University of Brighton

University of Brighton Reviews

Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

I enjoyed the organised field trips that allowed me to visit places that may have been hard to get to on my own or that I may not have even known of. This also allowed me to go out of my comfort zone and gain the confidence to later explore more outside of Brighton on my own. I felt very safe in my city in general but even more safe with the knowledge that I had resources to help me and people to talk to if I needed. I would absolutely recommend going abroad to the UK, especially Brighton. It is such an accepting, artistic, and youthful city and is now one of my favorites. The one thing I was worried about before this program was figuring out public transport since I had never done it before, but I promise it is so much easier to figure out than you think. And there are so many kind, amazing people in this community that would absolutely not mind you asking any questions you need to ask, in fact they are usually eager to help and you’ll end up having some amazing chats!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried beans on toast, which I was actually dreading trying. But I got advice from a friend that it’s a lot better when the toast is slathered with butter, and I definitely agree! Still maybe not my first choice, but it was good!
Pros
  • Lots of help resources
  • Many opportunities to travel and explore with the group and alone
  • A really exciting city that always has different things to do
What other participants should know
  • Can be expensive
Response from University of Brighton

Thank you so much Lily for your amazing review about your experience with our Study Abroad Programme. We're so happy you enjoyed it so much and that you feel your confidence has grown over the last few months! The Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco)

abigail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

I have had such a great time here!! My classes have been engaging and challenging just the way I like. My accommodation has also been amazing it has been so nice to make myself at home in a comfortable clean place. This experience has been made better because of all of the staff and resources available to me. I love all of the nature that is free and easily accessible to experience. The beach being so close is also very nice - so many places to take some time alone or with friends. I have had an easy time recharging my social battery to go back out and have more fun!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Definitely the transportation and other culture shock aspects. My advice is to jump right in! And always ask questions the locals are always nice and helpful and once you get the hang of it, it will feel easy!
Pros
  • Great accommodation
  • Great people
  • Great food
What other participants should know
  • Long way from airport
  • Living in falmer- away from city center
  • Too many temptations to spend money
Response from University of Brighton

Thank you so much Abigail for your review and for sharing how positive and rewarding this experience was for you! Thank you again from the Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco)

Katie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Review

This experience has been great overall and I’m so glad I was able to study abroad at the University of Brighton. Coming in alone to a place I had never been before was intimidating at first, but the program leaders and Study Abroad Officers made me feel right at home upon my arrival. The city is Brighton is also refreshing to be a part of, with its rich history and creative ambiance all around. It feels bittersweet to say goodbye to this city and I will dream of the day I get to return to this beautiful place.

Response from University of Brighton

Thank you so much Katie for your review! It's so rewarding for us to read how good this experience was for you. We hope you will enjoy these last few weeks with us and we wish you all the best for your future studies! The Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco)

Zoe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Being Uncomfortable in the best way

This was my first time living away from friends and family since my first year at college, and there I was still in the same state of California. This adventure was unlike anything I had ever done before. I had to learn to be uncomfortable in almost every environment, and in the end I am stronger for it. Ive learned so much about being an adult, making friends, and gaining a love for the new. Every problem I faced turned into something new to learn and adapt to. I wouldn't have it any other way.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Learning the transportation. I come from a very car structured area and ive never really had to use any buses or trains to get around. Its very different here, the only way to class is by bus and to explore anywhere else I have to take a train. I found people who helped me with the learning curve and was continually patient with myself if I made a mistake. I have come to love taking public transport, and its given me a huge confidence boost.
Pros
  • The people I met
  • The city of Brighton
  • The cafes everywhere
What other participants should know
  • My dorm was not the best
  • Figuring out healthcare when I got sick
Response from University of Brighton

Dear Zoe, thank you so much for leaving your review! It's inspiring to read how much living and studying abroad at University of Brighton helped you grow as a person. Thank you for sharing your experience and for recommending our programme! The Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco)

Mohammad
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

First of all, the staff is amazing and very helpful. They assisted me with absolutely everything I needed. The professors are also very kind and always ready to help. The people I met at the university were all very nice, without exception. I can only recommend it to anyone.

During the introduction week, all the international students were taken on a trip to London, which was very nice because it really helped us make friends in a city where, as an international student, you don’t know anyone. The city itself is also very nice to visit, especially the beach.

All in all, the four months I’ve spent here have been awesome.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Bringe more money with u.
Response from University of Brighton

Dear Mohammad, thank you so much for leaving your review and for recommending our programme! The Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco)

Mathilda
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Brighton Study Abroad Semester

Everyday life and leisure
Brighton is only about an hour away from London by train. This is definitely a bonus if you don't want to live in the big city but still don't want to miss London. Brighton also has quite a few small shops and restaurants, especially in the ‘Lanes’ and the ‘North Lanes’. Brighton has its beautiful corners and of course the sea, but it is also very run-down in some parts. Brighton is also quite hilly.

