Preparing for Sussex

You've accepted your offer and you want to know what to do next. Use our guide below and start preparing for Sussex today.

Before you arrive

This information is for full-time undergraduate, Masters and PhD students starting in September.

  1. February – 1st August

    Check if you are guaranteed housing and make sure you apply for University accommodation by 1st August. If you are not guaranteed housing, we can help you look for private accommodation.

  2. From April

    Check if you need to apply for a visa (and for any dependants).

    After you have accepted your offer and your place is confirmed as unconditional, we send you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if you need to apply for a Student Route Visa.

    Please see the information on how to apply for a Student visa on the Student Hub.

    If you have dependants

    If you're planning on bringing members of your family with you, we advise that you consider the significant cost and challenges of securing suitable accommodation before you make firm plans to travel with dependants.  There are a number of things you will want to consider:

    • Family accommodation  the University does not have any University-managed accommodation for families available, including any emergency accommodation.We advise that you do not travel to the UK with your dependants in the first instance. You should come to Sussex on your own first to find and secure accommodation in the private rental sector that most meets your family's needs.
      Speak to our private sector accommodation team who can provide advice and guidance on finding family appropriate accommodation in Brighton and Hove.
    • Childcare There is a nursery on campus that provides childcare. Places are limited so once you are sure you will be studying at Sussex, start making enquiries. You may wish to look in the Brighton and Hove area.
    • Schools – if your child will be going to school, you will need to apply for a place. This can be difficult while you are waiting to secure accommodation but it is good to start looking and making enquiries early. See more information on finding a school place on the Brighton and Hove City Council website.
  3. 30th June: UG Housing Application Deadline

    If you are a full-time, first-year undergraduate student applying through UCAS to be guaranteed University-managed accommodation (from September), you must submit your housing application by 30 June.

    Check if you’re 
    guaranteed University-managed accommodation at Sussex.

  4. From July to August

    You should arrange travel insurance for your trip to the UK and health insurance if you need it.

    If you are applying for a Student Route visa you will pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. For more information on your entitlements and the UK National Health Service (NHS) please read the information on the Student Hub.

    Budget for your time in the UK and exchange currency. You can also register for Blackbullion - a platform that helps you learn how to manage your money and provides advice and guidance on budgeting with specific tips and information for international students.

    Students studying here over six months are recommended to open a UK bank account. There are various different bank accounts to choose from, make sure to find the best one to suit your needs.

    If you have a bank account in your home country, find out if your bank has any special arrangements with banks in the UK.

  5. 1st August: Masters and PhD housing application deadline

    If you are a Masters or PhD student you must submit your housing application by 1st August to be guaranteed University-managed accommodation (from September).

    Check if you're guaranteed University-managed accommodation at Sussex.

  6. By 31st August

    Make sure you send us your results by 31 August.

  7. From 1st September

    Look at section of the Student Hub for new students where you will find information on becoming a Sussex student. You will see the steps on how to register online through Sussex Direct, arrange to pay your fees, and learn about the Welcome programme. 

    Arrange your travel and check when you can arrive.

  8. Final Checklist for pre-arrival

    • Have arranged your accommodation?
    • Have you checked if you need a Student visa and applied for it?
    • If you are bringing dependants, have you applied for a dependant visa, arranged family accommodation, childcare and school places?
    • Do you know your healthcare entitlements and set up the neccessary travel and health insurance?
    • Have you arranged your travel to the University?
    • Is your hand luggage ready with all your necessary travel documents?

What to expect as an international student

Our international students section within the Student Hub provides information on:

  • student visas and immigration
  • health and insurance
  • money and how to budget
  • accommodation
  • bringing your family to Sussex
  • how to settle into Sussex and meet other students

Arrival in the UK

Immigration and passport control

Ensure your travel is fully arranged and you have checked when you can arrive.

When you arrive in the UK you must come through immigration and customs at your port of entry.

In your hand luggage, carry your offer letter from Sussex and evidence that you have sufficient funds to stay in the UK – even if you have a visa or entry clearance.

Your documents are checked on the train if you travel through the Channel Tunnel on the Eurostar.

Location – Travelling to Brighton

Our campus is located in Falmer, four miles from the centre of Brighton & Hove and four miles from Lewes.

It is a good idea to arrange your travel to the University before you arrive. 

If you would prefer to arrange your own transport from the airport or sea port, our campus is well served by buses, trains and taxis.

Find out more about how to get to the University of Sussex.

Meet and Greet Service

You can book a coach directly to the University if you land in Heathrow airport. Students landing at Gatwick are recommended to travel by train.

Move in 

If you are living in University Accommodation, you will move in on arrivals weekend in September (this date will be in your housing offer email). 

If you have not applied for University Accommodation, please ensure you have all the necessary information and details about your accommodation before you arrive 

If you are travelling to the UK with dependants please ensure you have appropriate accommodation secured before your dependants join you.  

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