University of Sussex Open Day 2026
Visiting the University of Sussex on Saturday 7 November? This complete guide covers Falmer campus travel, free Open Day parking, trains, buses, Gatwick transfers, accommodation tours, accessibility, travel-cost support and how to make the most of your day.
The University of Sussex Undergraduate Open Day takes place on Saturday 7 November 2026 at the University's Falmer campus, running from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Visitors can attend subject sessions, meet academics and students, tour the campus and accommodation, learn about finance and housing, and speak with admissions, careers, wellbeing and disability teams.
University of Sussex Open Day at a glance
Saturday
Plan to arrive with enough time to register.
University of Sussex campus, east of Brighton.
For visitors attending the Open Day.
The University asks prospective students and families to register through the official Open Day page before attending.
A smart way to plan your Open Day
Exact subject-session times depend on the official programme, but a good Open Day strategy is to prioritise the things you cannot easily understand from a website.
What happens at the University of Sussex Open Day?
Subject talks
Attend sessions about the subjects you're considering and speak directly to the academics who teach them.
Campus tours
Explore the distinctive Falmer campus with Student Ambassadors.
Accommodation tours
Compare campus accommodation options rather than judging them only from photos.
Student finance
Attend presentations and ask practical questions about university costs and funding.
Applications
Learn more about personal statements, admissions and applying to Sussex.
Student support
Meet staff from careers, wellbeing, disability and other support services.
Train, bus, car or taxi?
Train
Falmer Station is directly opposite the campus. Brighton to Falmer takes around 9 minutes, with regular daytime services. Visitors travelling from London and the west normally change at Brighton.
Bus
Services including the 23, 25, 25X, 28 and 29 connect Brighton and surrounding areas with the University. Central Brighton to campus is typically around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Drive
The campus is on the A27 between Brighton and Lewes, around four miles from central Brighton. Follow signs specifically for the University of Sussex.
Taxi / private transfer
Useful for families arriving with luggage, travelling from Gatwick, or visiting from areas where public transport requires multiple changes.
Is parking free for the Sussex Open Day?
Yes. Although normal visitor parking at the University of Sussex is chargeable, the University confirms that there is no parking charge for Open Day visitors.
On the day, attendants will direct visitors to an available parking area.
Parking is still limited, so arrive with enough time to follow staff directions and walk from the allocated car park to your first session.
If you normally visit the University outside an Open Day, different parking charges and restrictions apply.
Gatwick Airport to the University of Sussex
London Gatwick is the closest major international airport to Brighton. The University notes that Gatwick is around 30 minutes from Brighton by train.
A typical public-transport journey involves travelling from Gatwick to Brighton and then taking a connecting train from Brighton to Falmer.
Brighton to Falmer itself takes around nine minutes by train.
Check your return journey before leaving home, especially if you need to connect with a flight or long-distance train after the event.
You may be able to claim help with travel costs
The University of Sussex says eligible Open Day visitors can receive help with travel costs for themselves and one guest, depending on where they live.
Sussex also says that if you travel to a 2026 Open Day by public transport, a tree will be planted through its Your Root to Sussex initiative with the South Downs Trust.
Planning an accessible visit
The University provides specific accessibility arrangements for Open Day visitors.
Tell the University about your requirements when booking and display a Blue Badge on arrival.
Rooms and lecture theatres used during Open Days are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible facilities are available across Open Day locations.
An allocated quiet room is available during each Open Day.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome on campus.
Ask at the campus tour departure point for help with accessible tour arrangements.
Questions worth asking while you're there
What is the real weekly workload?
Ask about contact hours, independent study, placements and assessment style.
What happens after first year?
Understand campus accommodation as well as the private housing market in Brighton.
What does student life actually cost?
Ask beyond tuition fees: housing, transport, food, course materials and social life.
Where do graduates go?
Ask about placements, internships, careers support and typical graduate pathways.
What happens when a student struggles?
Find out how wellbeing, disability and academic support work in practice.
Could they live outside campus?
Falmer's rail and bus links make commuting worth discussing if accommodation plans change.
Explore Brighton after the Open Day
One of the advantages of visiting in person is getting a feel not only for the campus, but for Brighton itself.
The University highlights the short train connection from Falmer to Brighton, making it easy to explore the city after your campus visit.
University of Sussex Open Day visitors can also access selected Brighton hotel discounts, subject to availability.
The University says visitors can quote the code “Sussex Open Day 26” for free entry to Brighton Palace Pier and two-for-one dining at the Palm Court Restaurant, subject to the offer conditions.
Coming from Gatwick, Heathrow or elsewhere in Sussex?
Sussex Airports Taxis provides pre-booked airport and long-distance transfers for passengers travelling across Sussex and South East England.
For Open Day visitors travelling with family, luggage or arriving from an airport, a pre-arranged journey can provide a direct route to the Falmer campus without managing multiple train or bus changes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the University of Sussex Open Day?
The November Undergraduate Open Day takes place on Saturday 7 November 2026, from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Falmer campus.
Where is the University of Sussex Open Day held?
The event takes place at the University of Sussex campus in Falmer, between Brighton and Lewes.
Is parking free at the University of Sussex Open Day?
Yes. The University confirms there is no parking charge for Open Day visitors. Attendants will direct drivers to available spaces.
How long is the train from Brighton to Falmer?
The University states that the train journey from Brighton to Falmer takes around nine minutes.
Is Falmer Station close to the University?
Yes. Falmer railway station is directly opposite the campus, with pedestrian access through the subway under the A27.
Which buses go to the University of Sussex?
Services include routes 23, 25, 25X, 28 and 29, with additional services operating from parts of Brighton and the surrounding area.
Can I get help with travel costs for the Open Day?
Eligible visitors may be able to claim between £25 and £75 towards travel costs for themselves and one guest. Check the University's official eligibility rules.
Is the Open Day accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The University states that rooms and lecture theatres used for the Open Day have wheelchair access, with accessible toilets and accessible tour support available.
Is there a quiet room at the Open Day?
Yes. The University provides an allocated quiet room during each Open Day. Check the event programme for the location.
How do I get from Gatwick Airport to the University of Sussex?
One public-transport option is to travel by train from Gatwick to Brighton, then change for Falmer. Pre-booked road transfers are also available.
Can I visit Brighton after the Open Day?
Yes. Brighton is approximately nine to ten minutes from Falmer by train, making it straightforward to explore the city after your campus visit.
Does Sussex Airports Taxis provide transfers to the University?
Sussex Airports Taxis provides pre-booked airport and long-distance journeys across Sussex, including transfers involving Gatwick, Heathrow and Brighton, subject to availability.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Open Day programmes, travel arrangements, transport services and visitor offers can change. Check the official University of Sussex Open Day information before travelling.