A to Z of life at Central Sussex College
Central Sussex College

Central Sussex College

Main Navigation

Enrichment

Work hard, play hard

Here at Central Sussex College it’s not all about work - we want you to get the most from student life. There are many activities and clubs you can get involved with, from sports and fundraising to the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union arranges trips, parties and events throughout the academic year which all students are encouraged to enjoy.

Get active!

Our students can also benefit from fantastic local sports facilities - available at a discounted rate at K2 Leisure Centre on production of a valid student ID card (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) - which include football, badminton, basketball and swimming.

There are also the Olympos leisure centres in Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath which students can use during their free time.

Central Sussex College FC plays in a local league and the team was recently promoted and reached the league final. They’re always on the lookout for new talent. And, at our Haywards Heath campus the hockey team recently brought home the West Sussex Colleges' hockey trophy after winning the tournament!

Get involved!

Students' Union

All full-time students and students on courses lasting more than ten weeks automatically become members of the Students' Union – this is your chance to help decide what goes on throughout the academic year. The success of the Students' Union relies on the input of the student population, and with enthusiastic student involvement we believe anything is possible. Our Students' Union ensures all students have the opportunity to play sports, attend trips to cities and theme parks and it arranges regular social events such as party nights and karaokes.

Representatives of the Students’ Union are also key players in fundraising events and providing information, support and representation to fellow students. At our Haywards Heath campus, you’ll find a very active student body, where you’ll have the opportunity to join student bands, sports teams and drama productions to name but a few. There are also regular live music nights and end-of-term balls to attend, so you’re guaranteed friendship and fun alongside your studies.

Learner representatives

Each year during the autumn term, every full-time course elects a student to represent the views and opinions of their class, and provide a link between course leaders and students. These Learner Representitives can also represent the course and/or faculty on the Student Parliament.

Student Executive

The Student Executive and Learner Representitives together make up the Student Parliament.

What can I gain from being a Learner Rep or member of the Student Exec?

As a Student Representative you will receive an enormous sense of satisfaction and gain valuable skills during your time at College. You will see your ideas turned into reality, improve your communication skills, work within a team, and make new friends. You will also receive training in relevant key skills and will learn to improve on other skills including communication, problem solving and team work. This looks great to potential employers and on university applications. Added benefits include discounts on some trips and events, and a thank you party organised specifically for the Student Executive.

Get discounts!

An NUS Extra card, available for a small charge online, will enable you to enjoy the many discounts offered to students across Sussex and the rest of the UK. With this card you can get money off in a variety of places including high street stores, music shops, cinemas and driving schools. An Active Card, available from K2 Leisure Centre, will give you the opportunity to use many local leisure services at a discounted rate. The Students' Union can also provide information on ISIC cards and proof of age cards.

Get fundraising!

RAG Week is a popular annual event and is supported by staff and students alike. It's a great way to give something back to the community whilst having fun. In recent years there have been five-a-side football matches, fancy dress collections, cake sales, inflatables and many more crazy activities! In the past our chosen charities have included Children in Need and The Meningitis Trust, and local charities such as St Catherine's Hospice and Mid Sussex Body Positive.

Get socialising!

Crawley, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead all have plenty going on and there is a good variety of places to eat, drink and socialise. Crawley has a great nightlife and as well as a multi-screen cinema and bowling alley you can also choose from a number of central nightclubs, pubs and bars.

Likewise there are cinemas and a range of good quality bars and restaurants in East Grinstead and Haywards Heath.

Get networking!(All campuses excluding Haywards Heath)

Want to find out news and views from other students? The Student Network is a space for prospective and current students to communicate with each other and have their say.

If you’re on Facebook, why not become a fan of Central Sussex College and keep up to date with news, college events and closures, and get chatting with other students? You can also follow news relating to the College on Twitter.

Coming to College isn’t just about studying! There are lots of opportunities to enrich your time with us through sports, music, drama, trips, fundraising and events.

Student Groups

You can have your say at Central Sussex College! There are a number of student groups at the Haywards Heath campus, and you are encouraged to consider joining one or more of them to contribute to making life at College more interesting and fun.

  • Student Executive - who organise events to make your life at College interesting and fun, with events like the frequent balls, electric evenings and charity days
  • College Council
  • Equality and Diversity Committee
  • Student Voice - which is a group of students carrying out research into students’ views
  • Young Enterprise - which offers opportunities for budding entrepreneurs

Charity Fund Raising

Every year the College raises thousands of pounds for charities through Fundays, such as Red Nose Day and Children in Need, and through student activities such as Balls. Trips and Events The College organises a number of trips and events each year. Some are linked to your programme of study and others are just for fun!

Performing at Central Sussex College

If you enjoy drama, dance and music there is plenty to choose from at the Haywards Heath campus! Drama productions offer the opportunity to act, sing, dance, design and make costumes and stage sets, and operate our sound and lighting system. There is also a range of music-making and listening opportunities though these depend on the number and particular enthusiasms of the musical students at the College - whether taking A level music or not! These might include stage musicals, instrumental ensembles, soloists and accompanists and singing.

Fitness Suite and Sports

We have a Fitness Suite with a rower, weights machine and fitness testing equipment. After an induction programme, the Fitness Suite is available throughout the day.

In addition to the Fitness Suite, we have extensive sports provision on and off-site with access to a sports hall, games field with Football and Rugby pitches and Netball and Tennis Courts. Astroturf is available at the Triangle and Dolphin Leisure Centres. Whilst studying with Central Sussex College, you are encouraged to play for College teams, join sports development courses and participate in ‘Sport for All’ on Wednesday afternoons.

In the Community

You will have the chance to work for one afternoon a week as a volunteer in a choice of settings, which provides you with the opportunity to work with many different people and gain experience of the wider community.

Duke of Edinburgh Award (Haywards Heath only)

Open to all, there are expeditions to Snowdonia, South Downs and the New Forest on bike, horse or canoe!

Back to top

Student Support