Hello,

At Sussex, your voice matters. It shapes your experience here and helps us build a stronger, more inclusive community. One way you can make your voice heard is by becoming a student rep. Reps play a key role in representing their peers, sharing ideas, and helping to create positive changes within Schools, Faculties, and across the University. If you are passionate about your subject and want to help improve the student experience, nominations are now open, it is a great way to get involved and make a difference.

Your voice also matters on a national level. The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are now open, giving you the opportunity to share what you value most about studying at Sussex. Thanks to your feedback, Sussex was named national runner-up for Mental Health and Wellbeing Support last year — an achievement that reflects the care and commitment of our community.

This week, we also wish a very happy Diwali to all our students, staff, alumni, and members of the wider community celebrating in the days ahead.

Please read on for updates, including how to become a student rep, opportunities to travel sustainably, and ways to get involved in campus life.

In this issue

• Become a student rep and why reps matter

• Sustainable and active travel at Sussex

• Happy Diwali from the University of Sussex

• Vote for us in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards

• Help protect yourself and others from illness

• Academic reading strategies: build skills to help you thrive

• Careers Fair 2025

• Speak up, get support – Report and Support at Sussex

• Spirit of Sussex Award: make friends, feel connected, and showcase your growth

• Black History Month: interview with Bud Johnston

Get involved as a student rep

At Sussex, student reps act as a bridge between students and staff to make sure feedback helps shape your learning experience.
Learn more on the Students’ Union Student Reps page.

What can reps do?

• Raise issues such as assessment deadlines, curriculum content, or study space access.

• Represent students at departmental, faculty, and University levels.

• Take on roles such as course rep, senior course rep, committee rep, or specialist roles like accessibility or international student rep.

Find out more and become a rep here.

Why take the role?

• Make meaningful changes to student life and education quality.

• Gain leadership, representation, and communication experience.

• Access training, support, and paid opportunities.

You can also find your current reps and read more about training and support.

Sustainable and active travel at Sussex

Choosing to travel actively and sustainably helps reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and boost your wellbeing. Whether you walk, wheel, cycle, or use public transport, there are many ways to make your journeys greener.

Find out more about travel discounts, route maps, and cycling support on the Sustainable and Active Travel pages.

Happy Diwali from the University of Sussex

Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated by many Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

At its heart, Diwali promotes compassion, unity, and the light within us all, reminding us to cherish and celebrate life’s blessings.

Join the celebration:

• South Asian Students’ Society (SASS) Diwali Festival – Sunday 2 November, ACCA (Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts). An evening of performances, food, a vibrant bazaar, and an afterparty.
  Tickets will be released soon – follow SASS on Instagram for updates.

• Dhaba Café special – Monday 20 October, 12.00 to 15.00: enjoy a special Dal Bowl to mark the festival.

Vote for us in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards

The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are based entirely on student reviews, which means your voice really matters. By voting for Sussex, you help highlight what makes our University special.

Help protect yourself and others from illness

Now that the new term has started, please make sure you have had all your free NHS vaccines if you are able to do so. Vaccinations help protect you from serious illnesses such as meningitis, measles, and more.
Find out how to protect yourself and others.

Academic reading strategies: build skills to help you thrive

Strong academic reading skills are essential for success at university. Learning how to read strategically helps you manage large volumes of material, identify key arguments, and engage critically with your subject.

On campus: Wednesday 22 October, 13.30 – 15.00
Online: Thursday 23 October, 14.00 – 15.00

Find graduate roles, meet employers, and more at Careers Fair 2025

Careers Fair 2025 is your opportunity to meet employers from a wide range of sectors offering graduate roles, placements, vacation work, and volunteering.

When: Wednesday 29 October

• 11.00 – 13.00

• 13.00 – 15.00

Book your place via Ticket Tailor.

Report and Support at Sussex

Sussex is a safe and welcoming community, where we value respect, inclusion, and looking out for one another. However, if you ever experience harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, bullying, or any behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, support is available.

Through Report and Support, you can:

• Report incidents formally or informally.

• Get confidential advice and guidance.

• Access support including advocacy, counselling, and safety planning.

Visit Report and Support to find out how to reach out, understand your rights, and access help.

Spirit of Sussex Award: make friends, feel connected, and showcase your growth

No matter what stage you are at in your Sussex journey, the Spirit of Sussex Award (SOSA) is a great way to get involved, meet others, and explore new opportunities beyond your course.

The award celebrates what you do outside your studies – from volunteering and joining societies to organising events or taking on part-time work.

Find out more and get started with the Spirit of Sussex Award.

Five minutes with Bud Johnston: “I’m inspired by people who keep building things even when no one is watching”

To mark Black History Month, we celebrate the stories and experiences of Black staff, students, and alumni who inspire our community.

This week, meet Bud Johnston, Project Manager of Black at Sussex. In his interview, Bud reflects on resilience, purpose, and the unseen moments that build lasting change.

Read the full interview with Bud Johnston.

With best wishes,
Kate
Professor Kate O’Riordan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

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