Key facts
students rank Sussex in the top 10 universities in the UK for nightlife in the 2012 Which? guide. Brighton hosts a thriving music scene and England’s biggest arts festival
Brighton ranks in the top 3 safest university cities in England and Wales (The Complete University Guide, July 2011)
eclectic mix of shops and restaurants
Image gallery: Brighton and the surrounding area
Brighton is an ideal city to be a student in with so much going on. The city boasts over 200 pubs and bars, and its nightlife is legendary. Any night of the week there'll be a club or a gig to suit you. Live music is a way of life in Brighton. You’ll find gigs in pubs, small clubs, on street corners and even on the beach. Home to Nick Cave and Rizzle Kicks, the city vibrates to its own soundtrack.
The city has a truly diverse cultural scene. From pre-West End premieres to experimental fringe productions, and from burlesque and art-house cinema to classical, blues, jazz and world music, there’s always something to keep you entertained.
The highlight of the cultural year is the Brighton Festival, England’s biggest arts festival, attracting internationally renowned performers, poets and writers to its threeweek stint in May. Complementing the festival is the Brighton Fringe, an eclectic mix of comedians, speakers and street theatre. In fact, you’ll struggle to find a weekend when there isn’t something going on, with events such as the London to Brighton Bike Ride, the Veteran Car Run, and one of the biggest gay Pride festivals in the UK.
If you’re in need of retail therapy, Brighton can definitely satisfy. With the best shopping south of London, Brighton’s wares range from the conventional to the truly bizarre, and with hundreds of great cafés and restaurants to choose from you won’t go hungry.
The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s 28,000-seater stadium, is right next to the Sussex campus.
Brighton really does have it all: sun, sea, brilliant clubs, fabulous shops, and a laidback cosmopolitan vibe. And if you still want more, London’s nearby.
To find out why our students love Brighton, watch our video:
To get a taste for Brighton life throughout the year, watch the following videos from Visit Brighton: