You may want to live by the sea in Brighton & Hove, or in the rolling parkland of the University campus; you may have children or other particular housing needs. Whatever your preferences, our Housing Office is happy to discuss them with you. We put considerable effort into helping postgraduate students find suitable accommodation and can provide many benefits and services, such as:

• a guarantee of housing for all new full-time, full-year research students in their first year of study, and for non-EU Masters degree students registering in October who return the housing application form along with a £250 prepayment before 1 August;

• a choice of housing both on campus and in nearby Brighton & Hove;

• individual telephones – with facilities for direct dialling and voicemail – in all study-bedrooms on campus;

• broadband – internet connection giving access to the University network service – in all study-bedrooms on campus and wireless access in certain off-campus residences;

• rental periods of up to 49 weeks – there is no need to move out in the vacations;

• a limited amount of family housing; and

• an online database of furnished accommodation for those looking to rent private-sector housing.

University-managed accommodationWe have expanded our housing for all categories of students in recent years, adding over 720 en-suite rooms at Stanmer Court and Swanborough in 2007. All University-managed housing is self-catering with shared kitchens and other communal areas. If you live in one of our residences, you enjoy the benefits of having a ready-made student community and facilities specifically designed with your needs in mind.

On campusPostgraduate accommodation on campus is typically found in Brighthelm and in Stanmer Court, which is one of the University’s most recently built residences. Each of the Brighthelm houses has five study-bedrooms and communal facilities, while Stanmer Court comprises a number of self-contained flats with large kitchen-diners and individual en-suite bathrooms. There are also some studio units for postgraduate students in Stanmer Court and a number of shared rooms in East Slope. All kitchens have full cooking facilities, but there are also many places on campus to buy meals and snacks.

Brighton & HoveThe University’s main postgraduate housing development, consisting of 124 places, is a purpose-built seafront residence in the centre of Brighton. The accommodation, on King’s Road, is arranged in self-catering flats, mostly in units of six study-bedrooms with a shared kitchen and bathrooms. In addition to the seafront residence, we own and manage a number of other smaller properties in Brighton & Hove, some of which are let exclusively to postgraduates.

RentsRents for the 2009-2010 academic year have not yet been finalised. As a guide, in the 2008-2009 academic year the weekly rent for a study bedroom in Brighthelm was £97.50 inclusive; £89.50 plus service charge for King’s Road; £104 per week inclusive for Stanmer Court; and approximately £60 per person per week for a shared room in East Slope. These rents compare favourably with many other universities.

When you first move to a new city, finding somewhere to live can seem like a daunting task. At Sussex we

have a wide range of housing options geared to the needs of postgraduate students.

Where to liveLife at Sussex

xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx

x

Ronak’s perspective

‘I’m in the final year of my DPhil in Biochemistry and I’m also a Residential Advisor (RA) in King’s Road. Being an RA means I offer help and advice to students with any problems that arise, especially to those that are new to the country, and bring to the attention of staff any issues residents may have. I also help to organise social events for the residents too.‘There’s a great mix of students living here and you get to meet some fascinating people from all over the world, which is a great way to discover new things about different cultures and ways of life. As the campus is only a short bus or train ride away, you never feel isolated from university life either.The best thing about living in King’s Road is being so close to the beach, as well as all the best bars, restaurants and clubs in Brighton!‘I’ve made some great friends and had some of the best times of my life here at King’s Road. I can’t recommend it highly enough – you won’t be disappointed!’

Ronak LakhaniDPhil in Biochemistry

Brighthelm

Stanmer Court

Whe

re to

live

Lif

e at

Sus

sex

24

25

xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx

Emina’s perspective

‘As an international student, I know that leaving home isn’t always easy. People you know and those that you love are suddenly so far away. But I’ve found living in King’s Road has guaranteed that I’ve quickly made great friends – there are so many like-minded students and you’re based in the centre of Brighton, overlooking the sea, so you’re never short of things to do. ‘The most special thing about Brighton is the beautiful coast that just hypnotises you. Whether you prefer walking, jogging, cycling, studying outside or just lying on the beach, Brighton is perfect. The view of the open sea from the residence is really amazing. It makes you think you are on holiday, but there are enough students in King’s Road to remind you that there are also lectures to be attended and work to be done. It’s a great setting for making the most of the university experience and I’ve never felt detached from campus life.’

