WITH stunning scenery, world-renowned landmarks and a variety of independent shops and restaurants to explore, Brighton is one of the best places to be starting your university adventure.
Now that Covid restrictions have been eased across the country, there is no better time to make a new group of friends and explore your new home.
The Royal Pavilion
Perhaps the most elegant and striking building in the entire city, the Royal Pavilion is a stunning masterpiece of architecture in the heart of Brighton. Built over 40 years and completed in 1823, the Pavilion served as a seaside retreat for King George IV, King William IV and, for a time, Queen Victoria.
Don’t let the building’s exterior fool you - despite its Indian-inspired domes and minarets, the Pavilion’s interior is decorated with a range of Chinese decor, from pagodas to huge dragons at the base of grand chandeliers.
An audio guide is available for your smartphone to take you through the Pavilion and, as a new student in the city, tickets are half price - all you need is your student ID.
Brighton Dome
Just a stone’s throw away from the Pavilion is the Brighton Dome, one of the centres of the arts in the city. Formerly the home of the stables for the then-Prince Regent George, the Dome has hosted a variety of musical acts from Pink Floyd, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and even Abba with their Eurovision victory in 1974.
Performances from headline acts are beginning to return the venue, so you have no excuses to miss out on attending some great gigs at this historic building.
i360
Sat right on the seafront, the i360 boasts some of the most spectacular views of Brighton and Hove. From an enclosed "viewing pod", you can get a full 360-degree view of the entire city from 138 metres (450 feet).
Discounted tickets are available for people aged 16 to 24-years-old and trips to the landmark come with a free visitor app - available in various different languages - and even a weather guarantee. If you're feeling particularly brave, there are times when you can even climb from the pod to the very top of the tower for unrestricted views of Brighton and the Sussex coast.
Duke of York’s Cinema
If you are looking to catch up on the latest releases, look no further than Duke of York’s - the oldest continually operating cinema in Europe.
Celebrating its 111th birthday this year, the cinema screens the big blockbuster releases along with art house and indie films and also hosts a balcony bar for Picturehouse members, perfect for a drink with friends as the sun sets across the city.
Duke of York’s also offers student discounts on film screenings, so seeing the latest release with your mates doesn’t have to blow the budget.
Brighton’s many bars and pubs
Brighton boasts over 900 different bars and pubs across the city, ranging from the cool and alternative to larger chains. In particular, Hobgoblin, The Hare and Hounds and The Gladstone (with its eye-catching yellow exterior) are all perfect for students to spend an afternoon or evening with friends.
The city’s range of restaurants and cafes
Brighton is a truly international city and its cafes, restaurants and coffee shops reflect the city’s diversity. Across Brighton, you can find delicious dishes from splashing out on a fine dining experience to a cheap deal at an independent restaurant.
For vegans and vegetarians, there is no shortage of eateries in Brighton with award-winning vegetarian and vegan food at pop-ups, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
St James’ Street
Brighton prides itself on being a tolerant city and has been known as the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of Britain for decades, with roughly 10 percent of adults in the city identifying as such.
There is no better place to explore the city’s LGBTQ+ scene than along St James’ Street in the centre of town. Here, you can find a range of long-established gay bars and pubs tailored to all segments of the community. Alongside the drag queens and alcohol, there are also many different services to provide support to LGBTQ+ people should you need it.
North Laine and The Lanes
If there is one thing Brighton is known for, it is its quirkiness and nowhere is this better catered for than in the independent shops of North Laine and The Lanes.
Clothes, books, vinyl and even fudge - if there’s something you want, you will almost certainly find it here. Take a wander down the narrow Lanes and you will discover some of the city’s most exquisite jewellers, antique shops and even a shop that exclusively sells rubber ducks.
The nightclub scene
No Freshers' week would be complete without a trip to a nightclub to let your hair down - and Brighton will not leave you disappointed, with some of the best nightlife in the UK.
From live music venues hosting some of the biggest names in music, to independent outlets highlighting our city's up and coming talent, there is bound to be a place to suit your style.
Brighton Palace Pier
No time in Brighton is complete without a trip to the famous Palace Pier. Stretching 525 metres into the English Channel, the pier provides great views of the city’s seafront, as well as hosting a range of fun rides and arcade attractions.
The pier also is home to several restaurants and a bar to soak in the sunshine and even catch a glimpse of the famous clouds of starlings that often fly together in the evening.
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