Located 50 miles south of the capital, the overwhelming majority of Brighton’s students come from the London area, contributing to its reputation as 'London by the Sea'. The similarity to the capital manifests itself not only in Brighton’s variety and vitality, helped by large numbers of international students, but also in high prices and frenetic pace. Relaxed places, such as the North Laine, do exist, if you know where to look for them. The variety of nightlife in the city means that Brighton’s students’ unions are less well used than those at other universities, but they do benefit from easy accessibility compared with those in the city centre.
Getting Around
Brighton is compact and easy to get around on foot. Bus services are plentiful and there is a flat rate fare in the central area. There is a network of cycle lanes. Car parking is at a premium but there is a park-and-ride system. Trains to London take 50 minutes. London Gatwick Airport is 25 miles away with international links.
Attractions for Students
Sport: The Brighton Bears basketball team is based at the Brighton Centre; Brighton and Hove Albion plays football at Withdean Stadium and Sussex County Cricket Club has its ground in the area. The marina contains a leisure complex with a health club and bowling alley. The city has 2 golf courses, 3 swimming pools, 24 cricket pitches, more than 60 tennis courts and around 70 football pitches. Yellowave, the first permanent beach sports venue in the UK opened in Spring 2007. Frank Gehry has designed a new leisure complex for Hove.
Culture and nightlife: The city has 19 cinema screens, and 5 major theatres. The Brighton Centre plays host to the large pop and rock tours, whilst the Dome is home to the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra. There are 10 museums. The Royal Pavilion epitomises Regency Brighton. The Victorian Brighton Pier is packed with traditional seaside amusements. The new-look Beachfront area buzzes with bars, cafés, clubs, basketball and volleyball, artists’ and fishing quarters. England’s largest arts extravaganza, the Brighton Festival, is in May and the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run takes place in November. Arguably the clubbing capital of the south coast, Brighton attracts big name DJs from all over the country.
Shopping: North Laine with its Saturday flea market is popular with students, while the Lanes provides trendy and expensive shops. Churchill Square has all the High Street favourites under one roof. The Marina contains a factory outlet-shopping village.
Population: 250,000 Student population: 31,000
Proximity to the city centre: University of Brighton: 1 site in Eastbourne and 3 in and around Brighton. University of Sussex: about 4 miles northeast in Falmer.
Cost of Living - Facts for Students
Brighton is the most cost effective university in the UK, despite only 5% choosing it for this reason.
26% of students pay rent bills over £90; therefore they have the highest average rent at £86.53.
They have the 2nd highest mean weekly expenditure at £220.30.
40% of students who work receive over £9.00 an hour, making them the highest paid students in the UK.
Students in Brighton earn the most on holiday, £142.62, - £49.27 more than the average.
They receive the most money on average per year, £283.87, with 16% of students getting more financial help this year from their parents.
31% of students don't expect to have a job in the first year after leaving university.
Facts are sourced from NatWest/RBS Student Living Index 2009, for more useful financial information from NatWest click here >
For more information Brighton Visitor Information Centre, Royal Pavilion Shop, Royal Pavilion, Pavilion Buidings, Brighton BN1 1EE