Emina BacevinaMA in Contemporary European Studies

xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx

Stephanie’s perspective

‘Having not lived in the city before, I was initially nervous about finding a privately rented property in Brighton & Hove, so I contacted the Housing Office at Sussex to see if they could offer any advice.They were really happy to help, and directed me to www.sussexstudentpad.co.uk – a website run by the Housing Office – that lists rental properties in Brighton & Hove. Once you’ve got your password, all you need to do is fill in the online form saying what kind of house you need. It’s as simple as that!‘By far the best thing about the service is that you know that the properties belong to landlords who are registered with the University, meaning you can move into a house knowing it has been well maintained and is safe to live in. ‘Once I’d chosen my house, I was even able to take my tenancy agreement to the Housing Office for them to check over!’

Stephanie WellsMA in European Politics

Private-sector housing in Brighton and the surrounding areaWe provide help and assistance to graduate students looking for accommodation in the private rented sector through the University Housing Office, which maintains an online database of all types of furnished accommodation – flats, houses, bedsits and private lodgings – in Brighton & Hove, Lewes and the surrounding area.

Prospective students looking for accommodation in the private sector can search online on the University’s ‘Studentpad’ website at www.sussexstudentpad.co.uk which is updated daily. If you are off campus and wish to access Studentpad, you will need to contact the Housing Office for the current password. To do so, you should email housing@sussex.ac.uk quoting your registration or application number.

Students with childrenThere are about 60 small family flats in University-managed residences, mostly on campus. Most flats have only one bedroom, which means that they are normally allocated

to families with one small child. Family flats are in such heavy demand that they are let only to students with accompanying children.

Once your application for a family flat is received, you will be placed on a waiting list until a suitable flat becomes free. We cannot guarantee when they will be available and advise you not to bring your family to Sussex until suitable accom modation has been confirmed in writing by the University.

Housing for students with disabilitiesThere are two ground-floor rooms in an on-campus house in the Brighthelm residence, which are suitable for postgraduate students with certain disabilities. There is also specially adapted accommodation for wheelchair users in Stanmer Court and in one of the University’s off-campus units located in King’s Road, Brighton. If you require adapted accom modation, we advise you to discuss your needs with us at an early stage, before submitting an application. Contact the Disability Advisor for details. See page 31 for more information.

Further informationPlease visit www.sussex.ac.uk/residentialservices or contact the Residential Services team T +44 (0)1273 678220 E housing@sussex.ac.uk

King’s Road

Inside Stanmer Court

Where to live Life at S

ussex

The campus is like a large village where thousands of postgraduate students, undergraduates and staff work, study and relax. With over 10,500 students the campus is small enough to be friendly and welcoming, yet sufficiently large to offer a lively social scene. It is self-contained, with lecture theatres, seminar rooms, libraries, laboratories, accommodation, restaurants, bars and sports facilities, many with wireless internet access, and all within easy walking distance.

A cosmopolitan communitySussex offers excellent opportunities to meet, make friends and study with people from different countries and cultures: over 40 per cent of our 3,100 graduate students come from overseas. The campus has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere and is a base for students and staff from more than 120 countries.

Catering facilitiesUniversity flats and houses have self-catering facilities, but there are also plenty of places on campus to eat out at reasonable prices. Falmer Bar serves food late into the evening. In Bramber House, there is a self-service restaurant, a sandwich bar and a coffee shop. Other options include the Institute of Development Studies restaurant, the Dhaba café and the Bolthole in the Library. The University cafés are also good for lunch and are popular with staff and students.

