Living in a city like no other
Brighton is a special place to live. It’s stimulating, exciting, inclusive and friendly: big enough to be inspiring and small enough to feel like home. A city with a beach and beautiful countryside on its doorstep, Brighton is a place where everyone belongs.
REAL STUDENT VIEWS
Carlton Koigi, sports coaching
Brighton’s got a vibe that’s hard to describe – it’s just full of life. I love how diverse and welcoming it is and how easy it is to meet people from different backgrounds. It feels like a place where you can just be yourself.
Vanishka, accounting
Living in Brighton has been a highlight of my university journey. The city has a vibrant and inclusive energy – it feels like everyone belongs here. It’s a city that encourages creativity and independence, and I truly feel that living here has shaped me into a more confident, well-rounded person.
Morenike, law
Brighton is a vibrant and welcoming city. Many things make it unique – the beach, the Lanes, the culture, the festivals. Walking through the Lanes should definitely be on the to-do list. The range of local shops, with crafts, designs, and food, just makes it even more lovely.
Louie, sports journalism
Living in Brighton, away from home, really helped develop my personal character. I would really encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new and different – Brighton is a great place to do this.
Amy Langford, Education
Brighton is such a unique place to live – a place that has something to offer for anyone. I love walking by the sea and exploring the independent shops and cafés in the lanes..
Seniz, ecology and conservation
There is something about Brighton – it is such a breath of fresh air. I find the people to be more inclusive and accepting. I think it is a great place to learn independence and self-discovery!
Sophie, geography
Brighton is such a brilliant place to live, it’s fun being so close to the beach and the South Downs, and I like that it’s a small city as it’s easy to get to know your way around and feel comfortable walking everywhere.
Undine, architecture
Brighton is filled with creativity. My favourite activity on the odd Friday out has to be going to the local pub where they hold open-mic nights or have a gig going on. I would advise anyone to immerse themselves in the Brighton music scene.
WHAT MAKES BRIGHTON SO SPECIAL?
One of Time Out’s
TOP 50 Best cities in the world (2025)
and the
3rd BEST CITY in the UK
3rd
in the world for diversity and inclusivity
AROUND
14%
of the people living in Brighton are studying
No. 1
in the UK for happiness
It’s a true student city
We have a real affinity with our city; Brighton is a place that looks at the world differently. Independent and inclusive, it attracts all kinds of people, often united by a commitment to positive change. It’s also a true student city – around 14% of people living here are studying. Brighton’s reputation for fun goes without saying, but it’s also known for being forward-thinking – it leads the way in arts, creative technology and the environment, and there are amazing opportunities to build on your studies by getting involved in city life.
Big things happen here
There are visitors all year round, and there’s an amazing variety of things to see, do and experience. The Brighton Festival takes place in venues across Brighton throughout May and, along with the Brighton Fringe Festival, is known for being ambitious, daring and original, just like the city. The Great Escape happens at the same time, bringing a showcase of new artists to venues across the city, turning Brighton into a music festival. Brighton & Hove Pride is the UK’s biggest Pride protest; the powerful Pride Community Parade culminates in a big party – a mix of celebration and campaigning at the heart of the event. It’s a city that cares about big issues and a place where people take action.
It does you good
Events like the iconic London to Brighton Bike Ride, the Brighton Marathon, beachside watersports festival Paddle Round the Pier – and our much-loved Premiership football team, Brighton & Hove Albion – show the city’s sporty side. It’s a great place for health and wellbeing. And there’s the undeniable body-and-mind benefit of being on the coast, from the fun of sunny beach days to quieter times with that soothing 180 degrees of open water. Mentally and physically, being here does you good.
It’s an entrepreneurial economic powerhouse
Brighton has the feel-good factor for sure, but when it comes to business and creativity, it’s not so laidback. It’s a hub of innovation, driving economic growth, proven by the fact that it has the highest proportion of start-ups and SMEs in creative and tech of any UK city.
“Brighton has … all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) … with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World, 2025
