you would like to be matched confidentially with a facilitator, email residentiallife@sussex.ac.uk and feel free to request someone of a specific gender.

For info on how personal data is handled, check the Directorate for Student Experience privacy notice.

Sussex is the best for bees  

Sussex has once again been crowned a Bees’ Needs Champion by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) marking our fifth consecutive win! This national award celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to support pollinators, and we are proud to be recognised for our continued efforts to make campus a haven for biodiversity. From wildflower areas, to the forest garden, our green spaces are designed with nature in mind, helping bees and other pollinators thrive. 

These initiatives don’t just support wildlife, they create peaceful, beautiful areas for everyone to enjoy. Read the full story on the Student Hub.

Student creativity on display at i360

Join us at the i360 all week long from the 21 to the 25 of July (11am to 5pm) for a completely free, special exhibition exploring the transformative journeys and experiences of Sussex University students at our annual Creating Voice Exhibition. It offers a unique glimpse into the personal narratives of students as they transition from Freshers to Graduates- capturing the challenges, triumphs, and growth that has shaped their time at university and beyond.

With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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