Welcome to Sussex!
Got questions about studying with us?
This guide will give you all the information you need to prepare for your Study Abroad experience.
I've been accepted to study at Sussex. What happens next?
Visas and immigration
What type of visa you require depends on the length of study and your nationality. It is your responsibility to ensure you get the right visa to study in the UK.Check if you need a visa to study in the UK here. If you have visa related questions visit our Visa and Immigration website or contact the Visa team.
Full year students
Student visa
The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system for students from outside the UK and you must apply for a Student visa.
All non-UK nationals coming to study for more than 6 months must apply for a visa prior to arriving at Sussex. For information on how to apply and what documents you need read our Visa and Immigration pages.
You will receive the CAS number (confirmation of acceptance to study) needed for the visa application.
One semester students
Standard Visitor visa
- Non-Visa Nationals (includes EU/EEA Swiss nationals)
You are not required to make a visa application before arriving in the UK. You will come under the Standard Visitor visa which permits you to stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months. You will be asked to show your boarding pass as proof of arrival date.
- Visa Nationals
Visa nationals coming to study in the UK for one term must apply in advance for the Standard Visitor visa.
All students holding a Standard Visitor visa are not permitted to work whilst in the UK.
You will only have access to free hospital treatment for accident and emergency services (not follow up treatment). Due to this you will need to take out private medical insurance for the duration of your stay in the UK.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
All students arriving without a student visa (semester only) will now require a Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travelling to the UK.
For information on how to apply click here here.
Housing
Our office will contact you in May about housing options available and the application procedure. The deadline to apply for University-managed housing will be 30 June.
There will be options of on and off campus housing set at various budget points.
You will hear directly from the Housing Office if you have been offered a room after the deadline.
When you apply make sure you declare any medical issues. It is important for the Housing Office to allocate an appropriate room.
All housing is self-catered.
There will be options of on and off campus housing set at various budget points.
You will hear directly from the Housing Office if you have been offered a room after the deadline.
When you apply make sure you declare any medical issues. It is important for the Housing Office to allocate an appropriate room.
All housing is self-catered.
Please note that housing is not guaranteed. You may therefore need to find private accommodation. Our housing team will be able to provide information and resources should you need to find private housing.
Module (course) enrolment
You will be automatically enrolled on your chosen modules. You do not have to do anything at this point. It is normal to not see your modules in Canvas right away so do not worry.
You will receive an e-mail in August from your School of Study Coordinator confirming your modules. Contact details of your School of Study Coordinator can be found in your Offer Letter.
We will do our best to get you on your chosen modules but may have to ask for more alternatives if there are timetable clashes or if they are full.
You can swap modules after arrival. You will have two weeks after the academic year starts to request the changes.
The normal credit load per semester is 60.
You can drop to 45 credits or increase to 75 but you need your home university's permission first.
Sometimes we cannot provide a module syllabus as not all Schools produce them. You will have full access to learning materials via student platform called Canvas after registration.
You will receive an e-mail in August from your School of Study Coordinator confirming your modules. Contact details of your School of Study Coordinator can be found in your Offer Letter.
We will do our best to get you on your chosen modules but may have to ask for more alternatives if there are timetable clashes or if they are full.
You can swap modules after arrival. You will have two weeks after the academic year starts to request the changes.
The normal credit load per semester is 60.
You can drop to 45 credits or increase to 75 but you need your home university's permission first.
Sometimes we cannot provide a module syllabus as not all Schools produce them. You will have full access to learning materials via student platform called Canvas after registration.
Timetable (schedule)
You will be able to view your timetable via a student portal called Sussex Direct once you have started the process of registration in September.
Don't worry if you can't see the full schedule immediately. This is because your School of Study is finalising its curriculum for the term. It can take some time for modules to be set up on our systems.
You can learn about how work is submitted at Sussex on our Exams and Assessment pages.
Should you not pass a class you will be offered the chance to resit. Resits are usually capped at 40% which is our pass grade.
Please note the resit period is in August.
