Things to Do in Brighton as a Student: The Bucket List

Brighton is a city that draws you under its spell with maritime heritage and an air of creativity that inspires students from around the world. If you’re starting your university adventure this year, your time on the coast will fly by quicker than you think. So, with that in mind, it’s time to discover the top things to do in Brighton so you can craft your own bucket list.

The Days Go By in Brighton

Daytime in this city belongs to the window shoppers and those who appreciate the quirkier side of life. Your creative education begins with an hour lost inside the maze that is North Laine. It is an indoor wonderland of retro furniture, old vinyl, and eccentric curiosities where every student eventually questions whether they need a s vintage lamp from the seventies.

The shoreline is the focal point of local days. Gathering on the iconic pebble beach for an afternoon barbecue with friends, or testing your resolve with a morning swim in the English Channel, is something a little different. You will soon learn to navigate the historic alleys of The Lanes with their boutique cafés and the bright, street-art-covered corners of North Laine.

Make sure to get your resident card for the Brighton Palace Pier (you’ll need ID to collect it). This card gets you onto the pier for free, so you can enjoy the Turbo Coaster and fend off local seagulls while eating your fish and chips. When the city gets a bit familiar, take a trip to the South Downs. Standing on the edge of the valley at Devil’s Dyke gives you a panoramic look at the Sussex countryside.

And the Nights Will Fly Too

The evening is famously inclusive and alternative here, with it being spread across several parts of the city. Weekly student routines are almost always around Chalk, where legendary Monday indie nights and huge pop throwbacks fill the dance floor. If you prefer your music raw and independent, head beneath the railway arches to find a gig at the Green Door Store, or grab a drink amidst the quirky décor of The Hope & Ruin.

The LGBTQ+ nightlife is arguably the best in the country in Brighton. A night out at Club Revenge near The Old Steine offers incredible drag performances and a roof terrace that provides clear views across the illuminated pier. Alternatively, you can spend a night exploring the venues built into the beachfront stone arches, dancing to electronic sets at Patterns or making the trip to Madeira Drive to the historic Concorde 2.

For more relaxed nights, you can enjoy live jazz at The Green Dragon on Tuesdays. Or, you can squeeze into the massive, heated beer gardens at The Hobgoblin or The King and Queen for affordable pints and intensely competitive pub quizzes.

Secrets for Exploring the Coasts

• Find a quiet spot on the grass at Devil’s Dyke during sunset for the best views in Sussex.
• Collect your pier resident card during your first week to avoid the peak season queues.
• Look out for the hidden independent record shops tucked away on the upper floors of North Laine.

The Next Steps for Brighton Living

An inspiring university experience depends on finding the right home. We have some beautiful student properties in Brighton that will make your lifestyle more luxurious than ever. Enjoy a quality environment to unwind in after a long day of coastal exploration. See you in September!