East Slope

I never actually lived in East Slope, but was secretly jealous of those who did. The newer Sussex University residences get increasingly anti-​social as the facilities get *better*. Park Village has no common areas, and the ensuites in Lewes Court Phase II and the new residences by Bramber House and Falmer Station, tend to make people more likely to keep to themselves. With the mucky, tatty and ugly East Slope residences there seemed to be a sense of ‘we’re all in this together’! The most lively parties were always somewhere up on the East Slope too. Also with the new residences costing up to £120 a week, this is a rare chance to rent on a budget with rents around £70.

Having lived in East Slope myself, I can absolutely vouch for the superiority of this University of Sussex residence. Yes, they are tatty and neglected and yes, the rooms feel a little like cells, especially when you first arrive. However, it’s the people that make or break your year living on campus, and I can say, hand on heart, that I met some of the loveliest people living in East Slope.
As a proud resident of number 1, we benefitted from a fantastic location next to East Slope bar. East Slope is the best pub on campus– it is separated from the main teaching buildings, so feels quite separate from the rest of the university. The atmosphere is great and the pub has a dingy sort of charm and brilliant Student Union drink prices.
Back to the actual housing though… the flats contain either 6 or 12 bedrooms and a kitchen/​dining area. The size of this space is a joke for the number of people, but that’s part of what makes East Slope so social– you are forced to get to know each other quite quickly! The shabby décor and dilapidated condition were conducive to great parties. My friends who lived in Lewes Court didn’t have nearly as much going on in their buildings and would often come over to ‘slum it’ for a night of fun! Whilst I can see the attraction of ensuite bathrooms and large clean kitchens, there is something soulless about the newer residences. If you want to live a little during your first year at Sussex, I recommend East Slope!

Although old fashioned in design, East Slope is a great place to live. Designed bearing in mind student views regards how to create the perfect university accommodation, it is one of the friendliest places to stay on Sussex, and possibly the best residence for meeting other people. East Slope itself is made up of one hundred flats, each with kitchen, dining, toilet and bathroom facilities. The flats are shared by groups of six to twelve, and cost £75.20 per week, with water, gas and electricity all inclusive.