Brighton is small enough to get around easily, with a friendly, tolerant and safe atmosphere – and it’s also one of the quirkiest towns in the UK. Here are our top 10 things Sussex students can do when they’re not actually studying.
1) Hit the beach
Brighton’s one of the sunniest places in the UK, and our beach is the perfect place to while away a summer’s afternoon – it’s the traditional British seaside experience at its finest. Don’t forget the fish and chips!
2) Up the caffeine
We take our coffee seriously here; there’s an independent café on almost every corner, each with its own unique character – so explore them all and find your perfect spot for studying and hanging out with friends.
3) Get active
From hot yoga to paddleboarding, capoeira and beach volleyball, sporty types find plenty of unusual ways to sweat out their toxins. On campus, Sussex has over 30 different sports teams and two gyms, so there are plenty of opportunities to get moving. No excuses.
4) Go gourmet
The ever-changing restaurant scene in Brighton keeps our foodies happy and full. We’re particularly known for good vegetarian food, and the current posh burger craze means carnivores have plenty of options too. Don’t miss Street Diner, the weekly street food festival.
5) Find the perfect pub
From sleepy local boozers to sophisticated late-night cocktail spots, Brighton’s 250+ pubs and bars are as diverse as they are plentiful. And meeting friends down the pub can be the ideal antidote to essay burnout. One of our faves, the Cricketers claims to be the oldest pub in town, supposedly dating back to 1547.
6) Join a band
Or just see a gig. Brighton has a truly vibrant music scene. New bands often get started here, and as a consequence there’s a huge choice of live music to see every night of the week. Clubbers are well taken care of too, with the biggest student nights happening mid-week.
7) Head to London for the day
Hop on the train and you’ll be in the UK’s hectic capital in just under an hour. See the sights, enjoy the buzz – and then come back home to Brighton for some fresh air.
8) Go highbrow
It’s not just a party town – Brighton’s got more than its fair share of independent theatres and edgy art galleries. Every year in May, the Brighton Festival completely takes over the city: it’s an annual celebration of ground-breaking music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, and performance.
9) Have a wander around the shops
The two main shopping areas – confusingly called the Lanes and the North Laine – are famous for their quirky independent boutiques and street markets. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian shoes, a body piercing, or organic chutney, you should be able find treasures you didn’t know you needed.
10) Commune with nature
For some of the most beautiful views in the world, the South Downs National Park can’t be beaten – and because it entirely surrounds the Sussex campus, unspoiled nature is right on your doorstep.
