Sussex University

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 (active in the fight for education accessible to all, now more involved in environmental campaigns). 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, university's strongest point is Brighton: a student town with a lively social scene and a unique, laidback 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.

Housing: Campus housing mainly single, self-catering; some double/family flats. In Brighton, high demand and high rents (and often poorly-kept accommodation). Drink: Huge variety of bars in town; 6 bars on campus. Eat: Plenty of choice in all price ranges in town; campus has a good range of cafés, canteens and snack bars. Nightlife: Brighton has extremely active (but expensive) nightlife. On campus, regular club nights in the SU nightclub, live bands and films in bars, various cultural activities at the Gardner Arts Centre. Sports: Plenty of facilities; wide range of sports (competitive and non-competitive) for all levels of participation. Travel: Good public transport links (though trains and buses can be expensive). Financial help: Available via access funds, hardship loans and some funds from the academic schools; accessible with good advice from SU and faculties. Jobs: Excellent student employment office for jobs on and off campus. SU employs staff in bars and shops. Wages in Brighton are generally low; can be hard to find part-time or holiday work. Best features: Sussex is the sunniest campus in the UK.

Thabo Mbeki (President, South Africa); Ian McEwan (author); Howard Brenton, Brian Behan (playwrights); Brendan Foster (athlete); Neil (The Young Ones); Virginia Wade (tennis); Howard Barker (dramatist); Julia Somerville (presenter): Peter Jones (entrepreneur; Dragon's Den); Peter Hain MP; Simon Fanshawe (That's Life). 

Visit www.ussu.info.