Hello,

We know that there may be some of you that have been affected by news of the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts are with everyone in our community who has family, friends or colleagues in the region. Support is available for both students and staff. You can find details of the services and contacts who can help in our news story.

This week’s update includes important reminders, such as nominations opening for the Students’ Union’s Autumn Elections, applying for campus housing, and changes to campus facilities like Eat Central and the Sports Complex. There are also practical updates on student parking permits and how to reclaim a bike if you have left one behind. You can also read how Sussex has been named the happiest Uni in the UK!

Awards like this show how special Sussex is, and you can also share what you value about Sussex by voting in The Whatuni Student Choice Awards which are based entirely on student reviews. This year, your voice helped Sussex stand out nationally in these awards where we were voted national runner-up for our Mental Health and Wellbeing Support, reflecting especially the work of our Wellbeing Services and the staff that deliver them.

Sussex was also ranked first in the South-East for Student Life, and International student experience, climbing 33 places nationally to 39th overall, and we made a 58-place leap in Career Prospects.

Every review helps future students choose a university where they’ll feel supported, inspired, and ready to thrive. Whether you are sharing your experience for the first time, or adding a new reflection, your voice matters.

Please help keep the momentum going. Share your story, celebrate our community, and help others find their place at Sussex.

Please read on for your regular update, including:

• Sussex named happiest university in the UK!
• Vote for us in the What Uni Student Choice Awards
• Apply for campus housing
• Eat Central closed next week
• Gym on the move means temporary closure
• Left your bike behind? We can reunite you!
• Apply for your student parking permit
• Keep your Zoom account active for the new academic year
• Nominations open: Students’ Union autumn elections

Sussex named happiest university in the UK!

The University of Sussex has been ranked the happiest university in the UK in the Unifresher Happiest Universities 2026 Guide.

The award recognises student satisfaction with their university, looking at what makes students feel happy, heard, and at home. It brings together nationwide survey data, student feedback and factors such as workload balance, staff support, green spaces, culture and local life.

Sussex was rated highest in the UK for student satisfaction and support, with Unifresher highlighting the University’s welcoming campus community and the dedication of staff to student wellbeing.

Vote for us in the What Uni Student Choice Awards

The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are based entirely on student reviews, which means your voice really matters. By voting for us, you get to highlight what makes Sussex special to you.Thanks to student feedback, Sussex was named national runner-up for Mental Health and Wellbeing Support this year, a huge recognition of the care and commitment shown by our Wellbeing Services and the staff who support students every day

Apply for campus housing

If you have not secured your accommodation yet, there are still a limited number of rooms available for returning students. Living on campus offers great value. Bills, insurance and Wi-Fi are all included, we have there is 24/7 security, helpful porters, and no travel costs to get to lectures. With hundreds of returning students already choosing to stay, it is a really popular option. Spaces are limited, so be quick and join the waiting list.

Eat Central will be closed next week

Eat Central will be closed from Monday 8 to Friday 12 September due to hosting a large conference. There are still plenty of other on-campus options available to grab something to eat.

Gym on the move means temporary closure

The main gym is relocating from the Falmer Sports Complex to the new gym development in the Sports Centre this September. The gym will be closed, with no classes running, from Monday 8 September until Monday 15 September.

The new facility will offer a larger space, more equipment, and a central location that’s easier to access - designed to give you space for a great workout.

Left your bike behind? we can reunite you!

Unclaimed bikes will be cleared from campus racks by 31st October. If your bike has gone missing or you think it might’ve been moved, drop a quick email to Monika Farkas at m.farkas@sussex.ac.uk to check.

Apply for your student parking permit

You can now apply for your parking permit for the 2025/26 year.

Student Parking Permits for the 2024/25 year will expire on 30 September 2025 – find out how you can renew your paperless parking permit or how to apply for your first permit.

If you are a Blue Badge holder or you ride a motorcycle, and are registered with the Transport Office, your permit to park on campus is already automatic and no further action is needed.

Keep your Zoom account active for the next academic year

As part of annual maintenance IT Services will be refreshing Zoom licences ahead of the new academic year. Accounts that have not been used for over a year will be deactivated, to help manage licence numbers. If you are unsure whether you have logged in recently and want to keep your account active, simply sign in to your Zoom account.

Nominations open: Students’ Union autumn elections

Nominations for the autumn student elections are now open! This is your chance to stand for election and take on a representative position where you can make a real difference for your fellow students.

No experience is necessary, just passion, ideas, and a willingness to get involved. From running in the election to being elected, and holding a representative role, the skills you gain will enhance your confidence, leadership, and employability, while giving you the opportunity to shape student life and have your voice heard.

With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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