Sussex University - Student View

Despite the fact that it was built in the early 1960s (along with many of Britain's greatest concrete monstrosities), it's actually one of the most beautiful campus universities in Britain.

Set in the middle of the South Downs and just north of the lively seaside bohemia that is Brighton, the university as a whole takes its cue from the award-winning and challenging architecture of its campus. This is reflected in the open-minded, liberal and challenging attitude displayed in its teaching, particularly in the arts. Interdisciplinary studies feed this attitude, with five major schools offering courses rewarding in their variety.

Science schools have an excellent reputation for attracting research grants, though their teaching is more formal and structured than in the arts. Large numbers of international and mature students, which gives it a rounded and diverse student population.

The radical reputation of Sussex is deserved; best displayed in activities of the Students' Union - an active campaigner on campus, local, regional, national and international issues (and played an active role in the fight for education accessible to all). It also provides well-reputed advice services and runs a huge range of student activities catering for most interests.

SU's cosmopolitan, anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-homophobic attitudes reflect those of Sussex students and Brighton inhabitants. In fact, one of the university's strongest points is Brighton: a student town with a lively social scene and a unique, Iaidback feeling. Loads of pubs and clubs to keep students busy and the beach is always a good place to sit and get away from it all when the studying becomes too much.