Brighton at a glance
Brighton is a vibrant, diverse city located on the south coast of England. Known for its artistic spirit, beachside charm, and welcoming atmosphere, Brighton is a top choice for international students seeking a lively yet laid-back place to study.
With two major universities – the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex – and a large student population, it offers a blend of academic excellence and exciting social opportunities. Whether you’re exploring quirky boutiques in The Lanes, enjoying live music in independent venues, or relaxing on the pebbled beach, Brighton offers a truly unique UK experience.
Brighton is a place full of love and happiness. The two universities make it a fun-loving student town that allows you to be your true self. (Third year student, University of Sussex)
Major airport
Train stations
A student city
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Browse through universities and colleges in Brighton and find one that suits you.
City highlights
Brighton is renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Royal Pavilion – a former royal residence with striking Indo-Saracenic architecture – and Brighton Palace Pier, which offers classic seaside fun.
The Lanes and North Laine areas are filled with independent shops, cafés, and street art, perfect for weekend exploring.
The city hosts major events like Brighton Pride, one of the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations, and the Brighton Festival, a leading arts event in the UK. Students love the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere and the endless cultural happenings throughout the year.
Gay Pride: The UK's biggest LGBTQ+ festival takes place each summer, with over 500,000 people supporting inclusivity in one of the UK's most famous seaside destinations.
Student life in Brighton
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Sunday chilling
When family visit
Low on cash
Feeling cultural
Travel tips
Brighton is a compact city that’s easy to navigate on foot or by bike.
The local bus network, run by Brighton & Hove Buses, is reliable and well-connected, offering student discounts.
The city is also well-linked to London, with frequent train services taking just over an hour to London Victoria or London Bridge.
The nearest airport is London Gatwick, only 30 minutes away by train.
Accommodation
Accommodation options range from university-managed halls to private rentals and homestays. Popular student areas include Lewes Road, Hanover, and Kemptown, each with its own vibe.
Brighton’s cost of living can be higher than other UK cities, so budgeting is important. Many students work part-time in the city’s hospitality or retail sectors.
Brighton is considered a safe city, but it’s always best to follow basic safety tips like walking in groups at night and securing your belongings. Most universities offer advice on budgeting, wellbeing, and accommodation – take advantage of those resources.
International student information
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
Brighton has a fantastic food scene with plenty of student-friendly options. Head to Foodilic for healthy buffet meals, or try Bison Beer for burgers with a local twist. You’ll also find great international cuisine, including Planet India (vegetarian Indian), Pompoko (Japanese), and Taste of Sahara (Middle Eastern).
North Laine is filled with independent cafés and vegan-friendly spots, while the city’s many pubs often offer student discounts on meals. You can lose hours and hours wandering around Brighton's treasure trove of independent eateries, flea markets and quirky shops – temptingly situated between the train station and the coast.
What to visit
Don’t miss a stroll along the beach, or a visit to the i360 observation tower for panoramic views of the coast. The Undercliff Walk, a scenic path between Brighton Marina and Saltdean, is perfect for peaceful walks or jogs by the sea.
The Sea Life Brighton aquarium is one of the oldest operating in the world.
Art lovers will enjoy the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, while music fans should check out Concorde 2 and Brighton Dome for gigs and shows.
Brighton Pier: Looking over Brighton beach while the sun sets. Sums up my three years at Sussex. (Latisha Osei, third year student at University of Sussex)
On your doorstep
Brighton’s location makes it ideal for day trips. Explore the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, just a short bus or train ride away. Visit historic Lewes with its medieval castle, or head to Seven Sisters for breathtaking cliff walks. London is easily reachable for weekend adventures. If you’re craving a quieter seaside escape, Eastbourne and Worthing offer relaxing coastal vibes just along the coast.
Sussex sun: The sun over a viewpoint in Sussex, where you can see the whole of Brighton and Falmer. (Natasha Mann, second year student at University of Sussex)
West Street contains the most clubs and pubs with links to university societies where you can get great discounts. But the best little bars are around North Laine, which play older music or have themed nights that are super fun.
London Road – this area is very common with students, so it's nice to be a few minutes walk from all my friends, and a 20-minute walk to campus. It has a high street of its own, so no need to go all the way into the city centre as there’s a great selection of shops, little cafes and takeaway food. The housing is average, not the cheapest but definitely good if you have a group of five or more.
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
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