[The Velour Fog]

Could anybody who's seen the Sussex accommodation give me advice on what what to choose?
I've been to the open day, but I didn't manage to see all the accommodation in time, so i'm a little unsure on what to choose.

If you know anything about the accommodation, the reputation of each place, or if you've already chosen your housing, why did you pick it?

[Jackally]

Northfield - Very expensive, but en-suite and nice bedrooms with large kitchens. Most modern accomodation on campus. Bit distant from the main campus itself, and the campus supermarket.

Lewes Court - Quite expensive, some en-suites and fairly modern. Nice living spaces. Quite close to campus.

Brighthelm - Most popular and largely oversubscribed this year. Nice living arrangement as each residence in Brighthelm is a 5 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms per house (no en-suites). Probably closer to main campus than Lewes Court.

Park Houses - Traditional halls style living with 12 rooms on each corridor sharing 2 bathrooms and 1 kitchen. Each building has about 12 corridors. Not as bad as it sounds. Fairly large rooms. Not so modern. Close to 24hr porter and security for reporting problems. No en-suites. 5 mins walk to campus supermarket and bars. Not too expensive.

Park Village - Similar to Park Houses but it's split into many 3-storey houses each with 12 rooms. Same facilities as PH and potential for tiny kitchens. Cheaper than PH.

Swanborough - Expensive but very central and very modern. Same arrangement as Northfields with large kitchens and all ensuites. A minutes walk from campus supermarket. Closest to main campus and teaching buildings.

Stanmer - All ensuite and fairly modern. Nice bedrooms. Totally separate from other accomodation, between A27 dual carriageway and Falmer Station. 10 minutes from nearest shop and bar. 15 mins from teaching buildings. Not too expensive as further away.

East Slope - Budget accomodation. 1 flat houses 12 residents with a split level kitchen and (2?) toilets. Cheapest accomodation on campus and quite central, close to bars and supermarkets. Standard size rooms. You get what you pay for, so can be quite dilapidated.

Not seen off campus rooms so I couldn't tell you. (Been living on campus for the past year and just about to move back for year 2!) Hope that helps.

[The Velour Fog]

(Original post by Jackally)
Northfield - Very expensive, but en-suite and nice bedrooms with large kitchens. Most modern accomodation on campus. Bit distant from the main campus itself, and the campus supermarket.

Lewes Court - Quite expensive, some en-suites and fairly modern. Nice living spaces. Quite close to campus.

Brighthelm - Most popular and largely oversubscribed this year. Nice living arrangement as each residence in Brighthelm is a 5 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms per house (no en-suites). Probably closer to main campus than Lewes Court.

Park Houses - Traditional halls style living with 12 rooms on each corridor sharing 2 bathrooms and 1 kitchen. Each building has about 12 corridors. Not as bad as it sounds. Fairly large rooms. Not so modern. Close to 24hr porter and security for reporting problems. No en-suites. 5 mins walk to campus supermarket and bars. Not too expensive.

Park Village - Similar to Park Houses but it's split into many 3-storey houses each with 12 rooms. Same facilities as PH and potential for tiny kitchens. Cheaper than PH.

Swanborough - Expensive but very central and very modern. Same arrangement as Northfields with large kitchens and all ensuites. A minutes walk from campus supermarket. Closest to main campus and teaching buildings.

Stanmer - All ensuite and fairly modern. Nice bedrooms. Totally separate from other accomodation, between A27 dual carriageway and Falmer Station. 10 minutes from nearest shop and bar. 15 mins from teaching buildings. Not too expensive as further away.

East Slope - Budget accomodation. 1 flat houses 12 residents with a split level kitchen and (2?) toilets. Cheapest accomodation on campus and quite central, close to bars and supermarkets. Standard size rooms. You get what you pay for, so can be quite dilapidated.

Not seen off campus rooms so I couldn't tell you. (Been living on campus for the past year and just about to move back for year 2!) Hope that helps.

Thanks, that's really helped a lot.

Do you know anything about the reputations of each accommodation? I've seen East Slope, but I can't really say living in a crack den is particularly appealing.

[Jackally]

That's okay, you're welcome.

The reputations vary largely each year with the occupants, although the general trend is that accommodation reputation roughly follows it's rent price. But don't get the impression that if you get cheaper accommodation then your degree is a write-off.

Northfields & Swan - nice, but that's because it's new and people feel more inclined to look after it. A lot of the parties I've heard about go on in Northfields due to the large living spaces they have.

Lewes Court, Park Houses and Park Village - seems to be a mixture of everyone in these. I've always seen these as the middle ground, with people who can't afford the top, but still want somewhere fairly nice to live, and they all seem like nice people. Quite a few parties in PH and PV as lots of people in a fairly small space.

Stanmer - i've never met anyone who lived in Stanmer. That's why I didn't choose it this year, as it's so far away from normal residences. A lot of the people I met in my first week were at East Slope bar, and that's about 20 minutes from Stanmer, so they generally go to Falmer Bar which is much closer. Stanmer had plumbing problems when it first opened but I think that's all been sorted by now.

