Welcome to the University of Brighton for 2023/24

Our Vice-Chancellor, Debra Humphris, has prepared this message for you to let you know what it means to be a student at the University of Brighton.

Our community

You’ll be joining a diverse community – our 16,000 students and over 2,000 staff members come from all different countries and backgrounds. We work, live and learn together and from one another. As a member of the university community you will be able to shape how we do things, driven by what you tell us matters to you and by our values – inclusivity, sustainability, creativity, and partnership.

Belong at Brighton

This is an exciting time as you discover your university. Our priority is to help you settle in and feel at home and we have designed our Belong at Brighton welcome programme to achieve this. You will now have access to your welcome timetable through My Brighton so you can begin to explore it.

Your support system and financial wellbeing

We have a range of support in place through our wellbeing service that reflects the diversity of our students.

I know that many in our university community – students and staff – are feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Financial wellbeing is incredibly important to every one of us, which is why we are supporting students and staff to help them navigate this difficult time. This includes:

• Access to an extensive wellbeing service
• A dedicated Student Advice team dealing with all things money – watch this video to hear from them
• Finance related advice, including hardship funding, bursaries, scholarships and advice on budgeting
• Money Matters blog Student Advice Service – Money Matters (and available via My Brighton)
• A jobs bulletin and the opportunity to speak 1-2-1 to a Careers Advisor regarding your employability
• Online study guides that you can access 24/7 and personalised support to help with academic skills building
• Student discounts for travel and transport

Nationally the higher education sector is working together to make the case to government for much needed additional support. In the meantime, we will support you and you will hear from us throughout the year on this topic.

Stay curious

As you discover your university, I want to encourage you to remain curious and embrace this experience. Engage in wider opportunities, which will enrich your academic experience, such as joining a Brighton Student Union society or sports club, or becoming a student ambassador or Course Rep. The opportunities are endless.

I want to wish you the very best for the coming year. I hope you enjoy discovering your university and, if you see me around the campus, do say hello!

Kind regards,

Professor Debra Humphris,
Vice-Chancellor