University of Brighton (UK)
- Sara Cavalieri
- May 7
- 4 min read
Located in a vibrant and popular coastal vacation spot with a history dating back to the 1850s, the University of Brighton nowadays has four core values: inclusivity, sustainability, creativity and partnership.
It also has four campuses (three in Brighton and one further along the coast in Eastbourne).
Here, students get the best of both worlds: a location only 47 miles from London, and a seaside, free-thinking, inclusive community.
With eight miles of coastline, Brighton is also right in the middle of a UNESCO World Biosphere Region.
In fact, King George IV loved it so much, he even built his own palace there, which still remains today.
Check out some of the highlights from my visit below!
City of Brighton
Considered the 'sunniest city in the UK,' Brighton was unfortunately extremely rainy during the few days I was there (it was winter, I should add).
Nevertheless, I could see its potential: a pier with shops and food outlets, The Lanes (a cute neighborhood with cobblestone streets and boutique shops), of course the massive palace (the Royal Pavilion) and more.
On a map, Brighton looks a long ways from London, but actually, it's only an hour on the train.
London Gatwick International Airport is even easier; only 30 minutes away!
Because of this, many people from Brighton actually commute to London for work, and this is also convenient for Brighton students who undertake internships in London.
Of Brighton's 300,000 residents, about 15 percent are students.
One thing that stood out to me is how diverse and welcoming people are though and how people here are unafraid to be their true selves in a city that's quirky itself.
In fact, Brighton is famous for being home to the world's second largest Pride Festival in the world (after San Francisco).
I can't wait to come back another time and experience this place under the sun!
Campus and academics
The University of Brighton has a long history dating back to 1859, when it started as an art school in one wing of the Royal Pavilion, which was built between 1787 and 1822 and later sold to the city of Brighton in 1850.
It's also said that during World War II, Hitler ordered the building to be spared from bombing so he could use it as his headquarters.
Nowadays, the Royal Pavilion is open for tourists to check out and often used as a wedding venue.
In fact, in 2014, it hosted a number of the first legal same-sex marriages to take place in the UK following the passage of the 2013 Same Sex Couples Act.
The University of Brighton is no longer based there but instead has three campuses within a short distance of each other in Brighton.
The Falmer Campus is the farthest north, about four miles from the coast, and is home to courses in education, sport and health sciences.
In addition to having a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts, a sports centre with a fitness suite, two activity studios and a sports hall with six badminton courts, it's also right next door to Amex Stadium, where Premier League team Brighton & Hove Albion play.
Next, the City Campus is located in an amazing spot right across from the Royal Pavilion -- a short walk from the beach, pier and the main pubs and cafe area -- and is where courses such as arts, media and film are taught.
Finally, the newest and largest campus is the Moulsecoomb Campus, which is the one I visited.
It's about two miles north from the beach, halfway between the City and Falmer campuses.
With a train stop nearby and plenty of buses that run down the main road, it's easy to get to the city centre.
Around 900 students live in the five new halls of residence here.
It's also where you'll find the new student gym, which is nicer than my own!
And conveniently located right by the gym is a student bar.
In fact, everything you need is within walking distance, such as the Aldi grocery store across from the student village.
At Moulsecoomb, this is where all the other courses are taught, including humanities and social sciences, engineering, business and law.
Back across the road, you'll find the new Elm House, home to business and law, a cafe and flexible study spaces.
It's also home to career services, where students can get support in adding work placements to their degree.
In the past, students have interned at American Express, which has its headquarters in Brighton, along with other companies like BMW or IBM.
There is certainly no shortage of options for places to get food here, and the prices are really reasonable.
They also have a really cool system with the Unicard, a cashless way of paying for food and drinks that actually builds rewards points that can be redeemed for free food.
Between the three campuses in Brighton and a fourth in Eastbourne, the University of Brighton has around 18,000 students, of which 3,000 are international.
And because this number is divided amongst four campuses, it ultimately means that each campus has a smaller campus feel than many UK universities, and students can easily get the help and support they need.
Brighton's most competitive subjects are related to health sciences, and many will include an interview component.
It also runs a medical school jointly with the University of Sussex.
Summary: University of Brighton
Brighton is an incredibly unique place, full of dynamic and interesting characters, architecture, alleyways and sites.
The University of Brighton is a huge part of the community, offering a number of courses across its various locations.
It has invested a lot in recent years to upgrade its facilities and accommodation offerings, and that investment is paying off.
I really can't wait to come back and experience this place in all its colorful glory again -- hopefully this time in the sunshine, too!
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