UK Rejoins Erasmus: Welcome News for EU Students
Written by James McCall Accommodation Director Finally some great news for our industry. The UK is…
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Who Brighton suits
Brighton works for students who want a coastal city with urban energy, a creative atmosphere, and diversity. You’ll find good English language schools, an active arts scene, and a welcoming culture—at costs higher than northern cities but less than London. The atmosphere is creative and alternative, less traditional than other UK cities.
The accent is southern English—clear and easy to follow. If you want a beach city with culture, diversity, and easy access to London, Brighton delivers.
Why the English learning works
Brighton offers clear southern English, similar to textbook pronunciation. The city has welcomed international students for many years through its two universities, University of Brighton and University of Sussex. Local staff are accustomed to international visitors and communicate clearly.
The city has nearly 40,000 university students plus many language school students. You’ll hear casual English mixed with international students, and English is the common language across diverse communities.
Brighton’s creative culture encourages English practice through interests. Art galleries, independent cinemas, live music venues, theatre shows, street performers, and buskers provide listening opportunities. The casual, open atmosphere makes it easy to chat in cafés, on the beach, or at events.
Course choice is solid: General English, exam preparation (IELTS, Cambridge), Business English, and Academic English. Classes mix international students, making English essential. Brighton attracts younger students (18–30 common), creating social and energetic classrooms.
The city teaches vocabulary through culture. Arts terms—exhibition, performance, venue, gallery—are used daily. Brighton has pebble beaches, so you’ll learn terms like pebbles, pier, promenade, and seafront naturally. Shopping vocabulary comes from The Lanes and North Laine areas.
Daily rhythm
Weekdays usually involve morning classes, lunch in the city centre or creative areas (North Laine, Kemptown), and afternoon study or beach time. Evenings include student social life—live music, theatre, pubs, seafront bars, cinema—or quieter activities. Brighton has active nightlife and cultural events most nights. The city is flat and easy to walk.
The seafront stretches for miles for walking or cycling. Brighton Pier has traditional seaside attractions, and the city centre, beach, and main areas are all within a 20-minute walk of each other.
Weekends can include beach activities, exploring neighbourhoods (The Lanes for shopping, North Laine for independent shops, Kemptown for a diverse community), visiting South Downs National Park, Lewes historic town, Seven Sisters cliffs, or taking trips to London (around one hour by train).
Living areas
Most students live near the seafront or slightly inland, with good bus connections.
- City centre/seafront: Most convenient; walking distance to schools and beach, modern or historic flats, most expensive.
- Kemptown: East seafront; diverse, LGBTQ+ friendly, 15-minute walk to centre.
- Hove: West; quieter, residential, families live here, good buses, 10–20 minutes.
- Moulsecoomb/Bevendean: North/northeast; student areas near universities, affordable, 20–30 minutes by bus.
- Hanover: Just north of centre; creative, small streets, hills, diverse, 15-minute walk uphill.
- Preston Park: North; residential, parks, families and professionals, 15–20 minutes by bus.
Brighton is mostly flat near the coast but hills increase inland. Most student areas are within 20–30 minutes of schools by bus. Brighton is smaller than Manchester but larger than Bournemouth.
Practical realities
Budget
Brighton costs more than Bournemouth, Manchester, or Liverpool—similar to Bath, much less than London. Typical accommodation ranges:
- Homestays: £180–280 per week (may include meals)
- Student residences: £200–350+ per week for private room with bathroom
- Transport passes: £90–110 for a 28-day adult bus pass
- Food: £35–55 per week
Request full cost details from schools for accurate comparisons (tuition, registration, materials, accommodation, extras).
Transport
Buses cover Brighton well. Weekly or monthly passes offer value. The city centre and seafront are flat and walkable. Cycling is popular, with good paths along the coast and to universities. Brighton train station connects to London (around one hour), Gatwick Airport (around 30 minutes), and other UK cities.
Weather
Brighton has mild weather—warmer than northern England but still typical UK climate. Expect grey skies, rain, and cool temperatures. Summers are mild (18–22°C), winters cool (5–10°C), rarely freezing. The seafront can be windy. Bring waterproof clothing and layers.
Demand
Schools operate year-round. Summer (June–August) is busiest; book 2–3 months ahead. September–May offers better availability and lower prices.
Safety
Generally safe with normal city precautions. Watch your belongings, especially in busy areas, on the beach, and in nightlife districts. Brighton nightlife can be busy and crowded. Most residential areas are safe.
Visa support
Many official schools can sponsor Student visas. Check with your chosen school about support. Always consult GOV.UK for current visa rules.
Is Brighton right for you?
Brighton is ideal for students seeking a creative, coastal city with arts, music, diversity, and a manageable urban environment near London.
Brighton suits you if you:
- Want a coastal city with urban energy
- Value arts, music, and creative culture
- Like diverse, open-minded communities
- Prefer a beach city near London (one hour)
- Don’t mind pebble beaches instead of sand
- Want an active social life and cultural events
- Need a flat city centre for easy walking
- Enjoy an alternative, creative atmosphere
Consider alternatives if you:
- Want traditional British atmosphere → Oxford, Bath, Canterbury
- Need serious academic environment → Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh
- Prefer sandy beaches → Bournemouth
- Want authentic working-class culture → Manchester, Liverpool
- Need budget-friendly costs → Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds
- Prefer quiet, small cities → Canterbury, York
- Want guaranteed warm weather → No UK city offers this (all have rain and cool temperatures)
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