The annual Student Spaces Survey (2025) captured the views of 695 students across all levels of study, offering a snapshot of how students experience campus life, including study spaces, sports facilities and accommodation.
Feeling safe
An overwhelming 97% of students feel safe on campus, though many highlighted better lighting as a key opportunity for improvement. Ability to get around campus continues to get positive results too, with 83% agreeing the campus is easy to navigate yet students continue to call for clearer signage and more reliable lifts.
Study spaces: a strong asset
Study environments remain a clear strength at Sussex:
- 81% are satisfied with Library spaces
- 73% with Faculty spaces
- 77% with Student Centre spaces
Students’ most consistent request? More outdoor seating and additional quiet areas. This theme recurs strongly each year.
Sport and wellbeing: appreciated but underused
Around 59% of students are satisfied with sports facilities and activities, and 61% say sport is essential to their wellbeing. However, more than a third haven’t used any sports facilities this year. Student comments point to a desire for low‑intensity wellness activities, accessible scheduling, more variety, and more non-competitive options.
Food, social life and amenities
Eat Central remains the favourite eatery on campus, earning the most votes. Students enjoy its convenience and affordability but want later opening hours, more evening events and low‑cost meal options.
Students often travel off-campus for cinema, shopping, restaurants and nightlife - suggesting gaps in campus entertainment. Requested additions include arcades, more cafés, food vans, and improved social events.
When it comes to shopping and services, students would most like a larger, cheaper supermarket, fast‑food options, bakeries, and shops with everyday supplies.
Life in student accommodation
Students living on campus report broadly positive experiences:
- 76% rated the application process highly
- 65% felt their accommodation met expectations
- 70% would still recommend living on campus
Feedback highlights both convenience and community benefits, alongside calls for renovations in some accommodation blocks, more social events, and better support for wellbeing.
A campus that feels like home, with room to grow
Students enjoy campus life and appreciate its atmosphere and green spaces. Some students noted it could be even better with better access to comfortable, welcoming student spaces and ways to enjoy outdoor spaces.