Discover Brighton Spirit: University of Sussex Open Day Guide
How to plan your visit to the unique Falmer campus, explore world-class Sussex courses, and experience Brighton student life first-hand.
Updated 6 min readUniversity of Sussex
Why the University of Sussex Open Day is an Essential Step in Your Journey
Choosing where to spend your university years is one of the biggest decisions you will make. While websites, brochures, and national league tables provide valuable data, nothing compares to the physical experience of stepping onto campus. Attending a University of Sussex open day is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a world-renowned institution nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside, just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton.
The University of Sussex is celebrated for its progressive outlook, interdisciplinary approach to learning, and beautiful red-brick architecture designed by Sir Basil Spence. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, the campus offers a peaceful, self-contained environment that is simultaneously connected to one of the UK's most creative and diverse coastal hubs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a highly successful campus visit, make the most of your time on site, and discover if Sussex is the perfect place for you to call home.
Key Dates and Booking Your Prospective Student Event
The university hosts several large-scale open days throughout the year, typically during the summer and autumn months. These events are specifically timed to help you make your UCAS choices with confidence. While precise open day dates can shift slightly from year to year, major events generally occur in:
- June and July: Ideal for Year 12 students starting their UCAS research early.
- September and October: Perfect for autumn applicants finalising their personal statements and university selections.
- November: A final opportunity for last-minute decision-making before the primary UCAS deadline.
If you cannot attend a scheduled open day, the university also hosts regular campus tours on Wednesday afternoons throughout the term, as well as specialised post-applicant visit days. For those living overseas or unable to travel to Brighton, a comprehensive virtual tour is available online, featuring 360-degree views of lecture theatres, social spaces, and student accommodation.
"Stepping off the train at Falmer and walking onto campus during the October open day was the exact moment I knew I wanted to study here. The mix of green space and modern facilities felt incredibly welcoming." - Emily, 2nd Year Psychology StudentHow to Get to the Falmer Campus
The University of Sussex campus is located in Falmer, on the outskirts of Brighton and Hove. It is exceptionally well-connected by public transport, making your campus visit straightforward whether you are travelling from within the UK or arriving from an international airport.
Travelling by Train
Falmer railway station is located directly opposite the campus entrance. Frequent, direct trains run from Brighton Station and Lewes (taking approximately 9 minutes). If you are travelling from London, you can catch a direct Southern or Thameslink service from London Victoria or London Bridge to Brighton, then easily transfer to the Eastbourne/Seaford-bound local service to Falmer.
Travelling by Bus
Brighton & Hove Buses run regular, direct services from the centre of Brighton straight into the heart of the campus. The 25, 25X, and 23 routes operate 24 hours a day, ensuring that students and visitors can easily navigate between the campus and the city center at any hour.
Travelling by Car
For those driving, the campus is situated just off the A27. However, parking on open days is highly limited. Visitors must pre-register their vehicle during the open day booking process to secure a space. The university strongly encourages the use of public transport wherever possible to align with its award-winning environmental sustainability initiatives.
| Travel Method | Average Journey Time from London | Estimated Return Cost (GBP) | Convenience Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Brighton) | 1 hour 20 minutes | £20 - £45 | Very High (Station on campus) |
| National Express Coach | 2 hours 15 minutes | £10 - £18 | Medium (Arrives in central Brighton) |
| Car (via M23/A23) | 2 hours (depending on traffic) | Variable (Fuel + Parking) | Medium (Limited parking spaces) |
What to See and Do on the Day
To make the most of your prospective student event, you need a plan of action. The Sussex campus is vast, and there is a lot to see. Divide your day into three core areas: academic exploration, accommodation tours, and lifestyle discovery.
1. Attend Subject-Specific Talks
Your academic future is the core of your university experience. Head to the designated school hubs (such as the Sussex Business School, the School of Life Sciences, or the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts) to meet your future lecturers. These sessions provide invaluable insights into module structures, assessment methods, study abroad opportunities, and placement years.
2. Explore Student Accommodation
Where you live is just as important as where you study. Sussex offers a diverse range of on-campus housing options. Use the guided accommodation tours to view various styles, including the modern, social courtyards of East Slope, the peaceful woodland setting of Lewes Court, and the affordable, classic flats of Park Houses. Student tour guides will be on hand to share their honest experiences of living in halls.
3. Tour the Key Campus Landmarks
Make sure to spend time exploring the shared facilities that define Sussex student life:
- The Student Centre: A modern, welcoming hub for student support, advice, and collaborative work.
- The University Library: A massive resource containing over 800,000 books, extensive study spaces, and a peaceful café.
- Falmer House: The lively headquarters of the University of Sussex Students' Union (USSU), featuring shops, bars, and social spaces.
- The Sports Centre & Falmer Sports Complex: Excellent facilities including fitness suites, indoor courts, outdoor pitches, and group exercise studios.
Top 5 Spots to Visit on Campus
- The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA): A stunning, Grade II* listed performance space.
- Boundary Walk: Take a short stroll along the edge of the South Downs National Park adjacent to campus.
- The Library Square Café: The social heart of the campus, perfect for people-watching and a quick coffee.
- East Slope Bar: The ultimate student hangout spot for food, drinks, and evening events.
- The Meeting House: A unique architectural circular building offering a quiet space for reflection of all faiths and none.
Crucial Questions to Ask During Your Visit
An open day is your chance to interview the university just as much as they are evaluating you. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with current students, admissions tutors, and support staff. Here are some essential questions to ask during your visit:
Questions for Academics & Lecturers
- What are the core assessment methods for this course (e.g., exams, coursework, presentations)?
- Are there opportunities to undertake a professional placement year or study abroad?
- How does the interdisciplinary pathway system work at Sussex? Can I take elective modules outside my core subject?
- What career paths do graduates from this course typically follow?
Questions for Current Students
- What is the balance of life between the Falmer campus and Brighton city centre?
- How easy is it to manage the cost of living as a student in Brighton?
- Which student accommodation option would you recommend for first-year students?
- What are your favorite societies or student-run events on campus?
Questions for Accommodation and Support Staff
- Are first-year undergraduate students guaranteed accommodation on campus?
- What mental health, wellbeing, and academic support services are available to students?
- What security measures are in place across the campus and student halls?
Extending Your Visit: Exploring Brighton
No University of Sussex open day is complete without taking a short trip into Brighton itself. The city's unique, creative, and inclusive culture heavily influences the student experience. After your campus tour concludes, hop on the train or the 25 bus to Brighton city centre.
Spend your afternoon wandering through the historic Lanes—a maze of narrow alleys filled with independent boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and quirky cafés. Walk down to the famous Brighton Palace Pier to enjoy the sea breeze, view the iconic Royal Pavilion, and explore the vibrant beachfront. This journey will give you a true sense of the daily commute and the fantastic lifestyle that awaits you as a Sussex student.