Professor Kelly Coate, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, wrote earlier today to all taught students. You can read the full message below:

Hello,

It's National Student Money Week, and you can read on to find out how to make your money go further, increase your income and learn about the expert financial support you can access at Sussex – and have the chance to win a month’s rent! 

We know that the cost of living situation is having an impact on many students, and we’re continuing to support students by doubling the hardship fund, offering our £2 meals, providing advice and guidance on money matters, and running weekly finance drop-in sessions at the Student Centre, where you can speak about any money questions or issues with a friendly professional advisor. The next session is running on Wednesday 8 March. 

Spending a little time to learn how to manage your finances can help to stop money worries and more serious financial issues. To help you, the University has ensured that all students can access the BlackBullion platform, where you can find online learning opportunities around budgeting and other topics. Check out these top tips from the previous edition of Flint magazine too, where you can find out how to be in with a chance of winning a month’s rent. 

Don’t forget, on the Student Hub you can always find useful information in the money and funding section, as well as resources to support your overall wellbeing. 

Read on for this week’s update, including:  

• Support for students affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria 
• Nominate inspiring staff for the Education Awards 
• Our partnership with Brighton Festival 
• Free events: inspiring Sussex graduates share how they got their great jobs 
• Green Futures – new free graduate job event 
• Sustainable Sussex events throughout March 
• Celebrating International Women’s Day 
• One World Week – celebrating the diversity of cultures in our community 
• Log your Spirit of Sussex Award points and get free pizza 

Support for students affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria 

The ongoing disaster in Syria and Turkey is having devastating effects on both countries. If you’d like to help, the Meeting House is coordinating with the Red Cross and the Turkish Red Crescent to raise funds for the earthquake victims. The Turkish Society is no longer accepting clothes donations but their fundraiser is still open (see their Instagram).  

The University has a range of support services available for those students affected by this tragedy. On the Student Hub you can find information about the support available, including around wellbeing and finance, and the Welcome Team in the Student Centre can connect you with a specialist when you need it.  

Nominate inspiring staff for the Education Awards  

The Education Awards recognise members of staff – both academics and those in professional services – who truly embody the spirit and values of the University. This is your chance to thank the staff who have made a difference to your experience as a student. Submit your nominations by 10 March. 

Our partnership with Brighton Festival 

The University of Sussex has been announced as the official Higher Education Partner for the Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival 2023 – the annual celebration of arts, creativity and culture taking place in the city. In addition to four events co-delivered by the University Festival of Ideas at multiple venues across the city, our Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts will host another nine events on campus. Visit the Student Hub to explore the programme – we'll be adding information about free and discounted tickets soon. 

Free events: inspiring Sussex graduates share how they got their great jobs 

We’ve organised a series of online events throughout March featuring alumni speakers from a range of diverse backgrounds now working in a variety of sectors and job roles. You’ll hear about a range of career paths, top tips for getting into an industry and what you can be doing now to help prepare for life after Sussex. Visit the Make it Happen pages to view our panellists and book your place at an upcoming event. 

Green Futures – new free graduate job event 

We’ve organised an exciting new event where you’ll discover the green graduate job market, meet inspirational speakers and tackle a live sustainability challenge faced by an employer – all on one day, Monday 27 March. 

There are 120 places available (priority will be given to students from underrepresented groups). Find out more and apply for your place using the Green Futures 2023 application form. Applications close on Sunday 19 March. 

Sustainable Sussex events throughout March 

Join Sussex students, staff and the Sussex community for a month of sustainability activities, as we work together towards our goal of being one of the most sustainable universities in the world.   

This year’s Sustainable Sussex Month will focus on how we can reach several targets from our 2021 Sustainability Strategy. From Food Waste Action Week (6-12 March) and free coffee for travelling actively and sustainably with EcoGo, to an event about embedding the Sustainable Development Goals into our curriculum, there are many ways to get involved during March. 

Follow the Sustainability Team on Instagram for stories and resources on being sustainable at Sussex and look out for the Sustainable Sussex Month programme in Flint next week. 

Celebrating International Women’s Day 

Together with the University of Brighton, we are hosting a book reading and Q&A with author Sheena Patel on International Women’s Day (8 March). You are welcome to book a free place and come along. 

One World Week – celebrating the diversity of cultures in our community 

It's that time of the year again when we get ready to celebrate One World Week, a collaboration between the Students’ Union and the University of Sussex to celebrate our diverse and global campus. This year we are looking forward to lots of student-led activities, as well as exhibitions of work from Sussex researchers and much more. Events will be updated on the Student Hub events feed soon! Read more about One World Week in the meantime. 

Log your Spirit of Sussex Award points and get free pizza! 

Using the Spirit of Sussex Award platform, you can work your way towards a bronze, silver or gold award, which recognises all of your co-curricular activities and achievements throughout your degree. 

On Tuesday 7 March, join a session (either 1.30-3pm or 3.30-5pm) in the Student Centre to catch up with your Spirit of Sussex Award point logging and meet other students. There will be free pizza and prizes on offer.  

If you’re a final-year undergraduate, you have until 1 April to complete your Spirit of Sussex Award and receive an additional certificate at graduation. Remember you can log five points for taking part in the National Student Survey too. 

Haven’t you registered for the Spirit of Sussex Award yet? This is your chance! Come to the session next Tuesday, log your points, meet new people and get some free pizza. 

With best wishes,

Kelly

Kelly Coate, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students