ShoppingShopping on campus is good for essentials. Bramber House houses a bookshop, newsagent, a food store, a post office, launderette and an insurance agency. There are also two banks on campus, and three cash points. The Students’ Union runs several shops including a grocery store by the residences (with late-night opening) and a convenience shop, selling everything from cheap stationery and hoodies to excellent bagels.

Entertainment, clubs and societiesWith so many people living and working together, socialising is, not surprisingly, important. There are a number of bars on campus, all of them busy, and each with its own particular vibe. So if you fancy a pint, if you want live sports on TV or a quiet cup of tea to unwind after a hard day at the Library, you’ll find somewhere that suits your mood.

The University of Sussex campus is a real home from home. Set in acres of leafy parkland, the campus is a community with its own shops and amenities.

The country setting offers the ultimate in peace and tranquillity so you can focus on your studies, and with the buzz of Brighton just minutes away, you can experience the best of both worlds.

Campus lifeLife at Sussex

xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx

Johnathan’s perspective

‘Campus makes the University of Sussex experience. Pretty much everything I need to live and work comfortably is a five-minute walk away. ‘Postgraduate study can be really challenging, but facilities such as 24-hour computer access and the great resources available at the Library help ease the pressure. All of my classes and tutors were located so closely together it was easy to get advice on a dissertation topic. ‘When you need a break from studying there are plenty of places on campus to grab some food – I love the “funky tuna” bagels from the USSU shop. ‘There’s also an excellent range of sports facilities available on campus, where you can play squash or do some yoga and a couple of great bars where you can grab a quick beer with some friends afterwards. And when the frantic pace of postgraduate life gets too much, I like to unwind by playing a game of frisbee in Library Square.’

Johnathan Turrall MSc in Technology and Innovation Management

Cam

pus

life

Life

at S

usse

x

26

27

The Students’ Union provides a range of entertainment, on and off campus, including comedy gigs, quizzes, live music nights and DJ nights in the Cube, the campus nightclub.

The Union also supports and helps fund over 100 student societies. Run entirely by students, these represent interests such as creative arts, dance, religion, film, economics, music, photography, radio and current affairs.

The Students’ Union also runs over 30 sports clubs.

For more information go to www.ussu.info

Project VProject V is a Students’ Union scheme dedicated to helping students get involved in the local community through volunteering. There are numerous opportunities including working in an art gallery in central Brighton, volunteering with the NHS and Age Concern, helping run a drop-in support service for people living with HIV or AIDS, or taking part in leisure activities with someone who is visually impaired. By doing something different and rewarding, you can help others, develop new skills and gain valuable experience for your CV. Visit www.ussu.info/projectv for more information.

Other campus facilities Campus facilities also include a health centre, a dentist and a pharmacy. For those in need of a retreat, the interdenominational Meeting House offers peace and quiet, as well as the chapel and chaplaincy services. There is also a Muslim Centre. For more information, see page 31.

Students with children are catered for with a crèche and nursery. These campus facilities are in great demand so we advise you to make enquiries at an early stage in your application process. For more information, see page 31.

Disabled accessSome buildings on campus are situated on steep gradients. Most academic buildings are accessible by wheelchair, but some access routes can be long. An advantage of the sloping landscape is that ground-level access to some buildings is available on different floors.

In general, the arts buildings are easier to access than the science buildings. There is restricted lift access to some of the upper levels.

Car parking on campus is limited and sometimes difficult, as much of the parking is on sloping ground. However there is disabled parking located around campus, which is restricted for use by orange badge holders only. It is also possible, in certain cases, to be allocated dedicated car parking spaces.

Tactile paving and handrails are located around the campus, and guide dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf are permitted in most areas. For more information, see page 19.

