Offer holder support
Find out about the events and support on offer for 2026 Sussex offer holders.
Preparing for Sussex: the Widening Participation team
Date: Wednesday 24 June 2026
Location: University of Sussex
The Widening Participation team will be a running an event for contextual and mature offer holders. The day is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to thrive at university.
The team are still finalising plans for the day but the event will focus on the following areas and you can select the elements you are most interested in, such as:
- academic and critical skills, getting you ready for university-level study
- preparing for student jobs, include accessing the careers lab and building a CV
- signposting to practical financial skills and support at university
- an introduction to Sussex support teams
- getting to know the library and preparing for research
- meeting current students who have experience of transition to Sussex.
Your start at Sussex: transition weekend
Date: September 2026
Location: University of Sussex
Transition is a two-day event to welcome new students on to campus. This support will take place in September 2026 ahead of the busy Welcome Week period. Accommodation will be provided free of charge for those attending.
You will be familiarised with the campus, key members of support staff teams and with their peers through a range of fun and informative activities. These include talks from key members of staff, scavenger hunts around the campus and social/wellbeing activities such as canine cuddles, community building events and crafts.
We prioritise inviting students from underrepresented groups to attend Transition.
Express your interest in the event by filling out the form.
Get Started at Sussex: mature students
Date: 9.30am-4pm, Saturday 19th September 2026
Location: University of Sussex
A separate one-day transition event for new undergraduate and foundation year students starting at Sussex aged 21+ (mature students).
This is aimed at increasing students’ confidence to return to education after a break or later in life, with tailored interactive workshops. You’ll meet other mature students and staff and learn more about study skills and what’s on offer on campus.
Who is it for?
New undergraduate and foundation year students who will be aged 21 or above at the start of their course at Sussex (mature students).
The programme is designed for students with varied life experiences – whether you took a couple of years out after college, are retraining, coming back to education after having children or studying for pleasure in retirement, this event is for you!
What to expect
This event will include:
- a tailored introduction to life at Sussex, just for mature students, created by people who understand how it feels
- a range of sessions designed to support learners in all subject areas
- guidance on starting at university a little – or a lot – later in life, with a focus on academic skills and finding your community
- low pressure, interactive workshops, designed to help you build confidence and start to settle into university life
- lots of time to talk to other students and staff.
Express interest by filling in the form and we will contact you before 1st September to finalise your place.
Visit campus
Date: Most Wednesdays – see specific dates
Location: University of Sussex
Join us on one of the Wednesday campus tours.
The afternoon will start with a presentation, including an overview of the services and facilities available to Sussex students.
Our student ambassadors will also be on-hand to share their own experiences of studying at Sussex and life in Brighton. You’ll then go on a one-hour tour around the campus, where you’ll get an idea of the location of our residences, student services and academic buildings.
We understand that some students need more support and the ability to visit campus at quieter times.
For contextual and mature offer holders we can offer bespoke, small campus experiences. All experiences will include a tailored campus tour with a current student. Depending on availability we may be able to visit the department you hope to study and match you with a student who studies in that area.
To enquire about a visit email inspires@sussex.ac.uk.
Undergraduate Visit Days
Date: February-May 2026
Location: University of Sussex
All offer holders will be invited to attend an Undergraduate Visit Day (UVD) between February-May 2026.
UVDs provide the opportunity to find out more about the subject you have applied to study, meet current Sussex students, tour student accommodation and speak to support services teams.
Book your place on an Undergraduate Visit Day
Applicant support centre
The Before Sussex Programme provides applicants who are either eligible for a contextual offer or are mature students access to additional support to help you navigate your journey from application to registration at Sussex.
In January/February and May, offer holders will be called by a current Sussex student. You can ask questions about what it’s like to be a Sussex student and how to prepare for university. The number will have a Brighton dialling code and calls will be made between 4-8pm (BST). If you miss the call and would like to chat to us you can email inspires@sussex.ac.uk.
Unibuddy community
If you’re an offer-holder, you can now join our 2026 offer holder community – an online community where you can meet people planning to study the same subject as you, get to know your potential coursemates, and get updates on upcoming events and webinars.
If you’ve received an offer to study with us, you’ll receive an email invite within one to two weeks of your offer coming through.
If you haven’t received anything, you can email ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk, and we’ll make sure your invite is sent.
Find out more about our Unibuddy community.
Booking form