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Starting at Sussex

Find out more about registering at Sussex, including updating your details, moving to Brighton and managing your finances.

Registration

Registration is the formal process of recording that you have become a member of the University, which you will need to complete prior to your arrival at Sussex. You can find out more about the steps for completing online registration on the . This process will confirm that you’ll be starting your research degree and activate your IT and Library accounts, as well as enabling you to engage in supervision, attend researcher development workshops, and use other University facilities. When you complete your registration for the first time you will receive a University registration card, which includes membership of the .

Once you’ve registered with the University, you’ll also be able to access the Sussex Mobile app. There’s lots of information for all students at Sussex, but researchers might be particularly interested in the Locations; PCs and Study Spaces; Transport; and Staff Directory sections. You can also use the app to access your email, and various areas of the Sussex website.

In order to remain a candidate for your degree you are required to renew your registration each academic year. Information regarding online registration will be sent to you by email annually in August/September.

Contact details and communication

You are responsible for keeping your contact details up to date via throughout your registration. When you register you should confirm your term-time address. 

The University will contact you by email in the first instance, using your ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë email address. You should check your account regularly so you don't miss important communications. 

Should the University need to contact you in writing, the letter will normally be sent to your term-time address. If you are on a period of approved fieldwork it will be directed to the correspondence address you gave when you applied to do fieldwork. If you are registered to attend via distance learning it will be sent to your home or other correspondence address as you have indicated on your record.

Electoral registration

Arrangements to register to vote whilst a PGR at the University are managed through annual registration. Please note that in order to vote you must be registered.

Moving to Brighton

Finding accommodation

If you’re moving to live on campus or in the surrounding Brighton and Hove area, there’s lots of advice available around both campus and private sector accommodation from the  team at Sussex.

Council Tax

Eligibility for Council Tax exemption and discounts varies depending on your circumstances:

• Full-time registered PGRs living in University-managed accommodation are generally exempt from paying Council Tax and the University supplies details of tenants to the local authority.
• If you are a full-time PGR not living in University accommodation, please refer to .
• If you are a part-time or pre-submission PGR you should contact your local Council Tax Office for further information on any discounts you may be eligible for.

International students relocating to the UK

If you’re an international student moving to the UK you may need to apply for a visa. You can find further information and guidance on the  website. Each year, the International Student Support office also produce a pre-arrival guide which includes information about registration, applying for a Visa, budgeting for life in the UK, information about health and insurance, housing, bringing your family to Sussex, and even what to pack. You can access the current . If you need help, you can speak to the , for confidential advice about visas and immigration. 

Health

If you have a long-term mental health condition or disability you can register with the Student Support Unit who can look at reasonable adjustments to support you during your time at Sussex. You can only register with the student support unit after you have registered with the University (see above), but there are some things you can do before you start your degree to make things run as smoothly as possible when you start. For example, you can organise medical evidence from a relevant health professional, and explore your eligibility for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) which will enable you to access further support. Visit the Student Support Unit webpages for more information and guidance.

If you’re living on campus or in the local area, you can register with a GP at the University Health Centre and Dental Surgery on campus. For more information and to find out about other local health services visit the .

Families

If you have a child or family who will be moving with you to Sussex, you can find information about accommodation options from the Housing Services team (please note the University has a limited number of family units which currently have no availability). They’ve also produced a helpful Familes accommodation handbook, which includes visa guidance, details of facilities on and off campus, such as GP surgeries, nurseries and Schools, and information about family-friendly activities in and around Brighton.

University closures

The University is open year-round, though there are a number of ‘minimum service days’ where most campus facilities are closed. These generally coincide with UK bank holidays and national holidays such as Christmas and Easter. During these times the 24-hour IT facilities, residences and 24-hour security continue to operate on campus. For information see the term dates webpage. 

Funding and Finances

Student Loans

If you are in receipt of a postgraduate student loan, Student Data and Records will notify the Student Loan Company when you have completed registration. The Student Loan Company will then release your first loan installment. If you have queries regarding registration, please contact PGR-StudentRecords@sussex.ac.uk. If you have queries regarding your student loan, please contact the Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan Team.

Managing your finances

The Student Funding Team, based at the , can help you to resolve any problems, concerns or questions you may have around managing your finances during your research degree. With access to information on available funding sources, alongside expert financial advice and guidance, the team aims to offer the best practical help and support to ensure you are able to make the most of your time at Sussex.

If you find yourself in acute and unexpected hardship the University also offers a short term, interest free loan. This is the  for when you may experiencing delays to your funding source.

PGR students who are struggling financially are also eligible to apply for the , which provides a grant that you do not need to repay.

Find out more on the Student Centre .

Managing research funds

Some researchers may have access to funds to support their research (e.g. to reimburse research participants, or funds for your own research and training). In some Schools and Departments you may be required to manage this using the University’s financial management system. Check for any guidance available to you in your School handbook, or ask the Research and Enterprise Coordinator in your School if you’re unsure.