Open spaceWhen all the rigorous intellectual exertion of postgraduate study gets too much, the campus offers the ultimate chill-out zone. The University is situated in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you can walk straight out of the campus into acres of rolling green parkland where you can escape the hustle and bustle of campus life and rejuvenate body and mind. And, if all that greenery sounds frighteningly rural, remember you’re so close to Brighton you can almost hear it buzz.

For a virtual view of our beautiful green campus, log on to www.sussex.ac.uk/USIS/campustour

Cam

pus life Life at Sussex

Sussex graduates will already be familiar with Brighton’s many charms, and new students can look forward to discovering one of Britain’s most exciting and idiosyncratic cities.

Brighton has a long history as a fashionable holiday resort, originally made famous by the Prince Regent (later King George IV) whose extravagant home, the Royal Pavilion, remains a beautiful folly and one of our many treasures. Brighton’s popularity grew throughout the 19th century, and the Victorians added Brighton Pier and a seafront promenade to the miles of pebble beaches.

Today’s Brighton & Hove is just as fashionable and popular as it was in the Prince Regent’s day, but now the city keeps going all year round. Its eccentric atmosphere makes it a place where you can do anything and be anyone – yet it is small enough for you to bump into friends in the centre. It absorbs all kinds of people and leaves them with an enduring affection for this unique and liberated city.

Eating outWhether you’re a gourmet or a fast food addict you’ll find plenty to suit your palate: Thai, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, vegetarian, Mongolian and, arguably, the best fish and chips in the world. Brighton & Hove has many eateries offering cheap and cheerful menus. In particular, Preston Street is lined with restaurants and hot competition keeps prices down. There are plenty of pizza and pasta joints, and a number of excellent greasy spoons, such as the Market Diner, which supplies the city with carbs throughout the night. The streets of the North Laine are dotted with a wealth of interesting cafés and bistros, ranging from the organic to the seriously unhealthy. Whatever your tastes, you won’t go hungry.

NightlifeWhen the sun sets Brighton’s legendary nightlife kicks in. The city boasts over 200 pubs and bars, ranging from the traditional spit and sawdust variety to the distinctly chilled out and trendy. Popular venues include the beachfront Fortune of War, great for winter warmers but even better on balmy summer evenings; The George, serving up great veggie food; and Ali-Cats cellar bar, good for cocktails and early evening cult film showings. Some bars focus on live performances, from stand-up comedy to live bands. Well-known examples are the Free Butt, a popular music venue, and the Komedia theatre café-bar.

When the pubs close, or if they’re just not your thing, Brighton’s club scene has plenty to keep you going into the early hours. Home of Nick Cave, the music scene in Brighton is a way of life. Any night of the week and all through the weekend you’ll find a venue that suits your mood. As well as the long-established classics, new club nights pop up all the time with big name DJs and London clubs bringing their specialist nights down to the water’s edge.

Cultural lifeBrighton & Hove has a truly diverse cultural scene with a wealth of theatres, cinemas, venues and galleries. From pre-West End premieres at the Theatre Royal to the variety of experimental fringe productions staged throughout the city, you’ll find something theatrical to entertain you. There are also lots of opportunities to catch stand-up comedy, cabaret and ‘open-mike’ nights.

Cinema-goers will find plenty to keep them happy. Brighton boasts two multiplex cinemas offering mainstream movies. If art-house cinema is more your thing, head straight for the Duke of York’s, a Brighton treasure and the oldest purpose-built cinema in Britain. And in true Brighton style, the beach plays host to big-screen cult films on summer evenings.

The city of Brighton & Hove has everything: sun, sea, brilliant clubs, great places to eat, fabulous shops, a cosmopolitan vibe and it’s only an hour from London.

Many people come here to study and fall in love with the place, vowing never to leave. So what exactly is it about this lively, cultured city that makes it so appealing?

