Hello,  

As we move into mid-January, I encourage all final year students to have your say in the National Student Survey. Your feedback genuinely shapes the future of teaching, support and student life at Sussex, there are prizes available when you take part including a £150 graduation package. It is a simple way to make your voice count and help improve the experience for students who are deciding where to study. 

Last week I had the pleasure of attending winter graduation. You can get a sense of the ceremonies direct from our student digital media creators. It is a privilege to be able to share in these celebrations and I look forward to seeing many of you at the summer graduation and future ceremonies.  

I would also like to remind everyone to check that your vaccinations are up to date. It is an important step in keeping yourself and the wider community safe from preventable illness, and you can access vaccinations for free through the National Health Service (NHS). Staying protected helps keep campus healthy as we move through the term. 

We have updated our Student Hub pages for this semester so please take some time to familiarise yourself with the resources, services and news. Between the Student Hub and your teaching pages on Canvas, you should be able to access the information you need. In response to your feedback, we have also updated the freedom of speech pages to include advice about dealing with media attention.  

Finally, I would like to encourage everyone to take part in Refreshers fortnight, organised by the Students’ Union. There are a wide choice of events taking place, with many low-cost and free options, so I would encourage everyone to take part and get involved at the start of the new term.  

Please read on for this week’s news including:

• Make sure your free vaccinations are up to date  

• Have your say in the National Student Survey

• Rediscover Sussex at Refreshers events this month 

• Media attention and the freedom of speech pages update 

• Improvements to the WiFi network in the Student Centre

• Brush up on your academic skills with a workshop

• Travel sustainably with Pedal Point at the Travel Hub 

• Turn your winter break activities into Spirit of Sussex Award points 

• Sussex Snapshot  

Make sure your free vaccinations are up to date

If you are able, please make sure that you are up to date with your vaccinations, you can get them free on the National Health Service (NHS). Illnesses and diseases can spread quickly at university, where people often study and socialise in close contact small groups. These vaccinations can help protect you and others from illnesses like measles, mumps, and rubella, meningitis and more. Read more on the Student Hub.

Have your say in the National Student Survey

Final year undergraduate students at Sussex are invited to share their experiences by taking part in the annual National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, which is now open. The NSS is a UK-wide survey for students in their final year and offers a chance to reflect on your time at Sussex. Your feedback helps future students make informed decisions about where and what to study, and it supports the University to enhance teaching, support services and the overall student experience. 

Rediscover Sussex at Refreshers events this month 

Explore Refreshers Fortnight from 26 January to 8 February with two weeks of events designed to ease you into the new term and help you reconnect with campus life. You can expect everything from roller discos and live music to club nights, social mixers and low-cost activities. It is a great chance to meet new people, try something different or simply take a well-earned study break. Open to all students, including postgraduates and commuters, Refreshers offers an easy way to dive back into the Sussex community and start the term feeling energised. Discover more on the Student Hub.

Media attention and the freedom of speech pages update

We have updated the freedom of speech pages on the Student Hub with the following information: If you are asked to share your opinions by the media or other organisations, it is important to know that you always have a choice. You do not have to take part unless you feel comfortable and want to. 

Before agreeing to share your views, here are some useful things to find out: 

• who is asking the questions 
• why you are being asked 
• how your contribution will be used 
• where the content will be shared 
• do they have a consent form. 

See our video on understanding media consent. 

Improvements to the WiFi network in the Student Centre

During the weeks beginning 2 February and 9 February essential maintenance work will be taking place in the Student Centre. This work is part of the Network Replacement Project and will significantly improve Wi-Fi coverage throughout the building. Please be aware that there may be some disruption during this period, and certain areas may be temporarily closed at various points.  If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to a member of staff at the Student Centre desk.

Brush up on your academic skills with a workshop  

Did you know there are several free academic workshops to help you refresh your study skills? The workshops take place either in person or online. Coming up there’s Academic Reading Strategies (in person) on 4 February from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and Reflective Writing (online) on 12 February from 2pm to 3pm. Discover the full list of workshops.  

Travel sustainably with Pedal Point at the Travel Hub 

Have you heard about Pedal Point at the Travel Hub? For anyone who wants to travel in a greener way, it provides information and discounts on commuting via public transport, cycling, and car sharing. It also sells refurbished bikes and cycling accessories, organises many social events - and they even offer training so you can fix your bike yourself. Check out the Instagram account for more information.   

Turn your winter break activities into Spirit of Sussex Award points 

Over the winter break, lots of you will have taken part in activities that contribute towards your Spirit of Sussex Award. From taking on extra work shifts to spending time on your favourite hobbies, you may have already earned points without realising it. Find out five ways you might have earned points in December and January, and make sure they are recorded. 

If you are an undergraduate finalist, your deadline to log points is later this term. If you haven’t already, start logging now to make sure your activities count. 

With best wishes,

Kate

Professor Kate O'Riordan

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)