We’re pleased to welcome you to Sussex. Watch a short welcome video by our new Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil.

After the video, read on to find out what to do this week and former student Esther's advice on how to make the most of Welcome Week.

A big welcome to the University of Sussex from University of Sussex on Vimeo.

Here’s a quick guide to having a successful Welcome Week

• Check out Get Settled for how to find your timetable – make sure you don’t miss out on any essential talks and activities.
• Get to know your School. Check our updated academic induction timetable for the latest information. You might need to self-enrol on Canvas modules first, if you haven’t done it yet.
• Don’t forget to book some optional sessions too, as these are ticketed. There are various workshops, panels and tours to book on to.
• Attend the Freshers’ Fair on Wednesday afternoon – see the various clubs and societies we have on offer, and choose some to sign up to. Joining a society is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
• Read our Welcome Week Guide – pick up a hard copy from our Welcome Marquee in Library Square or access it online via the New Student pages.
• Make time for yourself – there are Chill-out Zones in the Arundel Building (rooms 1A and 1B) and Pevensey I (rooms 1B3 and 1B8) throughout Welcome Week, where you can choose to relax and sit quietly, do a puzzle or play board games.

Hear some words of advice from Esther Sturch, who's been working as a Graduate Connector in the Student Engagement and Enhancement Team:

Before Welcome Week I was very shy and nervous. It was my first time being independent and starting somewhere I knew no-one. My main goals for Welcome Week were to meet people, participate in various non-alcoholic events and begin adjusting to living away from home. I found the events timetable useful when planning which activities I wanted to be involved in.

Some of my highlights from Welcome Week were getting loads of free items from the Freshers’ Fair, meeting people in my course inductions, making friends at the Big Night In, the Pier Party, and playing board games in the Chill-out Zones.

My top advice (as cheesy as it sounds) is to be yourself; going to events you’re genuinely interested in is a great way to meet people with similar interests. I also recommend getting to know where your classes are before the day; go on an adventure around campus and get lost navigating.

Finally, Welcome Week is for you to get to know the University and feel ready for beginning studies, so utilise those around offering help and ask lots of questions. Welcome Week is a time I look back on fondly, even years later, and I hope you can too.

For further details about being a new student, see our New Student pages.