Program Reviews

I decided to study abroad in Brighton because it was an english-speaking country, it was right on the ocean, and would offer me countless and amazing experiences. I studied here in the fall of 2014.

I was majoring in exercise science at the time, so I took one class at the Falmer campus, and then had to travel to Eastbourne to go to my other classes because Eastbourne is where the exercise science buildings are. Traveling to the Eastbourne campus from Paddock Fields (on Falmer campus) was kind of a pain because I had to walk to the train station, take the train for around 45 minutes, and then walk another 20ish minutes to class. However, this was when I found my love for trains, my love for travel... I was able to just sit on the train and look out the window, and it actually forced me to get out there and see more of England. The mandatory class, British Culture, was pretty easy and fun because we took it with our flatmates/other USAC students. The other two classes I took had very supportive professors that I still think about to this day.

Support wise, Becca and Mary were nothing short of amazing. Seriously. (PS. I Miss you guys!!) I don't know how they put up with us constantly, but they did. They are like your parents over there and we always had fun going to their office just to chat. Shoutout to you guys, and thank you for making our field trips unforgettable!

If I could rank "fun" on a scale of 1-10, it would be a 100. Seriously, I had the time of my life in Brighton. Whether it was traveling to class, hanging out with my flatmates, going downtown at night, visiting the beach and the Laines during the day, ice skating at the Royal Pavillion, and traveling on the weekends, it was fun all of the time. Honestly, the first couple weeks I barely slept because I didn't want to miss anything.

Housing was decent. I lived in a flat in Paddock Fields. The room is pretty small, with a bathroom/shower included. There is no barrier between the bathroom part and the shower part so that usually left for some wet floors. The bed was pretty small and uncomfortable. I lived on a flat with 7 other people, and there was a common area with couches, the kitchen, the tv, etc. The kitchen only had two mini fridgerators, which was a little too limited for 8 people living in one flat. However, I made some of my best friends to this day on that floor, and in Paddock Fields. It was in a good location on Falmer campus, and it was pretty. It was a bummer to do laundry because we had to walk outside to get to the laundromat and it was usually raining! Also just want to note that in order to get to the grocery stores downtown, you have to take a 20 minute bus ride, which can get rather tedious and frustrating when you have lots of bags of groceries and you have to travel outside with no car. There is a website (can't remember what it is called) where you can get groceries delivered though!

Safety was never an issue. I always felt safe in Brighton.

Overall, my experience in Brighton was one I will never forget. I strongly, strongly, strongly recommend you study abroad here. It is not as busy as London, but you still get the "city" feel, and it reminds me a lot of San Francisco. It is a lovely little quaint town right on the water with a fun pebbly beach, entertaining pubs (go to the Hobgoblin), and cute shops. I strongly suggest just riding the bus around one day to really take in the beauty Brighton and Hove have to offer. I learned so much about myself, about other cultures, and about England when I lived here. I also was lucky enough to travel to 12 other countries while I studied there, really broadening my horizons on Europe and the United Kingdom. I literally could go on and on about how amazing this study abroad experience was. You will have the time of your life, and will likely meet friends that you will be in contact with forever. I am forever grateful for the time I spent in Brighton, the experiences, and the friends I made.

I also wrote a blog while I studied abroad if you wanted to read it to get more detailed aspects and pictures of the trip: https://jennstudyabroad.wordpress.com

I don't really know where to start. Its 5 years on and I still think about being there. The best decision I've made so far was spending a year in Brighton. Mary and Becca were brilliant, stopped by and seen them at least weekly, full of stories, helpful hints, information on acclimation. Plus they are both wonderful people. The Royal Pavilion Tavern was a home away from home, though it looks like they have changed some sense when me and my flat mates frequented the place. Bonfire night, 5th of November in Lewes. The things I remember most about that was a whole roasting pig, the smell of cordite from the cannons and smoke from the fires. Brighton its self is in a nice location, it was quick and easy to get into London and travel. I don't have any regrets about the decision to go. Educationally and personally it was the best decision I made.

P.s The stereotype about British food is a total lie, the food was AMAZING.

There are a lot of people in my life who got married and pregnant a week after getting their high school diplomas, but I've always considered myself more of a wanderer. Brighton is perfect for just that: wandering. Mary and Becca have perfected the study abroad experience. They plan these fabulous trips, and you need to take every single one. One of the first things they do is help you learn the short and easy way to and around London, where I found myself several weekends. You might even be thinking that you would rather live in London; but Brighton's cheaper cost of living, pace, and location put me in the perfect position to be a student abroad. This study abroad experience is not just a photo op for Facebook or a checklist of places to see. It creates a hunger to get out of complacency and live somewhere new and exciting. Even now I'm thinking of how jealous I am that you have this opportunity. Don't let money, time, paperwork, or advice keep you from taking this chance. Saying yes to this, will help you say yes again. Don't be scared. However, if you are, talk to Mary and Becca!

