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 on the edge of beautiful countryside, Brighton is a place where everyone belongs.
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. Its 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.
AROUND
of the people living in Brighton are studying
TIME OUT'S
3rd
BEST CITY
IN THE UK
2025
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
ONE OF TIME OUT'S
TOP 50
BEST CITIES
IN THE WORLD
2025
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.
Rainy days in Brighton? ☔️ No problem! 🌧️ Explore these hidden gems for FREE:
🏛️ * @boothmuseum_nathist A great place to learn some natural history! 🖼️ Local Galleries @enter_gallery @fabricagallery @labyrinthgallerybrighton @fishingquartergallery
There are so many galleries to explore! 🛍#brighton #freethingstodo #brightonlife #brightonart #brightonuni #rainydays☔️
Strolling into the weekend like… 🚶🌞🌊💛 Who’s excited for #Brighton life?! 🌈 Join us in September and experience it all. We've got courses available in Clearing👆 #brighton #brightonlanes #brightonlife #brightonuk
POV: you’ve just moved to #brighton and your weekends look like this 🧡💜🩷💚💛 Come and visit us at our Autumn open days this October 🍂 #brighton #brightonuni #uni #streetart
Looking for some inspo? ☀️Robson is here with her favourite free spots to explore in Brighton🍃:
🏞️ Stroll through the scenic beauty of Stanmer Park 🌄 Hike the stunning South Downs National Park ⚓ Wander around Brighton Marina and soak up the sea views 🌊 Relax on iconic Brighton Beach 🎡 Take in the fun vibes at Brighton Pier 🌸 Unwind in the peaceful Pavilion Gardens
Imani, psychology and criminology
I love living in Brighton! From the minute I arrived everyone I met was extremely kind and accepting of difference. What I love most of all is the calm atmosphere, the friendly people and the closeness of the beach giving it a very relaxed and open feel. In Brighton you can be as expressive as you want without judgement, which I think is what makes this city so unique.
Eva, pharmacy
I love how non-judgemental the whole city feels – there are so many dedicated LGBT spaces and meet-ups, sober and otherwise; and there’s a focus on LGBT mental and sexual health that I haven’t seen in other places. It also means you’re very likely to bump into LGBT people in town, on your course, and in other places you frequent – it’s easy to feel like you belong.
Kristian, music business and media
It’s the perfect combination of sea, city, nature and leisure, and you’re never far away from something new, or someone you have lots in common with! The community is accepting, and you can truly be yourself here. Whether you live near the Lanes, the seafront, Moulsecoomb, Falmer or beyond, there’s always a connection to the city centre, making it super accessible too.
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. The city has a really strong character to it, especially because of all the quirky independent shops in the Lanes that you can wander around for ages.
BRIGHTON DOES YOU GOOD
Events like the iconic London to Brighton Bike Ride, the Brighton Marathon, beachside water-sports 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 feel-good factor 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.
Nick, paramedic science
I love this city! It’s bursting with life and variety, and it’s this diversity that draws so many of us to it. Brighton has the beach and countryside on its doorstep – the best of both worlds. Nothing beats sitting on the beach on a glorious summer day with my mates and enjoying the liveliness brought by the various bars playing music and assortment of visitors. And I love that ‘only in Brighton’ is a such a well-used phrase!
Katy, media
I love how eco-centric it is; there’s so many options for vegan food, eco shopping, zero-waste options... It’s also a small city, so you can walk everywhere, and for a country girl like me it doesn’t feel too stressful!
Istvan, computer science with cyber security
Brighton is the be-all and end-all location to be a student. It is without a doubt the most inclusive and laid-back location while there is always something happening. If you wrote a list of art, leisure, sport, or social activities that you can think of there is a good chance they would only be a short bus ride away (if not in walking distance).
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, for example in fashion you see all sorts here. People can wear whatever they want, and I feel it boosted my confidence to dress however I wanted too. I think it is a great place to learn independence and self-discovery!
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.
