What students say

We asked ISC students: "What do you like best about Brighton?"

  • being next to the sea
  • Brighton pier
  • the famous Brighton beach
  • good nightlife and nightclubs
  • the shopping centre
  • there are as many places to go out and enjoy as in London
  • it is peaceful and safe
  • there are lots of fun things to do
  • it's really hard to get bored here!
  • it is close to the University of Sussex
  • respect for different religions

Also read the ISC student blog, to meet Ruth from Malawi, Hank from Vietnam and Lin from China and learn about their life as International students at Sussex.

Brighton - the UK's most exciting seaside city

The city of Brighton is located just eight minutes by train from the University of Sussex campus. Brighton has everything - great shopping and entertainment, many cafes and restaurants together with a relaxed seaside culture. With students forming 10 per cent of the population, the city has a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere. This is a city where you will feel very welcome.

See a map of the location of Brighton in the UK.

Brighton's atmosphere


Brighton is famous for its unique atmosphere - there is simply no other city in the UK quite like it. Brighton is a friendly, welcoming place. It is modern and forward looking yet also classically English. Architecture ranges from the strikingly new to the fascinatingly old. In summer the city really comes alive, with the annual arts festival, beachside concerts and outdoor cinema screenings.

Brighton's entertainment

Brighton has cinemas ranging from large multiplexes to small independents. There are numerous theatres and venues for live music. Classical music lovers are well catered for at the Dome, which is home to the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra. The 1,800-capacity Dome also plays host to blues, pop, rock, jazz, dub, world and club music. The Brighton Centre and Concorde 2 are Brighton's major rock and pop venues.

Visit Brighton video

This two minute video from VisitBritain will give you a good introduction to the sights and sounds of Brighton:

Brighton's restaurants

Brighton has some of the best restaurants outside London. Whatever your taste, you are sure to find it catered for. The centre of Brighton is full of restaurants specialising in a range of cuisine: French, Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Thai, Chinese Indian and vegetarian. Brighton is also a great place to experience traditional fish and chips.

Brighton's shopping

With the best shopping south of London, central Brighton's shops are all within walking distance of one another. There are large department stores and many smaller specialist shops catering for every need. For more up-market merchandise, The Lanes area offers expensive antiques, exclusive fashions and jewellery.

Brighton's events

The highlight of the cultural year is the annual Brighton Festival. Held in May, it is England's biggest arts festival, attracting hundreds of performers over a three-week period. Other Brighton events include the London to Brighton Bike Ride, Party in the Park, Pride, the Veteran Car Run and the Paramount Brighton Comedy Festival. In fact, there is something going on nearly every weekend.

Brighton's climate

The south coast of England has one of the warmest climates in the UK, but the weather can still be unpredictable. There are 4 distinct seasons. In spring and autumn, the average temperature is around 15 degrees C. In winter, temperatures drop to about 6 degrees C, and in the summer they average 22 degrees C. However, in Britain it is quite possible for the weather to be warm, cold, sunny, raining, windy, etc.... - all in the same day!

See the current weather in Brighton: 5-day forecast

Brighton and beyond

Brighton is ideally placed to explore other parts of the UK. If you want all the attractions of a world-class city, London is only an hour away by train. Just outside Brighton is some of the most beautiful countryside in England. The nearby South Downs provide breath-taking views, great walks and plenty of opportunities for paragliding, mountain biking, hiking or picnics. Nearby, are the historic towns of Lewes, Arundel, Chichester and many picturesque villages.