Brighthelm - My favourite, but not many undergrads live there. Because there's only five people per house it creates quite a close family amongst housemates.

East Slope - Now lets not jump to conclusions here. It's spread over such a large area that it can't really be generalized that easily, and again largely depends on your housemates. Because it's the cheapest it IS open to anyone, from the richest to the poorest, but I've found that in general people seem to get on with other there. It's a wild party if you want it to be, as there's always one going on somewhere, but don't forget you've always got your own space to shut yourself away from everything if you need to concentrate.

Again, I hope that helps

[SugarPuddle]

(Original post by Jackally)
That's okay, you're welcome.

The reputations vary largely each year with the occupants, although the general trend is that accommodation reputation roughly follows it's rent price. But don't get the impression that if you get cheaper accommodation then your degree is a write-off.

Northfields & Swan - nice, but that's because it's new and people feel more inclined to look after it. A lot of the parties I've heard about go on in Northfields due to the large living spaces they have.

Lewes Court, Park Houses and Park Village - seems to be a mixture of everyone in these. I've always seen these as the middle ground, with people who can't afford the top, but still want somewhere fairly nice to live, and they all seem like nice people. Quite a few parties in PH and PV as lots of people in a fairly small space.

Stanmer - i've never met anyone who lived in Stanmer. That's why I didn't choose it this year, as it's so far away from normal residences. A lot of the people I met in my first week were at East Slope bar, and that's about 20 minutes from Stanmer, so they generally go to Falmer Bar which is much closer. Stanmer had plumbing problems when it first opened but I think that's all been sorted by now.

Brighthelm - My favourite, but not many undergrads live there. Because there's only five people per house it creates quite a close family amongst housemates.

East Slope - Now lets not jump to conclusions here. It's spread over such a large area that it can't really be generalized that easily, and again largely depends on your housemates. Because it's the cheapest it IS open to anyone, from the richest to the poorest, but I've found that in general people seem to get on with other there. It's a wild party if you want it to be, as there's always one going on somewhere, but don't forget you've always got your own space to shut yourself away from everything if you need to concentrate.

Again, I hope that helps

Apparently with time most of the postgraduates live in Swanborough now, and Stamner Court. I'm staying in Brighthelm and I'm 19, my house mate is 19 too but there's no sign of the other three house mates. I'm hoping they're not postgrads mostly because they won't want to go to town as much or to the Fresher events (I assume anyway). I have a feeling they might be postgrads though because I specifically asked for a quiet room for my medical condition, and the other house mate I know of is studying medical neuroscience so maybe people have been picked out especially for it to be a quiet household? Or is the system automatic and we're just placed randomly?

[The Velour Fog]

(Original post by SugarPuddle)
Apparently with time most of the postgraduates live in Swanborough now, and Stamner Court. I'm staying in Brighthelm and I'm 19, my house mate is 19 too but there's no sign of the other three house mates. I'm hoping they're not postgrads mostly because they won't want to go to town as much or to the Fresher events (I assume anyway). I have a feeling they might be postgrads though because I specifically asked for a quiet room for my medical condition, and the other house mate I know of is studying medical neuroscience so maybe people have been picked out especially for it to be a quiet household? Or is the system automatic and we're just placed randomly?

How did you find Brighthelm?

I'm thinking of applying there, so want to hear as much about it as I can.

[SugarPuddle]

(Original post by The Velour Fog)
How did you find Brighthelm?

I'm thinking of applying there, so want to hear as much about it as I can.

I'm yet to move in! I start this year. But I chose it because some of the accommodations have baths and because there's a nice community spirit. I know people who have lived there and they loved it. You don't have to pay three pounds to use the laundrette washing machines because Brighthelm houses have washing machines and tumble dryers, you get a small patio which is great for BBQ's in the summer and also for hanging washing out, it's right next to the forest so there's lot of greenery, it's next to East Slope so you can go partying there and the accommodation has the best of both worlds. Both quiet and more social because there's a good amount of people and space to have parties, but it's quiet enough to study and sleep in. I was urged to choose one of the more quieter accommodations to sleep better but I didn't want to be isolated or lonely at university. Moving away from home is hard enough.

Brighthelm offers that family feel because it is like a little house owned between yourself and four others. Brighthelm is in big demand though, I'm so happy I got it.

[Negaduck]

I'm moving into Northfield in September. I'll let you know what I think of it after a month or two.

[tface]

(Original post by The Velour Fog)
How did you find Brighthelm?

I'm thinking of applying there, so want to hear as much about it as I can.

I lived there last year, it was incredible. Easily the best accommodation when you take everything into account. You will not regret it! Stanmer court is way too far away (to the point where it seemed to me and my friends that there was very little mixing between Stanmer Court and the other places), Northfield is a bit too far away but has nicer rooms, and is more expensive, East Slope Park Houses and Park Village aren't as nice by far, Swanborough is nice but more expensive and the kitchens only have one tiny window so when you have a house party they just get insanely hot. Also, all of the "nice" places apart from Brighthelm have this ridiculously annoying feature where the fire alarm starts to go off if you leave the kitchen door open for ~25 seconds.

