Brighton is the UK’s most iconic seaside city and one of its most exciting student destinations. Located on England’s south coast just an hour from London, the city combines the energy of a major cultural hub with the relaxed vibe of a beach town. With over 35,000 students across its two universities, Brighton has a uniquely creative, open-minded, and inclusive atmosphere that makes it feel unlike anywhere else in Britain.

The University of Sussex is a world-leading research university consistently ranked among the best in the UK, known for its beautiful campus and strong tradition of progressive thinking. The University of Brighton is a creative, career-focused institution with particular strengths in art, design, and health sciences. Together, they welcome students from over 140 countries, creating a diverse, vibrant community in a city that has always celebrated individuality and self-expression.

Student accommodation in Brighton is moderately priced. It’s higher than in most northern cities but lower than in London. Weekly rents typically range from £120 to £180 for shared houses in popular student areas. The city is compact and well served by buses, with many students cycling along the flat seafront. Brighton’s distinct neighbourhoods each have their own character, from bohemian Kemptown to more classically student-centric Hanover, offering something for every taste.

What truly makes Brighton special is its remarkable combination of seven miles of beach and seafront on your doorstep, one of the UK’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and Pride celebrations, an incredible independent food, shopping, and nightlife scene, easy access to London and the beautiful South Downs National Park, and a famously tolerant, creative community where everyone is welcome to be themselves.

The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students

Brighton’s student areas spread across the city and into neighbouring Hove, with most students choosing to live in Hanover, Kemptown, the North Laine area, Moulsecoomb, Lewes Road, or the City Centre. The compact size means most areas are within walking or cycling distance of the beach and city centre.

Hanover

Hanover is Brighton’s quintessential student neighbourhood and one of the city’s most characterful areas. Perched on a steep hill above the city centre, this tight-knit community of colourful Victorian terraced houses has a village-like atmosphere despite being just minutes from the action. The steep, narrow streets and painted houses give it a distinctive charm.

The area has a strong community spirit, with local pubs like The Geese and the Setting Sun acting as social hubs. Queens Park provides green space nearby, and the annual Hanover Day street party celebrates the neighbourhood’s unique character. The city centre and beach are a 10 to 15 minute walk downhill (longer coming back up!). Hanover suits students who want a genuine community feel and don’t mind the hills. Average weekly rent ranges from £120 to £165.

Kemptown

Kemptown is Brighton’s vibrant LGBTQ+ heartland and one of the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods. Located east of the pier along the seafront, this diverse, inclusive area is packed with independent cafes, vintage shops, bars, and restaurants. St James’s Street is the main thoroughfare, buzzing with life day and night.

The area attracts students who appreciate Brighton’s alternative culture and want to be close to the seafront and city centre. Kemptown has excellent brunch spots, quirky pubs, and a thriving nightlife scene. The beach is on your doorstep, and the Marina with its cinema, restaurants, and casino is a short walk away. Kemptown suits students who want a lively, diverse neighbourhood with seaside living. Average weekly rent ranges from £125 to £175.

North Laine

North Laine is Brighton’s famous bohemian quarter, a maze of narrow streets packed with independent shops, vintage stores, cafes, and bars. Located just north of the city centre, this colourful area epitomises Brighton’s creative, alternative spirit and is one of the most photographed parts of the city.

Living in or near North Laine puts you at the heart of Brighton’s cultural life. The area has exceptional coffee shops, street food, and nightlife, with venues like Patterns and The Hope and Ruin hosting live music and club nights. The beach and main shopping areas are minutes away. Accommodation here is mostly flats above shops and in converted buildings. North Laine suits students who want to be immersed in Brighton’s famous atmosphere. Average weekly rent ranges from £135 to £190.

Lewes Road

Lewes Road is Brighton’s main student corridor, running northeast from the city centre towards the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb campus and beyond towards the University of Sussex at Falmer. This long road and its surrounding streets house thousands of students and have developed a lively atmosphere with shops, takeaways, and pubs catering to the student population.

The area offers some of Brighton’s most affordable student accommodation, with Victorian terraces converted into shared houses. Regular buses run along Lewes Road to both universities and the city centre. The Open Market nearby offers fresh produce and street food. Lewes Road suits students looking for value and convenience, particularly those studying at the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb campus. Average weekly rent ranges from £110 to £150.

Moulsecoomb and Falmer

Moulsecoomb is home to the University of Brighton’s largest campus, while Falmer hosts the University of Sussex’s beautiful parkland campus and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School. These areas on the city’s north-eastern edge offer purpose-built student accommodation and some of the most affordable private housing in Brighton.

