A Guide to Brighton’s Student-Friendly Neighbourhoods

As a seaside city filled with creativity and a friendly student community, it’s no surprise that Brighton is a strong contender when it comes to deciding where to study. Whether you’re moving to the city for the first time or you’re a seasoned student looking to relocate, the neighbourhood that you choose can have a huge impact on your experience. From proximity to local supermarkets to the perfect hangout spots, there’s a lot to consider when making this decision. But there’s no need to feel overwhelmed! We’ve compiled some of the best areas in Brighton for students to live in to help make choosing your new neck of the woods a breeze.

1. North Laine (city centre)

So, you’re wondering where to live in Brighton as a student? North Laine, Brighton’s city centre, is a great place to start. Its quirky, creative, and cultural streets are lined with indie shops, vintage boutiques, street art, and music, not to mention the cafés! Here are all the things you’ll love about this area:

• Proximity to University: It’s just a 7-minute walk away to the University of Brighton from Victoria Gardens, and it has easy access to the University of Sussex via public transport.
• Transport Options: North Laine is home to Brighton Station, connecting you to London Victoria in just an hour and to other major cities. And if you’re just exploring the city, you can easily hop on and off the bus.
• Hidden Gem - The Blackout Shop: The ironically-named, vibrantly coloured kitsch boutique is a go-to for multi-cultural eccentric gifts and trinkets. 
• Student Vibe: Just because it’s a seaside city, it doesn’t mean it lacks the typical student lifestyle. North Laine is packed with restaurants, bars, and quirky pubs. Living in the city centre puts you in the middle of all the action.

2. Hove

For a calmer coastal vibe, you’ll meet your match at Hove. Offering a chilled-out student environment, leafy streets, and eccentric, colourful beach huts, there’s no doubt that you’ll fall in love with this neighbourhood. And when the sun sets, take a morning run or evening stroll along the promenade for the most relaxing break from your studies. If this sounds like a bit of you, here are all the wonderful things that Hove has to offer:

• Proximity to University: While Hove may be a bit farther away from the University of Sussex, you can still make it to your 9 am lecture in just 20 minutes, all thanks to its transport links. And the University of Brighton? That’s just a 5-minute train ride, so you’ll have plenty of time to grab your morning coffee to wake you up on the way in.
• Transport Links: From buses and bike lanes to trains and taxi services, there are endless ways for you to get to where you need to be, whether that’s to your lecture or your favourite hangout spot.
• Hidden Gems - Bodhisattva Kadampa Meditation Centre: With exam pressure and coursework deadlines, it’s important to look after your mental well-being. Bodhisattva Kadampa is a thriving Buddhist community with a café, book shop, meditation rooms, and a peace garden. Open for everyone from 9 am until dusk, it’s well worth the wander. 
• Student Vibe: While the area is a little farther out, you’re still just a short stroll from the buzz of the city, making it the perfect part of the city for students who enjoy a relaxed setting but still want the option to explore all the exciting things that the city has to offer.

3. Kemptown

Kemptown is undoubtedly one of the best Brighton student neighbourhoods. While we might be slightly biased because it’s home to Stoneworks, one of our student accommodation options in Brighton, the artsy, seaside-chic district is famous for its colourful houses, sea views and friendly, inclusive feel. Aside from that, here are the benefits of living in the area: 

• Proximity to University: Using the 25 bus, it takes less than 20 minutes to get from Stoneworks to the University of Brighton. But, if the weather allows it, we recommend that you walk it! It takes just 25 minutes, and you get the added bonus of taking in the stunning scenery along the way.
• Transport Links: With excellent bus routes and cycle-friendly roads, this neighbourhood is well connected to the rest of the city.
• Hidden Gems - The Black Dove: Just a 20-minute bus journey away from Vogue Studios, our second student accommodation in Brighton, is this shabby-chic bar named the best drinking den in this corner of Brighton. On top of its authentic, creative decor, they also get top marks for having an all–vegan drinks menu!
• Student Vibe: This creative, relaxed area is also super LGBTQ+ friendly. It’s one of the city’s liveliest areas with brunch spots, tea salons and gay bars, promising the best night out in Brighton.

4. Lewes Road

Last but by no means least in our Brighton student guide to the best neighbourhoods in the city is Lewes Road—the classic student hotspot, right where Vogue Studios is. This bustling main road is lined with student housing, cafés and late-night shops, perfect for those evenings when you’re craving a sweet treat! Other than the fact that it’s home to one of the best student accommodations in Brighton, here are a few reasons why we think you’ll love living on Lewes Road:

• Proximity to University: You can easily access the University of Brighton from Lewes Road, especially if you’re studying at the Moulsecoomb or Falmer campus. Both are a short walk or quick bus ride away. And if you’re studying at the University of Sussex, there are direct transport links taking you to and from your lectures, which makes getting there on time that little bit easier.
• Transport Links: It’s one of the best-connected parts of the city. Plenty of Brighton & Hove buses travel up and down Lewes Road every few minutes, taking you straight to your campus, the seafront, and even Brighton Station. Plus, the area is super cycle-friendly with dedicated bike lanes—perfect for a green and speedy commute.
• Hidden Gems - The Bevy: The name speaks for itself, but for context, The Bevy is a student-fave that runs quiz nights, karaoke, and open mics. 
• Student Vibe: It’s already packed with students, so making friends will be a breeze. Whether you’re bumping into coursemates at the bus stop or organising group study sessions at the local cafés, this area has a small-town feel with an energetic atmosphere.

Conclusion 

Remember, when it comes to choosing your neighbourhood in a new city, you want to find one that will optimise your experience. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but there are plenty of student-friendly choices available for you. Whether you’re looking for a buzzing social scene, a peaceful green space, or somewhere in between, Brighton has a neighbourhood guaranteed to suit your lifestyle. Finding your perfect fit is all part of the adventure.

Now that you’re a step closer to choosing your new neighbourhood, it’s time to find high-quality student accommodation in Brighton. Explore both of our options and secure your place today!