BrightonLife at Sussex

Bri

ghto

n Li

fe a

t Sus

sex

28

29

MusicClassical music lovers are well catered for at the Dome, Brighton’s art-deco concert venue. Home to the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra and a state-of-the-art acoustic system, the 1,800-capacity Dome also plays host to blues, pop, rock, jazz, dub, world and club. Opera buffs can take advantage of world-famous Glyndebourne, a centre for opera and just a few miles down the road. The Brighton Centre and Concorde 2 are Brighton’s major rock and pop venues but on any day of the week you’ll find gigs in pub venues, small clubs, on street corners, in parks and even on the beach. The University of Sussex Students’ Union also organises on- and off-campus entertainment, including live bands, cabaret and charity events.

Annual eventsThe highlight of the cultural year is the Brighton Festival in May, England’s biggest arts festival, attracting hundreds of performers to its three-week stint. This is your chance to catch internationally renowned musicians, dancers, poets and writers. Complementing the mainstream festival is the Brighton Fringe, a concentration of comedians, artists, speakers and street performers who spill out into the parks and onto the streets, entertaining the city night and day. And when the Festival finishes there’s always some other event to refill the streets with colour and spectacle, including the London to Brighton Bike Ride, Party in the Park, the Veteran Car Run and Pride. In October, the Paramount Brighton Comedy Festival comes to town, bringing talent including Rich Hall, Jerry Sadowitz and Jimmy Carr. You’ll struggle to find a weekend when there isn’t something going on.

Great shoppingWith the best shopping south of London, Brighton’s wares range from the conventional to the truly bizarre, all within walking distance. Big-name stores can be found in the Churchill Square shopping centre but if you’re looking for something slightly offbeat, head for the

North Laine, a laid-back area of independent clothes shops, cafes and record shops, peddling everything from vegetarian shoes to designer labels. For more up-market merchandise, The Lanes offer antiques, exclusive fashions and jewellery among the cobbled alleyways and converted fisherman’s cottages.

Sporting opportunitiesAs well as the sports facilities on campus (see page 30), there are many sporting opportunities in nearby Brighton & Hove: two public swimming pools, five golf courses, water sports, greyhound and horse racing, ten-pin bowling, and ice skating.

Local sporting events include international tennis and beach volleyball and football tournaments. Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club (the Seagulls) and Sussex County Cricket Club both have their home grounds in the area.

In the countryStep outside of the city and you’ll find yourself in some of the most beautiful countryside England has to offer. Cradling the city, the South Downs provide breathtaking views, tranquil walks and plenty of opportunities for paragliding, mountain biking, hiking and rather more sedate picnics. Nestling among the Downs you’ll find the historic towns of Lewes, Arundel, and Chichester, and any number of picturesque villages.

Close to LondonIf you fancy a change from the candyfloss and the beach, Brighton is less than an hour away by train from the bright lights of London. Close enough to visit for the day or the evening, London is a fascinating cosmopolitan capital city with historic sites such as the Tower of London and modern attractions such as the London Eye. If you want to travel further afield, London Gatwick Airport is half an hour away by train from Brighton; the perfect jumping-off point to explore the rest of Europe and beyond.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xx

xxxxxxxxx

Claudia’s perspective

‘I love Brighton – the best thing about living here is the music scene. There are so many great venues to explore and bands to watch. As well as Brighton bands like The Kooks and This City, I’ve recently seen The Queens of the Stone Age, The Kings of Leon and Vampire Weekend – all in the space of a few months! Also, major cultural events like the Brighton Festival and the Great Escape festival never fail to amaze with the great bands and artists they book every year.‘Brighton is a great place to live if you love your food. There are so many pubs and restaurants offering food from all over the world that it can be truly tantalising to decide where to go for a meal. Fierce competition also means that prices are reasonable, and even on a student budget you’ll be able to eat out. ‘If you’re into fashion, the shops and boutiques in and around the Lanes leave nothing to be desired. I enjoy hunting for unique vintage pieces in charity shops and have already found a few treasures for my wardrobe. There are also lots of quirky little boutiques in the Lanes, and of course H&M, Topshop and Zara can all be found in central Brighton too.‘And when the urban buzz becomes too tiring, there’s the beach and the beautiful South Downs within easy reach for some peace and tranquillity. A walk on the cliffs of the Seven Sisters offers breathtaking views and is an ideal opportunity to enjoy some fresh air. You don’t need a car to drive out to the countryside, Brighton & Hove buses get you to most of the popular places, and the bus ride along the coast is pretty spectacular!’