The support from the study abroad team (aka Becca and Mary) at Brighton Uni is amazing. They're both so much fun, and are so happy to help. The University is a very open one, welcoming students from all around the world, and it was nice being the only Aussie in the programme, and being able to mix with students from Asia, the States and other parts of Europe too. I'm still friends with other students who I met, a couple of which were also study abroad students and a couple who were British students at the University of Brighton full time.
The range of subjects available is diverse, and I managed to find units that contributed directly to my major back home in Melbourne.

Where to start!!? My time spent in Brighton was seriously the best! Such a great city with heaps to do and lots to see. Make sure u try a burger at burger brothers, see Brighton & Hove Albion play at The Amex (literally next door to the Falmer campus), have a drink or 10 at the King and queen, check out the great live music scene including the great escape festival and wonder through the north laines which is full of cool cafes and shops.
The people you meet and become good friends with make the whole experience ten times better and Mary and Becca really are the best. Only problem was that they love a good old cup of tea and still weren't able to get me liking it after 6 months. Lol but honestly I had a blast, and even got to visit another 12 countries in the middle of/after the program which was amazing

Hi, I'm Julia and I studied abroad at the University of Brighton in the fall of 2014. If you're reading this because you are considering this program, I want to tell you: "Go do it!". Here's why:
Firstly, there is Becca and Mary. Without them I would not have been able to come to Brighton in the first place. There was no cooperation between my uni and the UoB, but Becca and I exchanged countless Emails until it was possible for me to study abroad in Brighton. Mary and Becca are generally just very supportive and so clearly love their jobs! They plan great little activities like Pizza parties and the field trips that allow you to explore some beautiful places in England.
Secondly, go for the city of Brighton. Brighton is not as hectic as London, but there is still a lot going on. My favorite things about Brighton are the seafront, the little cute and crazy shops and cafes and the music scene. There is usually a free concert somewhere!
Finally, this program will allow you to meet people from all over this planet. While I am from Germany, my flatmates were from the US, Japan and England. That was pretty cool!
I still like to think back to my time in Brighton, even two years later! :) I honestly could not imagine a better study abroad experience.

I studied at University of Brighton for a year in 2014. To be honest, I hadn't been really familiar with the city and the college before I got there, but I ended up totally loving this fascinating city, people, and its incredible atmosphere. Brighton, being located on the Southern seaside of England, is one of the most closest cities from London. Yet it holds it own distinctness which embraces all different ways of lifestyle, fashion, idea, and culture. The college is full of polite, but welcoming staffs and students from all around the world with their amazing life stories. I will never forget the moments I had there, people I got to know, streets I walked, and beers and teas I drank(maybe too much).

I honestly feel like I grew through my experience there. Besides the fact that it was my first trip out of the US, I had the time of my life. The night life is great, and as soon as you find the place you want to go, its the best thing ever! The other students there are so helpful and friendly. Although it takes awhile to meet people and hang out, its definitely a great opportunity!
dont be afraid to get out of your comfort zone! I wish I would have done more in regard of exploring.
to be fair, the living situation was a bit off and there were complaints from other people, but I didn't mind it, really. The shower area in the rooms was my only true complaint. There was very little space to shave, if im being honest. XP

I was nervous about studying abroad but this program was everything I dreamed of and more! Becca and Mary were so helpful throughout the entire process. The town was so vibrant and close to other places. The classes were interesting and the professors made international students comfortable and welcome. The field trips were awesome and added so much to the program. If you're even thinking about doing this program- do it!

Studying in Brighton was the best decision I have ever made! Mary, Becca, and Zoe are super helpful and friendly. They set up your schedule for you, and they planned it out so the majority of us had 3 or 4 days of class per week. This meant that we had a lot of free days to travel. During my 3 months here, I was able to visit Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Denmark, and France. Brighton was very convenient for traveling. You can just hop on the train and it takes you directly to Gatwick Airport. Aside from personal travel, you have the Program Field Trips. I went to all of them and I think they are 100% worth going to. I went to places that I never would've gone on my own! Becca and Mary give you plenty of free time to wander the cities on the field trips as well. As tempting as it is to travel all across Europe, make sure to spend quality time in Brighton. It's the cutest little city with a picturesque pier. There's so much to do, whether you go to afternoon tea or shop around in the Lanes, and everyone is so friendly! There's a train that takes you from campus right into Brighton, and there are constant buses that do the same! I've met some amazing people and had the time of my life here in Brighton!