Hi, I'm just finishing my 3rd year at Sussex, definitely loved every moment here! Great uni!
About accommodation, I was in LC phase 1, bock 1, so shared bathrooms between 6, quite sociable and a great place to have parties because it's right in the middle of the other halls. I've loved it and would defo recommend it, but I've been lucky to have great flatmates and neighbours, how social a place is can change every year.
Northfield and Swanborough are pretty much the same inside, it's just SB is much closer to the middle of campus and only has three blocks, so it's smaller. They are both lovely but tbh it's sooo much more expensive, still I would rather be in Lewes Court than there. If I had to pick though it would be Northfield because it's bigger and much more goes on there. Apparently not much ever happens in SB because it's pretty small, even though it's pretty central. (also a quick side note, EVERYONE can see into your living space and bedrooms in SB, if you're not careful due to the big windows etc, not very private there...I've seen naked people while in a seminar in the next building!!)
The same goes for Stamner court, in terms of atmosphere, it's just over the road from campus but people always go to other places for parties etc. It's nice and has en-suites but people only go there if they live there, not really the place for a good party.
Brighthelm is the most oversubscribed place, for my first year, there were 8 applicants for every bedroom! It's very nice there, the neighbours are close and a nice atmosphere, that was my second choice and would happily lived there! Always something going on! Plus washing machines which is a big thing when you leave home!
I wouldn't recommend Park village! It is liveable in but it's not amazingly nice, and the main thing is there is a small kitchen but no kitchen table or other living or social space apart from the landing, so people either eat alone in their rooms or sit on the floor in the landing bit, (or unless they have nicked a small table from somewhere else at uni). There is a social center at the bottom and launderette etc.
Park houses are ok, great for parties because there are no doors into each stairway/ corridor, so that is both good and bad! Really sociable with lots of people, but not very private as anyone could go into your kitchen if they get in the building or generally clean as there are so many people! You can only apply to Park houses, and get either Kent House, York house, Lancaster House or Norwich House, you can't pick which one.
East slope is soooo much fun, parties all the time and East slope bar is right at the bottom, but personally I could never live there because it's grim! The people who do live there like it though!
Hope this helps you decide! Again I would definitely recommend Lewes Court phase 1 or Brighthelm, either is really good! Tbh you would be happy wherever you go, just make the most of it! The year goes so fast. One more thing, if you are really unhappy there is a swap list which usually works pretty quickly because a lot of people want to move when they first arrive,so you can sign up for that if you really hate it!