Falmer is served by its own train station and regular buses, making the journey to the city centre around 15 to 20 minutes. The University of Sussex campus is set in stunning South Downs scenery, and the AMEX Stadium (home to Brighton and Hove Albion FC) is nearby. These areas suit students who prioritise proximity to campus and affordability over city centre living. Average weekly rent ranges from £100 to £145.

Hove

Hove is Brighton’s more genteel neighbour to the west, technically a separate town but seamlessly connected. The area offers elegant Regency architecture, a quieter beach, and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere while still being within easy reach of Brighton’s buzz. Locals famously insist on the distinction that they live in Hove, not Brighton.

The area around Hove station has good transport links and local amenities. Church Road offers independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The seafront is less busy than central Brighton but equally beautiful. Hove suits students who prefer a calmer environment while remaining connected to the city. It’s particularly popular with postgraduate students and mature students. Average weekly rent ranges from £125 to £175.

City Centre

Brighton’s city centre offers purpose-built student accommodation within walking distance of shops, restaurants, nightlife, and the beach. Living centrally puts you at the heart of everything Brighton has to offer, from the Royal Pavilion to the Palace Pier to the famous Lanes shopping area.

Modern PBSA developments provide contemporary facilities including en-suite rooms, gyms, and social spaces. The University of Brighton’s Grand Parade campus for arts subjects is located right in the city centre. City centre living suits students who want urban convenience and don’t want to commute. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £160 to £250.

Getting to Brighton as an International Student

Brighton is located on England’s south coast, approximately 50 miles south of London. The city doesn’t have its own airport but is exceptionally well connected to London’s airports by train and coach, with Gatwick Airport particularly convenient.

London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick is by far the most convenient airport for Brighton, located just 30 miles north of the city. It’s the UK’s second-busiest airport with extensive international connections, including direct flights to North America, Europe, and beyond. Direct trains run from Gatwick Airport station to Brighton every 15 minutes, taking just 30 to 40 minutes and costing around £10 to £20. This makes Brighton one of the easiest UK university cities to reach from an international airport.

London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow offers the widest range of international connections from the UK, with direct flights to destinations across every continent. National Express coaches run directly from Heathrow to Brighton, taking approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and costing £20 to £40. Alternatively, take the Tube or Heathrow Express to London Victoria, then a direct train to Brighton (approximately 1 hour).

London Stansted Airport

London Stansted serves numerous European destinations, particularly budget airlines. National Express coaches run to Brighton, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, take the Stansted Express to London Liverpool Street, then the Tube to Victoria and train to Brighton.

London Luton Airport

London Luton serves mainly European budget airlines. National Express coaches run to Brighton, taking approximately 3 hours. Train connections via London are also possible but involve multiple changes.

Getting Around Brighton

Walking: Brighton is compact and very walkable. The city centre, beach, and main shopping areas are all close together. Walking from the station to the beach takes about 10 minutes. Hanover and Kemptown are 15 to 20 minutes from the centre on foot. Be prepared for hills in some areas, like Hanover.

Buses: Brighton and Hove Buses operate an excellent network across the city. Single fares are around £2.50, with day tickets at £5.50. The Saver ticket offers unlimited travel for £4.90 after 9 am. Weekly passes cost approximately £21. Key routes include the 25 (Lewes Road corridor to both universities) and various seafront services.

Cycling: Brighton is great for cycling, particularly along the flat seafront, which has a dedicated cycle lane stretching for miles. The city centre and some areas are hillier. BTN BikeShare offers bike hire across the city. Both universities have bicycle storage.

Trains: Brighton station connects to London Victoria (approximately 1 hour), London Bridge (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), Gatwick Airport (30 to 40 minutes), and along the coast to Eastbourne, Hastings, and Portsmouth. A 16-25 Railcard costs £35 per year and saves one-third on most fares. Many student bank accounts include a free Railcard.

Universities in Brighton

University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is a world-leading research university, consistently ranked in the top 20 in the UK and top 250 globally. Founded in 1961 as one of the new wave of plate glass universities, Sussex has always had a progressive, radical reputation and a commitment to interdisciplinary thinking. The university has approximately 20,000 students.

Sussex is particularly renowned for Development Studies (ranked 1st in the world), Media Studies, Politics, and Psychology. The beautiful campus at Falmer is set within the South Downs National Park, with striking 1960s architecture by Sir Basil Spence. Notable alumni include five Nobel Prize winners. International students from over 140 countries benefit from dedicated support services.

University of Brighton

The University of Brighton is a creative, career-focused university with approximately 20,000 students spread across four campuses in Brighton and Eastbourne. The university has strong industry connections and emphasises practical, professionally-relevant education with excellent graduate employment outcomes.

