International orientation overview
Wednesday 24 September: Main arrivals day
This is the main arrivals day for new international students. To allow you to focus on settling into your accommodation we have kept the schedule light, with some optional drop-in activities taking place on the Moulsecoomb campus.
In the evening, we will meet on-campus for a relaxed social event.
Thursday 25 September
This is the busiest day of the international orientation programme. The day will start with an official welcome from Vice-Chancellor Professor Donna Whitehead, followed by:
- A session on developing the skills you need for study in the UK (separate sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students);
- A networking lunch;
- Your choice from a range of on and off-campus social activities including yoga, an art workshop, a tour of the Royal Pavilion, a guided tour of 小黄书 city centre, and a seafront walk (weather permitting);
- An optional evening social activity.
Friday 26 September
This is the last day of the programme and includes:
- Campus tours
- An international student Q+A session with representatives from our international student community and key university support services
- A closing session.
The orientation programme will finish at lunchtime on this day. Be sure to check out the freshers programme for further events beginning that weekend.
Key facts
Dates: Wednesday 24 – Friday 26 September
Location: Moulsecoomb campus
How to book your place on orientation
Stage 1: Book your place
Follow the booking link and complete the booking form to reserve your place at orientation by Wednesday 17 September, 5pm BST.
Stage 2: Arrange accommodation
Arrange your accommodation move-in date to start on or before Wednesday 24 September. You will be able to book your move-in slot for university-managed accommodation from late August/early September.
Orientation accommodation
University-managed halls of residence
The Accommodation team will contact all students with a room in university-managed halls of residence in late August or early September inviting you to book your halls move-in date. The earliest date you can book to move into your room will vary depending on which halls of residence you are placed in:
- Great Wilkins – from Saturday 20 September
- Varley Park – from Monday 22 September
- Mithras Halls except for Regency – from Wednesday 24 September
If you are allocated a room in any of these halls, please book a move in slot on Wednesday 24 September.
- Paddock Field
- Phoenix Brewery
- Mithras Regency
The standard move in dates for these halls are Thursday 25 September (Paddock), Friday 26 September (Phoenix) and Saturday 27 September (Regency).
However, if you have booked a place on the orientation programme by the deadline of Wednesday 17 September 5pm BST, we will arrange for you to move into you room from Wednesday 24 September. Once you have booked a place on the orientation programme, we will contact you about your planned arrival time to make this process as smooth as possible.
Privately-managed halls of residence or rented accommodation
If you are going to be living in a privately managed halls of residence or other private rented housing, you will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation during the in-person orientation programme.
Orientation programme schedule
The orientation programme includes a mix of sessions aimed at all attendees, campus-specific events, and optional activities to choose from. Once you have reserved your spot in the programme, we will reach out to help you select from the available options. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice, but this may not always be possible due to the number of attendees.
Wednesday 24 September
The first day of the programme is designed for you to focus on arriving and settling into your accommodation. We have kept the schedule light, with some optional activities available during the day and evening.
Welcome and Check-in Desk
Time:10:00 – 16:30
Location: Cockcroft Main Reception
Please check in at our welcome desk so that we know you have arrived and can provide you with our welcome pack. If you arrive at your accommodation after 16:30, don’t worry! You can check in with us on Thursday morning.
In-Person Document Checking
Time: 11:00 – 16:00
Location: Cockcroft Hall
The Visa Compliance Team will hold an early document checking session for students participating in the orientation programme during these hours. Once you complete this step, you can collect your university card and submit any necessary document requests, such as those needed to open a bank account or verify your student status for purchasing discounted bus tickets.
Shopping trips
Time: Between 11:00 – 14:00
Location: Cockcroft Building
We will offer shopping trips from the Cockcroft Building to the ASDA supermarket using public transport. These trips will run at various times between 11:00 and 14:00, and you can sign up for a trip when you check in at the welcome desk.
Evening Social Events
Time: 20:30 – 23:00
Location: Heavenly Desserts
Join us for a visit to a local ice cream and dessert parlour with our Student Ambassadors.