Feel free to ask any questions

[The Velour Fog]

(Original post by tface)
I lived there last year, it was incredible. Easily the best accommodation when you take everything into account. You will not regret it! Stanmer court is way too far away (to the point where it seemed to me and my friends that there was very little mixing between Stanmer Court and the other places), Northfield is a bit too far away but has nicer rooms, and is more expensive, East Slope Park Houses and Park Village aren't as nice by far, Swanborough is nice but more expensive and the kitchens only have one tiny window so when you have a house party they just get insanely hot. Also, all of the "nice" places apart from Brighthelm have this ridiculously annoying feature where the fire alarm starts to go off if you leave the kitchen door open for ~25 seconds.

Feel free to ask any questions

You're really selling it to me.

What was your experience of living in Brighthelm like? What were the people like? Any advice for anyone living there?
What was studying at Sussex like in general?

So many questions!

[tface]

(Original post by The Velour Fog)
You're really selling it to me.

What was your experience of living in Brighthelm like? What were the people like? Any advice for anyone living there?
What was studying at Sussex like in general?

So many questions!

Living in Brighthelm was great - obviously I can't speak for everyone but I got on really well with my housemates (except for one of them moving out in the first 3 weeks and us having to persuade the housing office to let our mate from next door move in because he didn't get on too well with the people he was living with ) to the point where 3 of us are living together this year, along with 2 from a neighbouring house. Our house and a handful of houses around it developed a situation where we mainly just wondered between houses visiting each other and having parties etc. I can't think of any specific advise for living there, except that you should make friends with all of your neighbours in freshers week, have house parties or just hang out!

Studying at Sussex was great, the campus is lovely, and living in Brighton is fantastic, great night life and it's a good place to go for the day to hang out on the beach or walk through the lanes etc.

[Umbrella.Girl]

(Original post by tface)
Living in Brighthelm was great - obviously I can't speak for everyone but I got on really well with my housemates (except for one of them moving out in the first 3 weeks and us having to persuade the housing office to let our mate from next door move in because he didn't get on too well with the people he was living with ) to the point where 3 of us are living together this year, along with 2 from a neighbouring house. Our house and a handful of houses around it developed a situation where we mainly just wondered between houses visiting each other and having parties etc. I can't think of any specific advise for living there, except that you should make friends with all of your neighbours in freshers week, have house parties or just hang out!

Studying at Sussex was great, the campus is lovely, and living in Brighton is fantastic, great night life and it's a good place to go for the day to hang out on the beach or walk through the lanes etc.

Do they allow mini fridges in Brighthelm?

Also, do you know what phone networks work best there, and what does the accommodation provide (iron, microwave, etc)?

Thanks

[tface]

(Original post by Umbrella.Girl)
Do they allow mini fridges in Brighthelm?

Also, do you know what phone networks work best there, and what does the accommodation provide (iron, microwave, etc)?

Thanks

Yes they do Well I had Orange and it wasn't amazing but wasn't bad, most other networks seemed fine as far as I am aware

Pretty much everything you would expect in a kitchen in terms of appliances: Kettle, Microwave, Oven, Hobs, Washing Machine, Dryer, Fridge Freezer, I think that's everything but may have forgotten something! And yep there is an iron. Oh and a vacuum cleaner and mop. My pleasure

[swbp]

I'm moving into my room in Brighthelm on Saturday, so i'll give you some infor once i've settled in

[The Velour Fog]

(Original post by swbp)
I'm moving into my room in Brighthelm on Saturday, so i'll give you some infor once i've settled in

That'd be awesome

[madam_mim]

Seems like you're getting serious about Brighthelm, but I'm moving into Northfield on Saturday, so I can report on that if you want!

[The Velour Fog]

(Original post by madam_mim)
Seems like you're getting serious about Brighthelm, but I'm moving into Northfield on Saturday, so I can report on that if you want!

Ooh, yes please!

I have a deferred entry for Sussex, so i'll be spending the next year being super-excited about what it'd be like to live/study there , so the more I hear about it the better!

[madam_mim]

Here to report on Nortfield! It's really really nice so far - the rooms are quite big, plenty of storage space, and you can really tell everything is new. The bathroom is just big enough, although I suppose if you're very very tall the shower might be a bit cramped! The kitchen/dining/living area is great as well (again, everything is new and functional), and the couches are especially comfy. Everyone in my flat is an undergrad, and they're all very friendly and nice. The only downside is that you are quite a bit away from all the university buildings, but I'd imagine it gets easier with the buses, which haven't been completely functional this weekend. Other than that, I've really enjoyed it so far, it's been a really good place to live and hang out in. If you want to know anything else, feel free to ask!