Seven things you might not know about Sussex

While you may know a bit about Sussex from Open Days or other students, there may be some things – such as our library cat and famous Chancellor – that surprise you about our fascinating university.

Street food market on Sussex campus

Our Chancellor is Sanjeev Bhaskar

Replacing Richard Attenborough as Chancellor in 2009, Sanjeev (star of TV and theatre shows such as Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No. 42 and Spamalot) plays an enormously important role in Sussex life, from graduation ceremonies to education projects.

Hear what Sanjeev has to say about coming to Sussex, including advice on washing up rotas...

World-famous music acts have performed on campus

We've had incredible music performances at venues including Falmer House and the East Slope Bar, from Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd in the 60s to the Clash and the Who in the 70s, 

And this tradition has continued – with more recent acts on campus including the Kooks and Bombay Bicycle Club.

Did you know Jimi Hendrix performed at #sussexuni? ?????? We ♥ our music here so we're putting together the ultimate freshers' playlist on Spotify! We'll be releasing the playlist just before freshers' week. So #sussexfreshers - what tunes do you want to EXPERIENCE?! Let us know with a comment below?? #music #sussexuni #freshersplaylist #nextstopsusssx #musicisawayoflife #fresherssoundtrack #jimihendrix

We have some very famous honoraries

The first people to be made 'Doctors of the University' were Paul McCartney and Anita Roddick (founder of The Body Shop) in 1988, with more recent honorary graduates including playwright Sir Harold Pinter and the former Finance Minister for Greece, Yanis Varoufakis.

Our winter graduation ceremonies are taking place next week, so we've unearthed this photo of Paul McCartney picking up an honorary degree from Sussex in 1988. Do you recognise the man to Macca's left? #sussexuni #sussexgrad14

A post shared by University of Sussex (@sussexuni) on Jan 23, 2014 at 10:01am PST

You'll study next to nature

The South Downs, one of England's newest national parks, surrounds the Sussex campus and has beautiful walks and historic country houses.

So whether you want to get muddy on a bike trail or fancy a walk to break up the revising, make the most of the beautiful countryside right on your doorstep.

"All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you" - Gandalf . This scene could be straight out of #lordoftherings ?????? but you're mistaken you fools! It's actually #HalnakerHolloway in the #SouthDowns less than an hour away from #campus! Why don't you and your fellowship have an explore in this enchanted forest? ?????? . ??: @forgottenheritage . . #universityofsussex #sussexuni #sussex #sussexlife #sussexdowns #sussexcountryside #countryside #lotr #gandalf #enchantedforest #baggins #treebeard

A post shared by University of Sussex (@sussexuni) on Aug 8, 2017 at 3:49am PDT

And your classes may be in a listed building

Designed by the celebrated architect Sir Basil Spence, the campus includes one Grade l building (Falmer House) and seven Grade II* listed buildings, including the Library and the Meeting House.

Congrats to everyone who is coming to Sussex in September! ???? Join us for a live Facebook tour of our beautiful campus this afternoon to get to see your new home! ?? ?? Get your questions ready and we'll answer them on the tour AND if you get involved you can control where the tour goes!

A post shared by University of Sussex (@sussexuni) on Aug 17, 2017 at 3:00am PDT

You can get married on campus

With lots of students meeting their future partners at university, some of our alumni have chosen to have their special day at the place that brought them together.

Many ceremonies have taken place at the Meeting House (pictured below) so keep an eye out for wedding celebrations while you study.

Back where it all started... ?????????? . Many congratulations to Oli and Maddy, two of our alumni who got married at the weekend in the Meeting House! We feel so honoured to have been part of your special day and we wish you all the best in your marriage! #ForeverSussex . ??: @khups . . #universityofsussex #sussexuni #sussex #wedding #weddingdress #campuslife #campus #campuswedding #alumni #alumnilovestory #brighton #brightonandhove

A post shared by University of Sussex (@sussexuni) on Aug 7, 2017 at 3:51am PDT

We have a library cat

Although this cute kitty has its own Facebook group and articles about its appearances on campus, it still remains elusive to many Sussex staff and students.

You can try and spot the cat around Library Square and Falmer House, and it has even been known to go into the library while students are working.

The library cat enjoying the sun yesterday afternoon. Thanks to @livinglifeindocs for the pic!

A post shared by University of Sussex (@sussexuni) on May 11, 2015 at 2:11am PDT


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