Claudia BiedertMA in Gender and Media

Brighton Life at S

ussex

Sport at Sussex is organised and provided through the University service, Sussexsport, and the Students’ Union’s USSUSport. Both are committed to ensuring that you have access to a wide range of sport and fitness opportunities and facilities.

The University facilities are situated at two sites on the campus, and also provide a training venue for Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

Facilities on campus include:• two large multi-purpose sports halls

• two newly equipped fitness rooms with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance equipment, and a specialist strength and conditioning room

• a dance studio/martial arts dojo

• seven squash courts, four with glass backs

• a lifestyles studio offering a sports injury clinic, treatments in massage, Reiki, aromatherapy and beauty therapy services

• a floodlit artificial turf pitch (hockey and soccer)

• four grass soccer pitches

• a rugby pitch

• a cricket pitch

• six hard tennis courts.

Sports clubsUSSUSport supports over 30 student-led clubs, which include various outdoor sports such as windsurfing, sailing and mountaineering, as well as more traditional sports such as soccer, netball, rugby and hockey. The University is currently in the BUSA Premier league for basketball and has had recent Championship success in squash, fencing and volleyball.

Classes and courses programmeSussexsport offers a fantastic range of dance and movement classes with activities such as aerobics, yoga, tai chi, circuit training, pilates and various dance styles such as jazz, belly dance, street and ballet. In addition, coaching courses are available for squash, tennis and badminton. There are also opportunities to try five different styles of martial arts.

Sports bursariesSports bursaries are offered to talented student athletes who have reached national standard in their chosen sports. All bursary recipients receive mentoring support to help them balance their academic and sporting requirements.

For further information or an application form, please contact the Sports Development Officer T +44 (0)1273 678228 or E sussexsport@sussex.ac.uk

Your life at Sussex isn’t just about studying. We also have excellent sports facilities to help you make

the most of your spare time. You don’t have to be a world champion to take part – we cater for a diverse range of interests at all levels of ability.

Sport and fitnessLife at Sussex

Further informationPlease visit our website at www.sussexsport.com or contact Sussexsport directly on: T +44 (0)1273 678228 E sussexsport@sussex.ac.uk

CompetitionsOpportunities exist for those belonging to USSUSport clubs to take part in the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) competitions and local leagues. Club activities also include tours and exchanges with universities and teams abroad. Sussexsport organises intra-mural and inter-school leagues and events for those who want to take part in campus-based competitions.

Coaching opportunitiesThe University offers a number of Sports Coach UK and National Governing Body Coaching Awards. These awards offer students the opportunity to improve and develop their coaching skills.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

Peter’s perspective

‘What’s great about sport at Sussex is that the University timetable allows most full-time students to have Wednesday afternoons free, meaning they can participate in extra-curricular clubs and sports events. The Sport Centre is right on campus – less than five minutes walk from the main academic areas.‘One of my passions is kickboxing. The kickboxing club meet twice a week and the class fees are very reasonable as the hire of the hall and other expenses are subsidised by Sussex, making the cost to students really reasonable. The club is fully equipped with kick bags, shields and other safety equipment, and we get to train in a large, spacious gym with mirrors. ‘Whether you’re already serious about sport or fancy trying something new, Sussex is a great place to be.’

Peter MuffettMA in International English Language TeachingBritish BIKMA/WKMA 67-70 kilograms kickboxing champion

Spo

rt a

nd fi

tnes

s Li

fe a

t Sus

sex

30