Accommodation
We were all housed at the Falmer Campus, which is on the edge of Brighton and quite far out of the city centre. You always had to take the train or the bus and that always took quite a long time.

Response from University of Brighton

Hi Mathilda, thank you so much for your review and for recommending our programme to new students. We wish you all the best for your studies. The Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco)

Nikita
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Semester of Magical Thinking

When I first started to think about studying abroad, there was no place I wanted to study more than the United Kingdom. After spending a semester with USAC, I have to say that this was the best decision I could have ever made. Those three short months enhanced my academic skills, and I grew more than I ever thought possible. As a socially anxious person, the group I studied with in Brighton are some of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Traveling to places I have only dreamt about, I grew out of my shell and became a person who is now more culturally aware and understands more about walks of life far different than where I come from. Because of the professors and instructors at the University of Brighton, I got to cover more than half the areas of the United Kingdom than I could've possibly on my own. At the end, I felt satisfied despite my limited time there, I felt like I didn't miss anything.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
The only thing I would change is finance. I was running low on money by the end and it was getting pretty bad. I would say research pricing when it comes to buying groceries and the means it would take to take care of yourself.
Pros
  • Classes
  • Traveling made easy since plane rides and trains are so inexpensive
What other participants should know
  • Traveling to class, the bus pricing was what took most of my finances.
  • Housing, I felt like I was too far from the city living on the Falmer campus, traveling into town was always a hassle and very expensive at times.
Response from University of Brighton

Hi Nikita, it's great to hear how your academic skills, cultural awareness and growth as a person have been boosted by studying abroad with us. This is why this programme is in place and why my team and I love to do our job. Thank you so much for this and we wish you all the best for your future adventures! The Study Abroad Team

Minsun
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program

It was a fun and affordable program. There was a wide variety of lectures to choose from and learning was meaningful and engaging thanks to passionate lecturers and classmates. Study abroad team (Mary and Zoe) were really sweet and helpful. The city was vibrant and safe, since university students are the major part of the population from what I've heard. Also thoroughly enjoyed the field trips to Bath and Eastbourne and so on, they were very memorable. I recommend this program to those who want to experience British culture.

Response from University of Brighton

Dear Minsun, thank you so much for your review, and we're really happy you had such a positive experience! We wish you all the best for your future, The Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco).

Stella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad to Transfer

I studied abroad at University of Brighton in spring 2024. We had interesting classes and I made lifelong friends. I often travelled to other countries as it was easy to do so from Gatwick Airport. Then after a fantastic semester with wonderful support from Mary and the study abroad team, I decided to transfer from my home university in California to University of Brighton. The university team made it very easy for me to complete the transfer and I am very happy to be carrying out my studies here.

What was your funniest moment?
My flatmate and I got matching Albion seagull tattoos
Pros
  • Welcoming city
  • Helpful Uni staff
  • Interesting curriculum
What other participants should know
  • Expensive
  • Seagulls are loud
  • Weather
Response from University of Brighton

Dear Stella, thank you so much for your kind review and we are really happy that you had such a great experience! It's also amazing that you are now finishing your course at University of Brighton. Thank you so much for choosing us to complete your studies! Mary, Zoe and I at the Study Abroad Office wish you a lovely festive period and a brilliant start of 2025!

Ella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

USAC Brighton Abroad Experience

I had an incredible experience living and studying abroad in Brighton! I knew that I had always wanted to study abroad, specifically in England, and I chose Brighton because of its costal location and queer history. At first, I was worried about going alone (with no other person from my school) as I applied through USAC and had not previously made any lasting friendships in college. However, I quickly became part of an amazing group of people, some of whom are now close friends that I speak to daily. I loved the city (I highly recommend club Revenge) and reached a new level of independence through experiences like learning how to use public transport and how to actually cook for myself every day. The classes I chose were thorough yet fun and the program leaders from both USAC and UofB were always helpful and available. They also planned amazing outings and trips for us with lots of free time to do our own exploring. Overall, I wish I could live it all over again but, since I can’t, I will recommend this program in the hopes that others might find a similar experience!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Get the apps! You will save a lot if you have a bus pass, a Railcard, and any other thing that offers discounts or travel assistance. Plus, it is so much easier to navigate. (Trainline, Railcard, Brighton&Hove Busses, MyTSA, Citymapper, Airline apps, MyBrighton, CISI Traveler, Skyscanner, Mobile Passport Control, Smart Traveler) For phone SIM cards, if your phone allows eSIMS, I highly recommend Airalo for budget-friendly prices.
Response from University of Brighton

Dear Ella, thank you so much for your review and we are so happy you had such a good experience as a Study Abroad Student at University of Brighton! It's great to read about how you made lasting friendships, enjoyed the city, the courses and about your personal growth! Thank you! Have a fantastic end of 2024 :) Mary, Zoe and Francesco (Study Abroad Team)