Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), Professor Kate O'Riordan, wrote to all taught students earlier today. Below you can read her full message:

Hello, 

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the impact of the racist attacks in Manchester and Peacehaven, and reinforce the messages to all students and staff from our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil. My thoughts are with all Jewish and Muslim members of our community, and everyone affected.   

At Sussex, we seek always to be inclusive and supportive of the diverse community of people, with a range of backgrounds, beliefs and identities, who come together to learn, live, and work here. We are proud to be part of a community that values kindness and inclusion, and we want you to feel supported here. In the face of these events, it is more important than ever to recognise that we are not defined by what divides us. We have more in common than we are different, and we can communicate across difference. If you are struggling to find commonality or connection, or just need someone to talk to, our wellbeing services are here for you.   

We would also invite you to come together, to share experiences and events, where this is possible for you. October is Black History Month, which started in the UK in 1987, and is an important anti-racist intervention. We are excited to launch the Black at Sussex Alumni Portraits, a powerful collaboration with photographer Eddie Otchere. The exhibition celebrates the legacy of Black Sussex alumni, it honours presence, challenges erasure and affirms that Black lives and contributions are part of Sussex's past, present and future. It invites us to reflect on identity and belonging. Find out more about the launch event. If you are unable to come or find events overwhelming, the images will remain in the library for viewing. 

Please read on for this week’s news, including:  

• Big Ideas: Win A Trip to California with your big idea 
• Get results: academic skills and support to help you thrive 
• Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Support 
• Celebrating Black History Month at Sussex: Legacy, Power and Community 
• Our commitment to freedom of speech
• Study abroad during your degree
• Win £1,000 with Santander’s Brighter Futures Grants – Autumn 2025 
• Financial Support at Sussex: Help When You Need It   

Big ideas: Win a trip to California with your big idea

The Big Ideas Contest gives Sussex students the chance to win a trip to California and pitch for £10,000 in funding. 

Join the launch session on 22 October 5-6.30pm in the student centre to find out everything you need to know to enter Round 1. You will learn what the judges are looking for, how to write a strong application, and hear top insights from the Director of the Big Ideas Contest. 

The competition is open to all students who want to create social, health, or environmental impact. 

Book your place on CareerHub to attend the launch session.  

Get results: academic skills and support to help you thrive 

We want every student to be able to reach their academic potential, and to help you do that we have a range of academic support information and practical help. During this term, you can attend a workshop on campus or online run by experienced Academic Skills Consultants: 

Workshops on Campus – 15 October, 1:30 -2:30pm. Getting Started in Classes, Seminars and Workshops.  

Online Workshops – 16 October, 2-3pm. Getting started in classes, seminars and workshops.

For a full list of workshops, online academic skills support and resources, please visit the Skills Hub: Academic Skills Workshops and Support.  

Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Support 

This Friday, 10 October, it is Mental Health Awareness Day. Sussex was proud to be named runner-up nationally in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Support category at this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards, recognising the quality and range of support offered by our Wellbeing Services. 

If you are on campus this week, please drop by the Wellbeing Café.The Cafe takes place every Thursday between 12pm and 2pm in the Student Centre. This Thursday you can meet representatives from Samaritans and Shout, two free, confidential services offering support to anyone who needs to talk. Samaritans run a 24/7 phone line at 116 123, and Shout offers a text service via 85258, connecting you with trained volunteers who will listen and help you take the next step. 

The Wellbeing Café is a relaxed space where you can take a break, grab a drink, and connect with others. You can also explore the full range of support available on our Wellbeing pages. 

Celebrating Black History Month at Sussex: Legacy, Power and Community 

Sussex is proud to mark Black History Month this October with events that celebrate creativity, history, and the global Black experience. The national theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, invites us to reflect on identity, agency, and equity. Highlights include the launch of Black at Sussex: The Alumni Portrait Series with photographer Eddie Otchere on Wednesday 15 October, and a guest lecture by writer and filmmaker Jude Idada on Thursday 30 October exploring tensions between continental Africans and the Black diaspora. 

Black History Month is a time to amplify voices, reclaim narratives, and embed Black stories more deeply into our collective memory. These events reflect Sussex’s ongoing commitment to celebrating Black heritage, fostering dialogue, and building an inclusive community grounded in shared history, resilience, and pride. 

Our commitment to freedom of speech

A key part of our membership of the Sussex community, is our commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom of speech. We also have other obligations including a duty to have due regard to the need to foster good relations. These commitments and duties are fundamental to education and research, and important for all students and staff. They include legal responsibilities, and we have a collective responsibility to make sure students and staff are aware of what is and what is not lawful speech. In the UK, freedom of speech extends to any speech within the law, even if it causes offence or distress.  

Unlawful speech includes any promotion of ‘proscribed’ organisations. Language or behaviour intended to incite racial or religious hatred, and any kind of harassment is also unlawful. Comprehensive and accessible information can be found on the Student Hub’s Freedom of Speech page.  

Study abroad as part of your degree

Thinking about going abroad as part of your degree? Applications open and you can choose between a semester or a full year at one of Sussex’s partner universities. If you are in your first year, you can apply for a semester abroad in your second year. If you are in your second year, you can apply for a year abroad in your third year. Just check your subject is eligible before you get started. 

There is a webinar on Friday 10 October at 11:00 to help you learn more, it will run for about an hour to an hour and a half. You can get the webinar link via: outbound.sussexabroad@sussex.ac.uk. 

Applications close on 26 November, so make sure you apply in time. If you have questions or want the application link, just drop the Sussex Abroad team a message. 

Win £1,000 with Santander’s Brighter Futures Grants – Autumn 2025 

The University of Sussex, in partnership with Santander Universities, is offering 10 grants of £1,000 to current students to help with study costs, accommodation, bills, or career development. 

Who can Apply? 

All Sussex students, undergraduate or postgraduate, full-time or part-time. You do not need to be a Santander customer. 

How to Apply

Register on the Santander Open Academy platform and submit your application by 27 November 2025, 23:00 (GMT)Winners Announced: 5 January 2026. 

Apply now details here.  

Financial Support at Sussex: Help When You Need It 

If you are facing financial challenges, the University of Sussex offers various support options to help you through: 

• Hardship Fund: A non-repayable grant for students experiencing financial difficulties. Applications are open year-round. Learn more and apply. 
• Welfare Loan: An interest-free loan ranging from £50 to £700, repayable within one month. Find out more. 
• Money Advice: Access budgeting tools and financial guidance to manage your finances effectively. Explore resources. 

For personalised assistance, visit the Student Centre or contact the Student Funding Team at: studentfunding@sussex.ac.uk.

With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)