Whether you set specific goals in January, or prefer a more relaxed approach to the new year, there are plenty of ways that you can make 2024 an enjoyable year for you at Sussex.

Take a look at some of the opportunities that you can get involved with, to feel good and make the most of your 2024!

Get recognition for your co-curricular activities

The Spirit of Sussex Award recognises and celebrates your co-curricular achievements and is a simple way to make more of your time at Sussex.

By taking part in different activities, such as part-time work, societies or volunteering, you can gain points towards either a Bronze, Silver or Gold Spirit of Sussex Award. These will be awarded at your graduation ceremony.

There are so many benefits to taking part, including:

• making friends and widening your network
• building experience and skills for your CV
• gaining transferable skills that will benefit your studies
• making the most of your time at Sussex.

The award has various categories, providing you with a variety of opportunities to develop your skills, try new things and get involved in your community.

There are so many ways you can build up points, such as being a student rep, filling out University surveys, joining a society, or even having a part time job.

Reaching a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award is a fantastic achievement that you can add to your CV. If you're a final-year student – the deadline for logging points is 1 April, so why not set yourself a goal of reaching an award level and start logging your points?

Log into the platform using your University login, and get started!

Get active with Sussexsport

Trying a sport or exercise class is a great way to move your body, meet new friends and generally feel good.

Sussexsport has facilities at two sites on campus: the Sport Centre and the Falmer Sports Complex, offering a variety of different ways for students to get active.

There are different cost-friendly memberships available, from all-inclusive Gold, to a reduced ‘Pay and Play’ Bronze membership. You can also book and pay full price for activities as a non-member. Read more about memberships on the website.

Sussexsport has a large, diverse programme of group fitness classes to offer students, from group cycle classes and badminton, to yoga and Pilates – there is something for every interest and fitness level! One of our student Digital Media Creators recently shared her experience of trying these classes in an Instagram Reel (@Sussexuni).

Why not start the year off by joining in with the Try January challenge? Try January is designed to support you to be active, with manageable bitesize challenges and ways to make exercise more accessible. Find out how to join in on the Student Hub.

Get involved with your Students’ Union

Your Students’ Union is a democratic, student-focused organisation, offering endless ways for you to make the most of your time at Sussex in 2024.

The Students’ Union provides:

• hundreds of sports clubs and societies, with something for every interest
• a range of events and activities to join throughout the year
• opportunities to make change, through volunteering and campaigns
• skill building opportunities, such as the Language Café
• a chance to represent your fellow students by running as a Student Rep.

The Students’ Union are running a Refreshers’ Fair on 30 January, which is the perfect opportunity to kick-start the new term and check out some of the societies and things to get involved with – so be sure come along and take a look at the various stalls!

You can visit the Students’ Union website to find out more and keep up with the latest news and events.

Boost your work experience with Career Lab

Sussex provides so many ways to gather work experience, boost your skills and prepare yourself for the world of work.

Why not check out Career Lab to see what opportunities grab your interest for 2024?

Career Lab is a programme primarily for undergraduate students. It is a series of opportunities designed to develop your skills, experience, connections and confidence throughout your time at Sussex.

The programme is open to all undergraduate students, with places prioritised for students from underrepresented groups.

Find out about specific opportunities for:

• foundation and first year students
• second or penultimate year students
• third or final year students.

The best way you can keep up to date with all the latest opportunities, news and stories, is by checking the Student Hub, reading your weekly Student Update email, and of course, Flint – your online magazine!