Don't worry if you can't see the full schedule immediately. This is because your School of Study is finalising its curriculum for the term. It can take some time for modules to be set up on our systems.
Assessment and Teaching
Exam regulations at Sussex are very strict. Unseen exams cannot be re-arranged. You must adhere to all deadlines unless you have reasonable adjustments. Late submissions may result in penalties.You can learn about how work is submitted at Sussex on our Exams and Assessment pages.
Should you not pass a class you will be offered the chance to resit. Resits are usually capped at 40% which is our pass grade.
Please note the resit period is in August.
Sussex Goin' Platform
In May you will be invited to join our Goin' platform.
Goin' is our dedicated mobile app which will allow you to connect with new and existing exchange students before you arrive at Sussex.
This is a great way to meet new people in the run up to arrival. There is a lot of information on the app and you can chat directly to students and set up your own interest groups should you wish to do so.
Keep an eye out for the invitation in your inbox.
Goin' is our dedicated mobile app which will allow you to connect with new and existing exchange students before you arrive at Sussex.
This is a great way to meet new people in the run up to arrival. There is a lot of information on the app and you can chat directly to students and set up your own interest groups should you wish to do so.
Keep an eye out for the invitation in your inbox.
Registration
In late August you will receive an e-mail inviting you to register. It is a straight forward process - just follow the steps.
Not all of you will be able to fully complete registration. Don't worry, this is normal. All non-UK students must provide copies of their passport, visa and/or boarding passes (where required). The registration team will check these then, if all is in order, your registration will be completed.
Student Visa holders will also be able to pick up their BRPs.
Not all of you will be able to fully complete registration. Don't worry, this is normal. All non-UK students must provide copies of their passport, visa and/or boarding passes (where required). The registration team will check these then, if all is in order, your registration will be completed.
Student Visa holders will also be able to pick up their BRPs.
Arrival and Orientation
September: You will receive your Orientation Programme
Arrival dates: 20 - 22 September 2025
Orientation dates: 22 - 26 September 2025
During Orientation there will be induction talks about living in the UK, how our university works, meetings with your academic adviser and fellow students.
You will also be invited to take part in fun activities run by the Student's Union.
Arrival dates: 20 - 22 September 2025
Orientation dates: 22 - 26 September 2025
During Orientation there will be induction talks about living in the UK, how our university works, meetings with your academic adviser and fellow students.
You will also be invited to take part in fun activities run by the Student's Union.
Student Experience
Sussex offers a wide range of support for its Visiting and Exchange students.
If you need special arrangements due to disability (eg. extra exam time)
Our Student Support Unit can help with that. If you declared to have a disability you register for support here. You will be asked to detail your needs and provide supporting medical evidence e.g. a letter from your doctor. This will then be assessed and adjustments put in place.
You will have access to the following services:
If you need special arrangements due to disability (eg. extra exam time)
Our Student Support Unit can help with that. If you declared to have a disability you register for support here. You will be asked to detail your needs and provide supporting medical evidence e.g. a letter from your doctor. This will then be assessed and adjustments put in place.
You will have access to the following services:
- Library
- Skills Hub
- Canvas (access to learning materials, available once registered)
- Disability Support
- Student Life Centre
- Sport Facilities
- English Language for Academic Study workshops (if English is your second language)
- Buddy Scheme
- SussexMobile App (phone access to emails, timetable etc.)
Essentials
Immigration
Term Dates
Getting to Sussex
Living Expenses
Coronavirus Information
Registration
Campus Life
Buddy Scheme
Sport and Societies
Nature and Wildlife
Discover Brighton
Vibrant Culture
Public Transport
Places to Eat
Contact
Jon, Betty and Giuliana from the Sussex Abroad team are always happy to answer your enquiries!
Contact us by email:
E: inbound.sussexabroad@sussex.ac.uk
We aim to respond within 48 hours, but it can be a bit longer during busy times.
Social Media
Find out more about what it is like to study abroad at Sussex by following our social media feeds!
