Brighton Guide for International Students of Chichester College Group

Discover Brighton: Your Gateway to Vibrant Seaside Living and Academic Excellence.

Brighton is a vibrant seaside city famous for its pier, beaches, and cultural delights. It is easy to get around and offers many shopping experiences, boat trips, music venues, and sights. The Town has a Theatre Royal, a racecourse, an aquarium, sports areas, and golf courses.

The City of Brighton is famous for its inclusivity and freedom of expression. Ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top 10 city beach destinations, there is never a dull moment in this bustling city, which also has one of the best nightlife scenes in the country.

Take a walk along the prom (the seafront), and you will find cafes, bars, nightclubs and, of course, the beach and watersports.

Welcome to Brighton!

Brighton is a vibrant and diverse city on the southern coast of England, known for its lively culture, beautiful seaside, and historical landmarks. As an international student at Chichester College Group, you'll have the opportunity to explore this exciting city. This guide will provide essential information and tips to maximise your time in Brighton.

Getting to Brighton

Brighton is easily accessible by various means of transportation:

Train: The fastest and most convenient way to get to Brighton is by train. Regular services run from London Victoria and London Bridge, taking about an hour. The journey time from Chichester is about an hour, and from Worthing, it takes about 30 minutes.
Bus/Coach: National Express and other coach services operate routes to Brighton from various cities, including London and Gatwick Airport. You can get the 700 Stagecoach bus from Worthing or Chichester, although the train is quicker.
Car: Brighton is well-connected by road if you prefer to drive, but parking can be expensive and limited.

Accommodation

As an international student, finding suitable accommodation is crucial. Here are some options:

Student Housing: Chichester College Group may offer student accommodations or partnerships with local housing providers.
Private Rentals: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom can help you find private rentals. Be sure to view properties in person and check the tenancy agreement carefully.
Homestay: Living with a local family can be a great way to immerse yourself in British culture.

Getting Around

Brighton has an excellent public transportation system:

Buses: Brighton & Hove buses cover the entire city and surrounding areas. Use your Brighton MET student ID card for discounted fares.
Cycling: Brighton is bike-friendly, with many cycle lanes. Consider renting or buying a bike.
Walking: The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. It's the best (and healthiest) way to get to know the city!

Key Attractions

Brighton Pier: A must-visit for its amusements, eateries, and stunning sea views.
Royal Pavilion: An iconic palace with Indo-Saracenic architecture and beautiful gardens.
The Lanes: A maze of narrow streets filled with unique shops, cafes, and boutiques. Brighton MET College is just to the north of the Laines.
Brighton Beach: Enjoy the pebbled beach, watersports, and beachfront bars (if you are over 18!).
Brighton Marina: Offers shopping, dining, and leisure activities like boating and cinema.

Cultural Experiences

Theatre and Music: The Brighton Dome, Komedia, Theatre Royal, and numerous smaller venues host a variety of performances, from theatre to live music.
Festivals: Brighton hosts many festivals, including the Brighton Festival, Brighton Fringe, and the Great Escape music festival.
Museums and Galleries: Visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery and explore the contemporary art scene in local galleries.

Shopping

Churchill Square: The main shopping centre with high street brands.
The North Laine: An eclectic area with independent shops, vintage stores, and quirky boutiques.
Brighton Open Market: Offers fresh produce, crafts, and unique items.

Food and Drink

Brighton boasts a diverse food scene:

Traditional British: Try fish and chips by the sea or a Sunday roast at a local pub.
International Cuisine: Enjoy a variety of global cuisines, from Indian to Italian, Chinese to Mexican.
Vegetarian and Vegan: Brighton is known for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants.
Cafes and Coffee Shops: Relax in one of the many charming cafes offering great coffee and pastries.

Student Life

Student Societies: Join clubs and societies at Brighton MET College to meet new people and pursue your interests.
Part-time Work: Brighton has numerous part-time job opportunities in retail, hospitality, and more. Check your visa conditions before applying. Full-time students studying a level 3 course can typically work up to ten hours per week.
Nightlife: Experience Brighton's vibrant nightlife, which includes various pubs, bars, and clubs. Popular areas include West Street and the beachfront.

Practical Information

We will assist international students studying at Brighton MET or one of the Chichester College Group Colleges with the following:

Healthcare: Register with a local GP (General Practitioner) to access NHS services. The nearest hospitals are the Royal Sussex County Hospital and Brighton General Hospital.
Banking: Open a UK bank account to manage your finances. Major banks include HSBC, Barclays, Halifax and Lloyds.
Safety: Brighton is generally safe, but always stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep emergency contacts handy and let people know where you are going.

Useful Contacts

Chichester College Group International Team: For academic support and general inquiries.
Student Union: For student activities, support, and advice.
Brighton Tourist Information: This is for information on local events and attractions.

Have fun in Brighton, and Stay Safe!

Brighton offers a rich and fulfilling experience for international students. Embrace the opportunity to explore the city, engage with its culture, and make lasting memories. Enjoy your time at Chichester College Group and make the most of everything Brighton has to offer!

Our top ten attractions for Brighton include

The Royal Pavilion
The Lanes: A maze of alleyways packed with quirky shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Brighton Beach and Brighton i360
Brighton Palace Pier
Sea Life Brighton
Volk Electric Railway
Brighton's Cool Coffee shops
Walking or cycling along the Undercliff path
Taking in some live music- try The Hope and Ruin or Green Door Store
Shopping for Bric-a-brac in Kensington Garden- a vast flea market

Brighton is known as "London by the Sea" and is only a one-hour train ride from London, 40 minutes from Chichester and half an hour from Worthing. It's full of vibe and has some grand Regency architecture, which gives it a unique charm.