Brighton - Location Reviews - StudentCrowd

Brighton is a really diverse and well connected area with a lot of entertainment, but very expensive. Sticking to a budget is really important for days out as prices build so quickly.

By member1289144 On 20th July 2023

Study in Brighton

The University of Brighton and the University of Sussex are here, but really everyone knows Brighton for just one thing: the seaside. It’s a famous holiday hotspot and it can be all yours.

University of Brighton

The University of Brighton started life as an art school in the kitchens of the Royal Pavilion in 1859 and has now grown to an inclusive and diverse institution that is home to 19,000 students. Subjects taught include medicine, engineering, psychology and illustration. The university has fantastic facilities as well as strong community and educational partnerships.

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University of Sussex

Located just outside of Brighton on a rolling parkland campus, the University of Sussex prides itself on being a leading research-intensive university. There are over 16,000 students from over 100 countries and 96% of students are in full time employment or further study six months after graduation.

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Study in Brighton? Review your location

Brighton Student Life

Brighton is an eccentric, lively, diverse and buzzing city that welcome’s anyone and everyone with open arms. Often students love it so much that they find it hard to leave after university.

Cost of Living

Accommodation

Student accommodation costs range from £82 - £521 per week; the average is £238 per week.

Compare the average elsewhere: Guildford: £210/week, Bristol: £195/week, Bournemouth: £171/week.

(prices are for all purpose-built student accommodation (both private and university-owned) over the last 12 months, as listed on StudentCrowd)

The average price for:

A cheap meal at a restaurant: £15
A pint of beer: £4.50
A regular takeout coffee: £2.88
1L of milk: £0.93
A loaf of white bread: £1.07

Prices (for cost of living only) are about 9% higher than equivalent costs in Guildford, about 10% higher than Bristol and about 20% higher than Bournemouth.

(Source: Numbeo)

Nights Out

Public Transport

You won’t need a car in Brighton, the parking charges are high and the university doesn’t provide enough spaces. However, “The Big Lemon” bus service is highly recommended by most students - the prices are decent (get day or week passes for better value) and the buses are environmentally friendly. To travel outside of the city of Brighton is connected well by rail, with direct services to London and major destinations in the south. You can also travel by coach around the UK for low fare prices.

Eating Out

Shopping

Brighton is famous for The Lanes, an area in central Brighton made up of twisted alleyways that are full of quirky boutiques, vintage shops, antique jewellery shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There is so much to explore that even if you don’t need to go shopping, it’s a really fun place to just roam around. When it comes to high street shopping, Brighton certainly caters for that too, you’ll find all your well-known shops at Churchill Square and Brighton Marina.

Top 10 Tips

The sea front

When it comes to entertainment, you’re spoilt for choice. Your best bet is to head towards the sea front - there’s the famous pebble beach, the Pier with its fairground-style attractions, loads of clubs, the Brighton Wheel and other places of interest.

London

You have easy access to all that London has to offer. The best ticket to buy is a day travel card as it’s cheap and includes unlimited tube journeys too. It’ll be up to 1/3 cheaper with a 16-25 railcard, so make sure you get one if you haven’t already. Buy your railcard online with an NUS Extra card to get it at a discounted rate. Wow, that’s 3 tips in 1.

Healthy eating

Foodilic is a good place to get a healthy and good value meal.

Not so healthy eating

But an absolute must! Eat Fish & Chips on Brighton pier, you can’t beat it. Make sure to finish off with some famous ‘Brighton Rock’ which is a type of hard stick-shaped boiled sugar confectionery deliciousness - you might want to book in with the dentist after though.

Oldest Cinema in England

Brighton’s art house cinema, The Duke of York’s Picturehouse, is the oldest cinema in England and was voted to be the UK’s best in 2012. They host some fab special events such as fancy dress screenings and epic back-to-back film marathons that run throughout the night. Perfect for an alternative social.

Visitors?

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the parents, Preston Manor and its scenic grounds is a winner.

The West End

For an amazing day out, head into London’s West End with a couple of friends and take advantage of the Student Standby Scheme. It allows you to get reduced tickets at most theatres by visiting the box office an hour before a show begins. You’re not guaranteed to get a ticket, but for best chances call the theatre the day before and ask whether they’re likely to have any standby tickets, then arrive at the box office nice and early on the day with your student ID and ticket money in cash. Go with an open mind and a few options up your sleeve and you’re likely to have a great time.

Cocktail?

Valentino’s is a stylish little cocktail bar next to the Theatre Royal. It’s our recommended venue for a date or a special occasion that merits something a bit classy.

Festivals

Whether you are into music, food, comedy or paddling around the pier there will be a festival that will fuel your fancy. Brighton is also famously home to one of the best and biggest Pride festivals in the world; it’s certainly one event you won’t want to miss whilst living there.

Watch a Premier League match

The American Express Community Stadium is home to local premier league team Brighton & Hove Albion. So if you are into your footie you’ll be able to catch some great games here.

Top 10 Brighton Accommodation

4.08 /5

(74 reviews)

Hollingbury House 4.08 /5

I’ve only been living here in this accommodation for 2 months or just over, it’s a bit expensive but it’s doable. It is at a convenient location. I ca...

4.06 /5

(35 reviews)

Great Wilkins Halls 4.06 /5

This accommodation is a bit out of main shops and is a bit from the train to visit shops however the management team are great and very friendly and g...

4.05 /5

(46 reviews)

Hillfort House 4.05 /5

good amenities and common areas that aren't included in many other accommodations. many events on often and take suggestions from residents. Within wa...

3.86 /5

(10 reviews)

Pavilion Point 3.86 /5

I chose to stay here for the full 3 years of my course, I really love it here, the people at reception are lovely and always there to help, issues are...

3.7 /5

(11 reviews)

iQ Abacus House 3.7 /5

the place is clean ，staffs in reception are very nice. It is convenient to go anywhere. Near the train station, bus station...

3.63 /5

(10 reviews)

Welkin Hall - Eastbourne 3.63 /5

Great place to get to know your other students. Great community, but not worth the money unless you like silverfish, flooding and rats....

3.49 /5

(24 reviews)

Brighthelm 3.49 /5

Wonderful accommodation, spacious with a great community feel...

3.47 /5

(14 reviews)

Phoenix Brewery 3.47 /5

Loved my stay at phoenix, location is great, rooms seem a bit old compared to other buildings but nothing to complain about....

3.42 /5

(21 reviews)

Lewes Court 3.42 /5

I’m not sure who is taking the photos of the University of Sussex. But none of these photos are an accurate representation. Google Maps has photos and...

#10

3.39 /5

(18 reviews)

Paddock Field 3.39 /5

Bit out the way from BSMS buildings. Better shop on site needed...

Study in Brighton? Review your town

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member5101982

24th February 2024