Main universities
University of Brighton has campuses across the city and out towards Falmer, teaching a wide mix of subjects, while University of Sussex sits on a self-contained campus in nearby Falmer, right on the edge of the South Downs.
University of Brighton has campuses across the city and out towards Falmer, teaching a wide mix of subjects, while University of Sussex sits on a self-contained campus in nearby Falmer, right on the edge of the South Downs.
Lewes Road, Moulsecoomb and Falmer are packed with students thanks to the easy links to campus. Hanover and Elm Grove are full of classic shared houses on hilly streets, while Kemptown and the city centre appeal if you want to be closer to the seafront and nightlife.
Brighton’s nightlife ranges from big seafront clubs and bars on West Street to independent venues, pubs and late-night spots in the Lanes and North Laine. You’ll find everything from cheesy student nights and cheap drinks to live gigs, club nights and Pride parties by the beach.
Most first years live in university-managed halls in Falmer, Moulsecoomb or the city centre. After that, students usually move into shared houses along the Lewes Road corridor, in Hanover and Elm Grove, or in areas like Kemptown and London Road depending on budget.
Brighton is compact and walkable, with frequent buses up to Falmer and along Lewes Road, plus trains from Brighton station to Falmer, London and beyond. Many students walk or cycle between home, campus and the seafront, especially in good weather.
The seafront and beach are the obvious hangouts for walk, swim or sunset chips. Preston Park, The Level and Stanmer Park are popular for picnics, sports and revision outdoors, and the South Downs are right on the doorstep if you fancy a proper countryside walk.
Brighton can be pricey, especially for rent near the seafront and regular nights out. Students often save by house-sharing further from the centre, batch-cooking, using student bus passes, and looking out for midweek deals in pubs, cafés and venues.
Walk the pier, explore the Lanes and North Laine, and grab chips or ice cream on the beach at sunset. Add in a gig at a local venue, a Pride event, or a day exploring the South Downs, and you’ve basically ticked off the Brighton student starter pack.
Two main universities in a busy, coastal student city
Laid-back coastal vibe with a big student presence
Well connected to the South East student scene
Are the universities in Brighton good?
Yes – Brighton has a strong reputation as a university city, with two main universities and several specialist providers. The University of Brighton offers a wide mix of practical, career-focused courses across art and design, health, sport, business, education and more. The University of Sussex, based nearby in Falmer, is well regarded for its research and teaching in the social sciences, humanities, life sciences and global studies. Together, they create a diverse and supportive higher education hub on the south coast.
What are the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex known for?
The University of Brighton is best known for its hands-on, professionally oriented degrees and strong links with employers. It has particular strengths in areas like art and design, architecture, sport and exercise science, nursing and allied health, education, and applied business. Its campuses are spread across the city and in Falmer, giving a mix of urban and more campus-style environments. Nearby, the University of Sussex is recognised for social sciences, humanities, politics, global development, and life sciences, taught on a self-contained campus on the edge of the South Downs.
Is Brighton a good city for students?
Brighton is a great city for students if you like a lively, creative, and slightly alternative coastal vibe. You’ve got the beach, the Lanes, independent shops, cafés, bars and venues all packed into a relatively compact city centre, plus a big student population from both Brighton and Sussex. There’s a strong LGBTQ+ scene, loads of live music and festivals, and easy day trips along the coast or up onto the Downs. The main drawback is that rent and going out can be on the pricier side compared to some other student towns, so budgeting well really matters.
How hard is it to get into the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex?
The University of Brighton has a broad range of entry requirements depending on the course. Some practice-based or vocational courses may have more flexible grade expectations, while others will ask for higher A-levels or specific subjects. Portfolios, auditions or work experience can also be important for creative and professional programmes. The University of Sussex tends to be a bit more selective overall, with typical offers often in the BBB to AAB range for many subjects. In both cases, admissions teams look at your personal statement, interest in the subject and overall potential as well as predicted grades, so always check the latest course pages for exact requirements.
Typical weekly and monthly student costs in Brighton for 2026 entry. Switch between accommodation types to see how much you might spend.
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Click on the icons on the map below to explore each of Brighton’s top student areas to live in.
Explore different housing options and providers to find the right student accommodation in Brighton for you.
Abacus House offers modern en suite rooms and self-contained studios just off London Road, around a 10-minute walk from the University of Brighton and a short bus ride to the University of Sussex. Ideal if you want to be close to the city centre, seafront and major bus routes.