Brighton is particularly renowned for Art and Design, Architecture, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Sport Science. The Grand Parade campus in the city centre houses the arts faculty and has stunning sea views. The Moulsecoomb campus is the largest, while Eastbourne offers a quieter alternative. The Brighton and Sussex Medical School is a joint venture with the University of Sussex. International students from over 100 countries benefit from comprehensive support, including visa advice, orientation programmes, and English language courses.

Cost of Living in Brighton for International Students

Brighton is a mid-range UK city for living costs, more affordable than London but pricier than most northern cities. The exceptional quality of life, beach lifestyle, and proximity to London justify the costs for many students.

Accommodation (Weekly)

Moulsecoomb/Falmer: £100 to £145

Lewes Road: £110 to £150

Hanover: £120 to £165

Kemptown: £125 to £175

Hove: £125 to £175

North Laine: £135 to £190

University halls: £140 to £210

En-suite PBSA: £170 to £250

City centre studio: £200 to £300

Food, Transport and Other Costs

Budget around £120 to £180 per month for groceries. Aldi, Lidl, and major supermarkets offer good value, while the Open Market sells fresh produce and international ingredients. Budget £60 to £85 per month for bus travel if needed, though many students walk or cycle. Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym membership outside university facilities runs £25 to £40 per month.

Realistic Monthly Budget

Budget-conscious students can live on £900 to £1,150 per month in Brighton. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,150 to £1,500 per month.

International Student Community in Brighton

Brighton has a wonderfully diverse and welcoming international student community, reflecting the city’s famous tolerance and openness. The University of Sussex Students’ Union offers over 200 societies and sports clubs, including numerous nationality-based societies and cultural groups. The campus has a strong community feel with regular events and festivals.

The University of Brighton Students’ Union offers additional societies and comprehensive support. Both universities provide dedicated international student support, including visa advice, orientation programmes, buddy schemes, and English language courses. The city’s inclusive atmosphere means international students often feel at home very quickly.

Brighton’s food scene is exceptional and diverse. The Lanes and North Laine are packed with independent restaurants and cafes. Kemptown has brilliant brunch spots and international cuisine. The Open Market features street food from around the world. Brighton is particularly famous for its vegetarian and vegan food scene, with numerous dedicated restaurants. The seafront has traditional fish and chips alongside contemporary dining.

Brighton’s nightlife is legendary and incredibly diverse. The city has something for every taste, from intimate live music venues to large clubs. Patterns, Concorde 2, and The Arch host club nights and live music. The seafront clubs attract weekend visitors from London. Kemptown has LGBTQ+ venues and alternative bars. North Laine has quirky pubs and cocktail bars. Student nights run throughout the week at venues across the city. Brighton’s proximity to London means world-famous DJs often play here, and the city has a strong dance music heritage.

What Makes Brighton Special for International Students

Beach Lifestyle: Seven miles of seafront on your doorstep means beach walks between lectures, summer evenings watching the sunset over the pier, and a holiday atmosphere year-round. Few university cities offer this lifestyle.

LGBTQ+ Capital: Brighton is the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital, with one of the largest Pride celebrations in Europe. The city’s openness and inclusivity create a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of background or identity.

The Royal Pavilion: This extraordinary Indo-Saracenic palace, built for King George IV, is one of Britain’s most exotic buildings. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and hosts events throughout the year.

Creative Hub: Brighton has always attracted artists, musicians, and creative thinkers. The city has a thriving arts scene with galleries, theatres, and the annual Brighton Festival, one of the largest arts festivals in England.

South Downs National Park: The University of Sussex campus sits within the South Downs, and beautiful countryside walks start right at the university gates. The Seven Sisters chalk cliffs are a short bus ride away.

Palace Pier: Brighton’s iconic Victorian pier offers traditional seaside amusements, fairground rides, and fish and chips. It’s tacky, it’s fun, and it’s an essential Brighton experience.

Brighton FAQs

Is Brighton a good city for international students?

Absolutely. Brighton offers excellent universities, an incredible quality of life, and one of the most welcoming, diverse communities in the UK. The beach lifestyle, vibrant culture, and easy access to London make it a uniquely attractive destination. International students consistently praise the city’s openness and inclusivity.

Is Brighton safe?

Brighton is generally considered safe, with student areas like Hanover, Kemptown, and Hove particularly secure. The city centre can be busy late at night, especially on weekends when visitors from London arrive. Both universities provide security services and support. Normal urban precautions apply, particularly around the seafront late at night.

What is the weather like?

Brighton has a mild maritime climate, being one of the sunniest places in the UK. Winters are cool but rarely severe (average 4-9°C). Summers are warm and pleasant (16-22°C), perfect for beach days. The seafront can be windy. Rain is possible year-round, but less frequent than in northern England. A light jacket and layers are essential.

Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Brighton?

Now you have seen all that Brighton has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Brighton student accommodation options.

If you have more questions relating to a range of international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.