Sociology with a Language - BA (Hons)

University of Sussex

Beautiful natural area being inside Stanmer Park. Location of being semi-connected to Brighton makes it a little student village on its own. Great environment for studying

As a mature/parent student the university actively supports and seeks ways to include these non traditional student and provides opportunities to enhance sense of belonging and build community.

A really welcoming atmosphere- I always feel safe on campus and there are loads of places I can go and sit for a catch up with friends or a study session. The staff are friendly and approachable.

My experience at the university has been shaped by a mix of strong academic support and the challenges of navigating life as a postgraduate student with complex needs. The best aspects have been the academic environment, especially within Global Studies. The teaching quality, the openness of staff, and the intellectual culture have pushed me to think critically and develop my work in innovative ways. The Anthropology department in particular fosters curiosity, care and serious engagement with global issues. This has made my studies feel meaningful, motivating and deeply connected to the real world. Another strength is the sense of community. Initiatives such as the Neurodivergent Working Group and the various support teams across campus have helped create a space where students can feel understood and included. When the systems work, they genuinely make a difference. Those moments remind me why this university is a good place to study: there is a genuine attempt to adapt, listen and evolve. However, there are also areas that need improvement. Administrative processes can be slow or confusing, especially when students rely on timely support for disability, wellbeing or funding. Communication between departments sometimes feels fragmented, which can turn simple tasks into stressful experiences. More consistent coordination between academic teams, student support services and external partners would significantly improve the student journey. Physical accessibility and clarity around practical support could also be strengthened, especially for students managing chronic conditions or mobility difficulties. Small changes in organisation and communication would make a big difference to students who depend on these systems to fully participate in university life. Overall, this university has great potential and many strengths: committed staff, a supportive academic culture, and a diverse community of students who want to learn and contribute. With better coordination and clearer processes, the student experience could become not only good, but exceptional.

Getting used to living at university, I have found this last month absolutely crazy, and I can honestly say that the life of Sussex uni, with the societies and art and the flurry of creative events that are always running, has been massively inspiring in terms of really wanting to become integrated in the culture. I came to Brighton and Sussex for the art scene, the LGBTQ+ vibes, the seaside town, the access to nature and to London as a hub... so many reasons - but now living here in practise, I've found myself even more supported and reassured than expected. The buzz, nightlife and openness of all of the clubs and societies has been a significant part of the Uni, and I've found myself motivated to go and explore as much as humanely possible. There have of course been harder parts: settling in is a big deal, and a very new and sometimes overwhelming experience. I'd been having trouble with my room for a while, which has a consistent drone noise, and despite trying to get it sorted by emailing various teams of people, it hasn't been resolved, and that's been very frustrating for me. I just want to sleep. But it terms of most other things, everyone has also been very helpful and friendly, and so figuring out all the elements of uni life has been made very easy and accessible, which I appreciate.