Hello.

It has been great to see so many students back on campus. I really enjoyed meeting many of you in Welcome Week and I hope this went well for you. Now we are in the first week of the semester, most of you will be experiencing classes. Whilst teaching and learning is the primary focus of your time at university it is important to know about the many opportunities available to you at Sussex. These support your studies. In this week’s update I highlight a few ways to get involved, make friends, and get the most of your experience here.

For example, you can join the Buddy Scheme to meet new friends and take part in trips, activities, and events, or get involved with the Language Café, a social space to practise languages and meet other students. There are also opportunities to get involved with University Radio Falmer and also to attend academic skills workshops, as well as having your say by voting for Sussex in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards. Please also consider becoming a student rep.

Read on for full details and ways to make the most of the term ahead including:

• Buddy Scheme
• Make friends from all over the world at the Language Café
• How learning other languages has helped me connect with others and express myself
• Vote for Sussex in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards
• Academic skills workshops
• International Students create your eVisa and keep your details up to date
• Health and Wellbeing services provided by the University
• Registration for all new students
• The Recharge is back!
• Get involved with University Radio Falmer

Buddy scheme

New to Sussex or just want to meet people and join fun activities? The Buddy Scheme, run by the Students’ Union, pairs new students with current Sussex volunteers based on shared interests, course, or community (e.g. LGBTQ+, international, students of colour, disabled students).

Your buddy can answer questions about Sussex life and be a friendly face on campus. Alongside one-to-one matches, the scheme also runs events like picnics, therapy dogs, crafting, and discounted trips, last year students went ice skating and visited Sea Life Brighton.

Find out more about the Buddy Scheme here.

Make friends from all over the world at the Language Café

The Language Café runs weekly in term time, offering a relaxed space to practise languages, meet new people, and share cultural insights. Organised by students, it covers a wide range of languages from English and Spanish to Mandarin, Turkish, and BSL.

It is a welcoming community where many students return regularly, building friendships and intercultural skills along the way.

When: Every Tuesday at 6:30pm during term time.

How learning other languages has helped me connect with others and express myself

Matilda Barrowman, a Creative Writing student at Sussex, shares how her love of languages has helped her make connections across campus, from lecturers to baristas, and enriched her creative work. From learning Italian to picking up phrases in Czech, Yiddish, and BSL, Matilda shows how exploring languages opens doors to new cultures, friendships, and opportunities, even scoring a free ice cream along the way! Discover her story and get inspired to start your own language journey at Sussex.

Read the full story here.

Vote for Sussex in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards

The WhatUni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) are based entirely on student reviews and your voice really matters. By voting for Sussex, you can showcase what makes our University special to you.

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 staff who support students every day.

Leave a review for a chance to win prizes, including £100 weekly, £200 specials, and extra vouchers during Review Collection Week!

Academic skills workshops

During term, you can attend a workshop on campus or online, run by experienced Sussex University Academic Skills Consultants:

Upcoming Workshops:

On campus

• Effective Note-Making Strategies
• Wednesday 8 October, 1:30–2:30pm

Online

• Effective Note-Making Strategies (Online Workshop)
• Thursday 9 October, 2:00–3:00pm

For a full list of workshops, online academic skills support and resources, please visit Skills Hub: Academic Skills Workshops and Support

International Students create your eVisa and keep your details up to date

All Student visa holders now need to create an eVisa, which evidences their immigration permission. Your eVisa must be linked to your passport in your UKVI account.

To avoid any issues, make sure you:

• Keep your passport or ID card details up to date in your UKVI account.
• Notify UKVI immediately about any changes, so your immigration status can be easily identified.
• Check your eVisa carefully and report any errors as soon as possible

Find out more information and support if needed here:

• Your Student Visa – University of Sussex

Health and Wellbeing services provided by the University

At Sussex, your health and wellbeing are a priority and you are not on your own. Whether you are experiencing mental or physical challenges, we offer a wide range of services and resources to help.

Togetherall, a service that Sussex works with, offers 24/7, free, anonymous mental health support through a safe online community. You can share your feelings, access self-help toolkits, and connect with others all under professional moderation. And if you are looking for additional support, Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity that Sussex works with, working to make sure no student is held back by mental health challenges. They offer resources on managing stress, supporting peers and navigating mental health through university life.

Whatever challenges you face big or small our Health & Wellbeing services are here to support you, with guidance, resources, and practical help.

Full details about University health and wellbeing services for students can be found here.

Registration for all new students

All new students must complete registration. If you haven not done so yet, please ensure this is completed as soon as possible.

For more information on completing registration, see: University of Sussex Registration.

Maintenance loans for UK students (undergraduates)

If you are a UK student and have not applied for your maintenance loan, make sure to do by logging into the application portal.

If you have applied and are expecting a maintenance loan, we will confirm your re-registration to Student Finance England once you have completed registration and collected your ID card. Following collection of your ID card, it may take 3–5 days for funds to reach your account.

Self-financing students

If you are paying your own tuition fees, the payment deadline is Tuesday 21 October 2025. During registration, you can choose to either pay in full or set up an instalment plan.

Important: Instalment plans cannot be set up after 21 October 2025 after this date the only option will be to pay in full.

The Recharge is back!

After the buzz of Welcome Week, it is time to take a breather. The Recharge is here to help, offering a relaxed drop-in space where you can chill, create and connect with others through free activities designed to help you unwind.

You will find The Recharge in the Student Centre Atrium every Thursday in October, from 12 noon to 2pm. No sign-up needed, just drop by, take a break from lectures and recharge your energy!

Get involved with University Radio Falmer

URF (University Radio Falmer) has been Sussex’s student-run, online and unplaylisted radio station since 1976. It is open to everyone, no experience needed, as the team will show you how to produce radio content

In the studio, the time is yours: share your opinions, play your favourite music, host comedy, or try something new. URF is a fun, supportive space to build skills, meet people, and share your creativity with the campus community.

Applications for Autumn 2025 shows are now open! Apply for a show here.

Want to help shape the future of URF? Join the Committee here.

With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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