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Host runs popular Brighton locations with bills-included en suite rooms and studios, putting you within easy reach of the seafront, city centre, and bus links out to Falmer. A good option if you want a sociable halls-style setup with on-site support and shared social spaces.
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Beachfront-style student accommodation close to Brighton seafront and the city centre. Promenade offers en suites and studios with modern facilities, good social spaces and easy transport links to both University of Brighton sites and the University of Sussex at Falmer.
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Brighton-based student and sharer specialists offering houses and flats in key areas like Lewes Road, Moulsecoomb and Elm Grove. A good choice if you’re looking for classic student HMOs and group houses with easy links to both the city and Falmer campuses.
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One of Brighton’s largest specialist student letting agencies, with houses and flats across key student areas like Lewes Road, Moulsecoomb, Elm Grove and Kemptown. Ideal if you want classic shared houses within easy reach of both city and Falmer campuses.
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Brand Vaughan’s dedicated student team offers city-centre and seafront flats, as well as properties in Kemptown and other popular neighbourhoods. A good pick if you’re looking for modern apartments close to the beach, nightlife and Brighton’s main bus routes.
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Independent Brighton agent based around Lewes Road and Elm Grove, specialising in student houses and flats. Great if you want a group house in the thick of the student area with quick bus links to both University of Brighton and Sussex.
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Discover different student hotspots in the city by using the toggles and cards in our interactive explorer.
Right by the beach, Brighton Palace Pier and the Lanes. Packed with bars, clubs and shops, plus loads of student-friendly flats and studios.
Colourful streets just east of the pier, with independent cafés, pubs and a strong LGBTQ+ scene. Popular with students who want seafront living and nightlife nearby.
Busy, slightly scruffier student area with cheaper food spots, supermarkets and pubs. The Level park is a big hang-out between buses to Falmer.
Classic student strip linking the city to Falmer, with rows of shared houses, takeaways and bus stops. Very handy for both Uni of Brighton and Sussex.
Steep streets, pastel terraces and loads of local pubs. A big mix of students and young professionals, with great views if you don’t mind the hills.
Calmer, slightly more grown-up and usually a bit pricier. Think seafront walks, cute coffee spots and good bus links back into central Brighton.
Home to the University of Sussex and University of Brighton Falmer campus. Campus-style living with on-site halls, green space and direct trains back into the city.
Seafront club and bar with house, disco and electronic nights. A staple for Brighton student nights and DJ line-ups.
One of Brighton’s main big-night-out venues, with huge student events, themed nights and everything from chart to drum & bass.
Iconic club built into the seafront arches, known for underground house, techno and drum & bass events.
Railway-arch venue by Brighton station with live bands, indie nights and free entry events. Proper “Brighton” vibes.
Comedy, cabaret and club nights in the North Laine. Great for something a bit different from a standard club night.
Multi-room club just off the seafront, popular with freshers and big student events. Expect cheesy bangers, R&B and dance all under one roof.
Probably Brighton’s most famous cheap eat. Fast, filling Japanese curries, rice bowls and noodles that don’t wreck your loan.
Sourdough pizza just off the seafront, with decent student-friendly prices if you split sides and keep it simple.
Vegan pizza that even non-vegans rate. Great for flat dinners in the Lanes before heading out or back to the beach.
Big brunch plates, pancakes and all-day breakfast dishes. Ideal for hangover cures or birthday brunches with your course mates.
Classic Italian in the Lanes with big portions, plenty of pasta and pizza, and group-friendly set menus.
The default “what are you up to?” answer. Beach BBQs, sea swims, sunset walks and sitting on the stones with a drink after exams.
Arcades, rides, doughnuts and sea air. Tourist central, but still fun for cheesy nights, dates and visiting friends.
Huge green space for runs, football and picnics. It’s also the starting point for Brighton Pride, so you’ll end up here at some point.
Woodland and open fields just past Falmer, ideal for dog walks, study breaks and pretending you don’t have deadlines.
Short bus ride out of town for big views, rolling hills and proper hikes. Perfect reset day when you’ve had enough of the seafront.
Right in the middle of the Sussex campus at Falmer, with silent floors, group rooms and long hours in exam season.
University of Brighton’s city-centre library, close to London Road and The Level. Good mix of quiet spaces and group study zones.
Brighton’s main public library in the North Laine. Light, airy and packed with desks and plug points for laptop sessions.
Indie coffee spot with laptop-friendly tables and strong coffee. Nice halfway house between “proper study” and “catch up with friends”.
Small but popular speciality coffee shop that works well for shorter laptop sessions or reading with a flat white.
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