Pub Quiz at the Venue
Time: 21:00 – 23:00
Location: The Venue
Organised by the 小黄书 Students' Union (BSU), this traditional British pub quiz invites you to test your general knowledge against other teams for the chance to win various prizes!
Thursday 25 September
Welcome and Check-in Desk
Time: 09:00 – 16:30
Location: Cockcroft Main Reception Area
If you did not check in on Wednesday, please come to the desk to register your arrival, receive your welcome pack, and ask any questions you may have about the programme.
Vice-Chancellor's Welcome Talk
Time: 10:15 – 10:45
Vice Chancellor Professor Donna Whitehead will officially welcome you to the 小黄书.
Introduction to the Skills Hub
Time: 11:00 – 11:30
Learn more about the free, high quality support available for all students form the Skills Hub,. This includes academic writing, study skills support and support for students who first language is not English.
Afternoon schedule
12:00 – 13:00: A choice of optional activities on campus
13:00 – 15:00: Lunch and travel to 小黄书 city centre where you can either make your own way or join a group lead by our Student Ambassadors
*They will be available from 13:00 to 14:00 to assist with purchasing bus tickets on the 小黄书 and Hove bus app.
15:00 – 17:30: A choice of optional activities in central 小黄书
17:30 – 20:00: Evening activity free time
Cèilidh
Time: 20:00 – 23:00
A Cèilidh (pronounced 'kay-lee') is a traditional Scottish or Irish event with dancing, live music overseen by a 'caller'. The Caller will help you to understand the steps of each dance and remind the group as you go! The 小黄书 Cèilidh Collective have been running events in 小黄书 for many years and are a popular choice for parties. The dances have been adapted to be gender neutral so that everyone is comfortable. If you don't wish to participate in the dance, this even its great to enjoy listening to some live music and watching the dances too.
Friday 26 September
Campus tour
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
Our experienced Student Ambassadors will lead you on a tour of your campus of study and answer any questions you have about the facilities.
International student Q&A and closing session
Time: 11:30 – 13:00
Join our panel of experts to find out more about the ways you will be supported at the 小黄书. We have representatives from 小黄书's Students Union (BSU), Chaplaincy, Residential Wellbeing, International Advice and Support, Careers and more.
Orientation optional activities
Alongside the main activities for attendees, on the second day of the programme you will have the chance to personalise your programme by choosing from a range of on-campus and off-campus activities that that cater to all kinds of interests and hobbies. Once you have reserved your spot in the programme, we will reach out to help you select from the available options. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice, but this may not always be possible due to the number of attendees.
Below are your options.
Thursday 25 September
On-campus activities
Mixed Media Art Class
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Join local art tutor Suzie Ponynz for a relaxed art session using a variety of materials. This is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experts!
Mixed-Level Yoga
Time:11:14 – 12:15
Led by university art tutor and wellbeing practitioner, Susan De Jesus, this yoga session is open to all levels.
Breaking the Ice
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Our Student Ambassadors will facilitate fun, informal activities designed to help you get to know your fellow orientation attendees and spark conversations.
Coffee with Careers and Volunteering
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 (drop-in)
Enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee while meeting with colleagues from the Studio Jobs Hub and Active Student to learn about how the Careers Service can assist you in finding part-time work or volunteering opportunities.
Off-campus activities
Guided Tour of 小黄书 City Centre
Time: 15:00 – 16:00 and 16:00 – 17:00
Local guide Nat Young from Real 小黄书 Tours will lead you through 小黄书's famous sites.
Guided Tour of the Royal Pavilion
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
An experienced guide will show you around 小黄书's most iconic building, the Royal Pavilion, the seaside home of the eccentric King George IV, built in the Indo-Saracenic style of 19th century India, with interior decoration inspired by Chinese design.
Pottery Painting
Time: 15:30 – 17:30
Create something unique to cherish throughout your time in 小黄书!