This is Brighton

BRIGHTON WAS FEATURED IN LONELY PLANET’S LIST OF 10 CITIES WITH BRILLIANT BEACHES (ALONGSIDE CAPE TOWN, RIO AND SYDNEY) AND IS HOME TO MANY QUIRKY SHOPS, INDEPENDENT CAFES AND RESTAURANTS, ARTS EVENTS AND SPORTS VENUES.

Brighton’s mix of cultures and nationalities means that you’ll be at home here no matter what country or background you’re from. A colourful seaside place with a big city feel, it’s on the edge of the country, but you’ll be at the centre of everything.

It’s an inclusive and forward-thinking city, leading the way in arts, creative technology and the environment, offering opportunities to build on your studies by getting involved in city life. And there is an amazing variety of things to see, do and experience. However long you’re here for, you’ll still be discovering exciting new places to go.

I have had the most amazing experience in Brighton. I have never felt so welcomed by anyone as much as I have by the people here in England. Back in America, I never felt like I really fit in anywhere. I feel as though I have found my future forever home and cannot wait to move here one day.

Maisie Zhang, study abroad student from Nevada, USA The Brighton Festival is the largest annual arts and culture festival in England. It takes place in venues across Brighton throughout May and, along with the Brighton Fringe Festival, is known for being ambitious, daring and original, just like the city. Brighton Digital Festival in September welcomes around 47,000 visitors to over 150 events. It’s a celebration that unites the arts and digital communities of a city that is on the cutting edge of digital culture.

CINECITY Brighton Film Festival in November showcases the very best in cinema, with premieres, previews and special events. And, as one of the festival’s hosting partners, the university gives students the opportunity to participate with film screenings, installations and performances. There are more than 400 independent shops, cafes and entertainment venues in Brighton’s trendy North Laine area, as well as high street shopping at the 80-store Churchill Square shopping mall. If you have the energy left, there’s a lot of sport to watch, with Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, Sussex County Cricket, Brighton Blues Rugby Club and Brighton & Hove Hockey Club.

Brighton and Eastbourne are a lot of fun.

SEPTEMBER

Here’s a snapshot of our calendar. From major music events and tourist attractions, to small independent venues and original, quirky festivals – it’s all here.

FRESHTIVAL This is where your university story starts. From course induction events to festival-style parties, Freshers’ Fortnight is a great way to meet loads of new people and settle into your new home.

BRIGHTON ART FAIR This free contemporary arts and crafts fair takes place in the Brighton Corn Exchange. Originally built as the riding school for the Prince Regent, its innovative Regency design is now being restored.

BRIGHTON DIGITAL FESTIVAL Explore digital technology and culture by seeing some of the diverse 150+ events that make up this annual month-long programme.

STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL EASTBOURNE Experience the wild, wonderful and bizarre retrofuturistic world of steampunk on the seafront in Eastbourne. Expect incredible costumes.

Brighton is so quirky and weird and I love that! It is thriving with music and art, not to mention amazing breweries and pubs. It’s the first city that I’ve felt completely comfortable in and I think it’s because it’s so laid back and everyone seems genuinely kind.

Autumn Micketti, study abroad student from Oregon, USA

OCTOBER

BRIGHTON PHOTO BIENNIAL Brighton Photo Biennial is the UK’s largest international photography festival and we host its exhibitions in our galleries.

HALLOWEEN Join 3,000 of your fellow students at the Haunted Pier Party on Brighton’s iconic pier for scary costumes and unlimited rides. Brighton Students’ Union will keep you up into the early hours with a choice of after-parties too.

BEACHY HEAD MARATHON Challenge yourself or just show some support at one of the most beautiful off-road marathons in the country. NOVEMBER

©The Argus CINECITY – THE BRIGHTON FILM FESTIVAL The Duke of York’s cinema is Britain’s oldest cinema in continuous use. Pay it a visit during the CINECITY festival, which we co-host with the cinema. Or take advantage of its discounted prices for students throughout the year.

BURNING THE CLOCKS This unique community event brings the whole city together to mark the shortest day of the year. People parade paper and willow lanterns through the city, before they pass them into a blazing bonfire on Brighton beach.

DECEMBER