Study Abroad at the University of Brighton, England

This program has helped me grow as a teacher as well as a person. I was highly challenged yet highly supported during my time teaching and have gathered many resources and strategies that I will bring back with me to America. While the week was busy, I was very grateful for our trips that were sponsored by University of Brighton on the weekends. Those trips allowed me to build strong connections with my peers as well as getting a more in-depth and diverse view of the UK. While I had busy days, I am extremely grateful for the comfort and support given by my host family daily. If it wasn't for them, I truly think this experience would have been harder for me to navigate.

I had an amazing study abroad experience at Brighton. The city of Brighton is plenty big with lots to explore, including the Lanes, the Royal Pavilion, the bars and pubs, the beach, etc., but it has the safe, familiar feel of a small town. Plus, with two large universities nearby, students keep the clubs packed every night of the week! Brighton offered me a great opportunity to see what it's like being a student in Britain without having to be in a huge city like London.

I also got plenty of opportunities to explore outside of Brighton. The study abroad staff at the University of Brighton organized weekend and day trips to destinations around England, including Oxford, Windsor, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, Bath, Battle Abbey, Beachy Head, London, and more! The Brighton study abroad staff put a lot of effort into these trips, and I appreciated it immensely because it allowed me to see sites that I never would have been to otherwise.

In terms of living conditions, the housing supplied by University of Brighton is quite nice. We lived in on-campus housing that consisted of 3- to 6-person flats. Each person got their own room and bathroom, and they shared the kitchen/common area with their flatmates. Most study abroad students in my program roomed with other study abroad students. This was nice because we became really close as a group and were able to organize lots of independent trips together; however, it also made it difficult to connect with local students. As such, I'd recommend joining a society (student org) or volunteering in town in order to get more contact with people who actually live in or are from the area.

When I arrived in Brighton almost exactly a year ago, I had never left my home country or lived away from my family / on a college campus before. I was terrified and very homesick at first, but I quickly discovered that Brighton was exactly what I needed: the University of Brighton, and Brighton itself, was a safe yet challenging landscape for me to discover my independence and grow into myself. From the friendly employees of the Park Farm Shop (the farmers market just across the road from the Falmer campus -- DO NOT MISS IT!) to the supportive University of Brighton faculty and staff (especially Mary, Elissa, Zoe, and Becca!), I was humbled by the kindness and generosity of nearly every person I met during my time there. And I still don't know how to put into words the beauty and magic of the city itself -- equal parts cozy and lively, with something to offer for everyone. Brighton's vibrant and colorful charm is one-of-a-kind, and stole my heart from the very first visit.

My experience was unfortunately cut short because of COVID-19, but the seven weeks I spent abroad truly "Brighton"ed my life and I wouldn't change them for the world. I feel so fortunate to have been able to call this city and its people home, and I look forward to returning safely one day in the hopefully-not-too-far-off future.

Studying abroad in Brighton was one of the best decisions I've made. Both the included and optional day and weekend trips are really well planned out, cost effective, and super enjoyable. They were my favorite part of my experience and having so many of them is really unique to this program.

Brighton itself is a really unique and eclectic city that's really focused on its student population from the two nearby universities. There's bus services all throughout town, and a direct train to Gatwick airport that only takes about 45 minutes. There's plenty to do both inside and outside the city!

As someone who had never left my home country before studying abroad, I can understand why someone might have doubts about attending somewhere foreign and how it might be scary. Fortunately, at the University of Brighton, that isn’t the case. The staff makes sure you feel at home and you understand everything you need to know before you even realize that you haven’t thought about it yourself! I personally am not an extroverted person, but I was able to gain lifelong friends and I am currently maintaining those relationships while I am back home. I would NOT exchange this experience for anything. Go to University of Brighton and live out the dream you deserve! Happy travels to all! 💛

I highly recommend everyone to study abroad at the University of Brighton you will not regret it! The support at the university is incredible from professors to Mary and everyone at the Study abroad office, to the caring accommodation staff. I honestly did not have a single bad experience in Brighton! Brighton is such a lovely place and there is always something fun going on or somewhere to explore. There's the Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, the Lanes, the festivals in May, also so many shops to visit and eat at. I think a semester was not enough time for me (do an academic year!). During my semester, I had the opportunity to travel to other countries so that is something to keep in mind when planning (I visited 8 in total). I will cherish my time and memories in Brighton forever and Brighton will always have a special place in my heart.

Doing this exchange has been far greater than I had ever imagined. Brighton is an incredible place to live and study. The city is exciting and unique and has always got something going on. Coming to a new University and immersing myself in a different learning system was a bit daunting at first. However, studying here has opened up so many opportunities for me as a Graphic Designer. It was also a great opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I have met some incredible and talented people during my time here and have had so many amazing experiences. The study abroad team at Brighton are so lovely and supportive. I’m so glad that I chose to study in Brighton for a whole year as I absolutely love it here. I definitely recommend this program!

At the University of Brighton, there is not a divide between faculty and students. Students refer to faculty by first name and faculty know the names of their students. Faculty are always willing to provide support in a timely manner and in any way they can. The small class sizes and discussion-based seminars make the relationship with professors more personal and friendly, rather than strictly professional. Professors are willing to provide feedback on essays and discuss any issues before, after, and outside of class. However, the support from professors is outweighed by the outstanding study abroad office. I can honestly say that I owe my amazing experiences at Brighton to Mary, Becca, Elissa, Zoe and the study abroad team. Their endless kindness and support is heart-warming. Studying abroad is stressful, especially if you are like me and are a first-time traveller; the study abroad team was always prepared to answer all of my questions and provide me with all of the details. The student support is one-of-a-kind; I have not ever experienced a support system like it, not even at my home university. Everyone wants you to succeed at the University of Brighton.