A Day in the Life of a Uni Student

Year 1 A-Level students at East Sussex College’s Eastbourne campus have experienced what life as a university student can be like after attending workshops at the University of Sussex.

The University of Sussex hosted a range of 12 different workshops for ESC A-Level students who are currently in their first year of studies. This experience provided students with an insight into university life and helped them consider their next steps after college.

The subject specific workshops provided students with an opportunity to sample just some of the topics and activities that they will cover at degree-level at university.

Students studying Chemistry went atomic, using light derived from hot gases to calculate the age of the universe and the current rate of space expansion. Meanwhile, Neuroscience students investigated how applying electrical impulses to the central nervous system can be used to understand how the brain and muscles work.

This provided students with an opportunity to use real life, industry-standard equipment and identify how electrical impulses could be used to stimulate movement on artificial limbs.

Psychology students learnt about the range of techniques used in lie detection and how this understanding is used in the security industry, particularly at airports. Sociologists and Criminologists compared school to prison, while Law students simulated a courtroom experience and took the part of defence or prosecution.

Geography examined the global effect of deforestation in a university-style lecture. International Development talks examined what is meant by international development and how students can help change the world.

The Anthropology workshop became fascinatingly morbid, exploring what death means to different people, times and cultures. Philosophy students explored the workings of capitalism and other alternatives.

English looked to the future with discussion of changes to communication through technology and some hands-on Lego fun. Media changed students’ understanding of fairytales by applying narrative theory to their favourite stories - including Star Wars.

These workshops and university tours have already inspired many students to sign up for the summer schools programme and other opportunities on offer at the Brighton-based university.