Life as a Summer School student

Discover social opportunities and activities on and off campus.

Experience the buzz and beauty of Brighton

A photo of the North Laine

Brighton is the ideal location for your summer adventure. This vibrant seaside city combines the excitement of a buzzing urban center with the peaceful beauty of nature.

Join us for a guided walking tour of Brighton city centre during your Welcome Weekend for a great way to explore your new home and settle in quickly. The city truly has something for everyone: 

  • Seaside charm: stroll along the famous Brighton Palace Pier and enjoy the stunning coastline.
  • The Lanes: explore narrow streets filled with unique and independent shops, cafés, and markets.
  • Food and culture: from street food to fine dining, Brighton offers diverse and delicious cuisine.
  • Art and entertainment: take in theatre performances, music festivals, and local art exhibitions.
  • Countryside escapes: just outside the city, discover the stunning South Downs National Park.

Our campus in Falmer is only 10 minutes away from Brighton, 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport, and an hour from London – very convenient for weekend trips. 

Learn more about life in Brighton.

Sidney Chang, Summer School 2025 student
The energy in Brighton is contagious and the people are so friendly. There are so many unique spots to explore and we didn’t do the same thing twice.” Sidney Chang, USA
Physics Summer School 2025 student

Read Sidney’s Summer School story.


Friday trips

Make the most of your time in the UK by joining our Friday excursions. Experience sites of historical significance and natural wonder in the Southeast of England on trips led by the Global Programmes team and Summer Coordinators. 

Previous trips have included:

These excursions are included in your fees but spaces are limited, so make sure to secure your spot when you arrive.

Yanniek Nitescu, Summer School 2025 student
“I attended almost all of the social events and Friday excursions. I particularly enjoyed the trip to Arundel Castle and karaoke night on campus, where we made some unforgettable memories.” Yanniek Nitescu, The Netherlands
Undergraduate Summer School 2025 student, studied the ‘Medical Imaging with Hands-On MRI Experience’ (now called ‘Exploring the Brain: Hands-on Neuroimaging’) module 

Read Yanniek’s Summer School story.


Campus socials

 Two students enjoy a meal together at the Sussex Summer School farewell BBQ

At Sussex Summer School, you’ll experience more than just academic life. You can take part in an array of exciting activities, organised by our friendly Summer Coordinators – current Sussex students dedicated to helping you feel at home.

You can enjoy:

  • karaoke nights
  • cultural pub quizzes
  • board games and treasure hunts
  • film screenings
  • silent discos.

These events are designed to help you make friends and relax after your classes.


Make the most of campus life

Summer School students take a selfie in a cafe on campus

Our campus has everything you need to make your Summer School experience easy, fun, and comfortable:

  • Cafés and bars: relax and grab a bite with friends 
  • Grocery store: stock up on essentials without leaving campus
  • Library: access a wide range of academic resources and study spaces in our Grade II* listed Library, designed by renowned architect Sir Basil Spence
  • Student and Careers Centre: get academic or personal support from our friendly staff
  • Pharmacy: pick up medications and prescriptions and get health advice
  • Post Office: send mail and handle international shipping with ease
  • Religious places of worship: visit our dedicated spaces for prayer and reflection for all faiths
  • Laundry room: use conveniently located facilities to wash and dry your clothes
  • Gym: stay active with a fully-equipped fitness centre and exercise classes
  • Transport: enjoy great transport links with a nearby train station and bus routes to Brighton and beyond.

Learn more about campus life.

Where you’ll stay

You’ll live in our campus residences during your Summer School. Your accommodation includes:

  • private, single occupancy rooms with either shared or ensuite bathrooms (bedding pack provided)
  • fully-equipped shared kitchens for you and your flatmates (kitchen pack provided)
  • a welcoming community with plenty of social spaces.

Living on campus gives you the privacy and comfort to enjoy Sussex studies and summer adventure.

Find out more about where you’ll stay.


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