Best Areas to Live in Brighton for Students

Moving to Brighton for university? Great choice! With its vibrant seafront, buzzing student scene, and laid-back lifestyle, Brighton is one of the UK’s most exciting cities to live and study in. But with so many neighbourhoods to choose from, finding the right place to call home may seem difficult. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you want to be close to campus, near the beach, or right in the heart of the city, this guide will help you find the best student-friendly areas in Brighton. 

Looking for student accommodation in Brighton? Start exploring options for a cosy and comfortable living. 

Explore Brighton Based on What You Love

Brighton is an ideal student destination, known for its vibrant atmosphere, coastal charm, and welcoming student community. The city offers a variety of neighbourhoods to suit different preferences and budgets. 

Best Student Areas 

Introducing the best areas for top student accommodation in Brighton

These areas not only offer excellent student housing options but also provide easy access to essential amenities just around the corner. It saves students time and allows them to focus on more important tasks.

1. Lewes Road 

It is a popular choice among the students since it offers direct buses to the universities. There are supermarkets nearby, including Sainsbury's and Aldi, making it easy to shop for essential items. The main road can be busy and noisy during the rush hours, still it is an ideal place for students looking for easy access to universities and local amenities. 

Students living here can expect a 10–15-minute commute to the university and a 15-minute walk to the city clubs

2. Moulsecoomb 

Moulsecoomb is perfect for students at the University of Brighton, making it easy to attend lectures. There are plenty of student accommodation near the University of Brighton, including iQ Sawmills, Hollingbury House, and iQ Abacus House. 

This area also offers reasonable student accommodation in Brighton, allowing students to enjoy quality living on a budget. Moulsecoomb offers close proximity to the city centre and takes 20 minutes by bus. 

3. Kemptown 

Kemptown is known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere with rainbow flags displayed throughout the area.  There is a strong presence of independent shops and cafes. 

Kemptown is full of creativity and character, and living here feels like being inside an art gallery. There are also some of the top restaurants in Brighton, where students can enjoy a variety of cuisines and socialise with friends. It takes 25 to 30 minutes to travel to universities and a 5-minute walk to the beaches.

4. North Laine 

North Laine features vintage shops, record stores, and vibrant street art, making it a lively hub for both locals and visitors. While it is a popular tourist area, it maintains a unique charm that locals appreciate. It is also home to some of Brighton’s top cafes, offering cosy spots to relax and enjoy excellent coffee.

The cost of living for the students at the North Laine is expensive. The universities are just 20 minutes away by bus or train. 

5. Hanover 

What’s special about this area is its colourful houses and strong sense of community. It is surrounded by hills, making it challenging for cycling. There aren’t many local shops nearby, so students need to travel for big shopping. 

It is perfect for students looking for a friendly community and a quieter space. Students can easily concentrate and relax, making it an ideal environment for focused study and downtime.

6. Hollingdean 

There are plenty of new cafes, easy transport options, and affordable student accommodation in Brighton. With so many options, you can refer to the student accommodation guide for Brighton and book a comfortable living space. 

The area is a bit far from the main student area, and there are limited options to explore nightlife. 

7. Coldean 

Coldean is the prettiest area and offers plenty of phenomenal student accommodation in Brighton. Students can easily walk to the University of Sussex, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for daily campus life.

It takes around a 30-minute trip to the city's nightlife. This area can feel isolated, and students need to be aware while travelling

8. Hove 

Quick Area Comparison

Transport Options

The transportation system in Brighton is reliable and student-friendly, with regular bus services. Brighton & Hove buses run frequently, with the 25 route being a lifeline for students. 

Falmer station serves both universities and takes just 9 minutes from Brighton station. Cycling can be tough due to the hills, and students find the hills challenging when they first start cycling to campus. 

Walking from the city to campus is possible but long, covering 4 to 5 miles. For late-night travel, the N25 night bus runs until 5 am, providing essential safe transport.

Weekly costs:

• Student bus pass: £15
• Single journey: £3
• Annual train pass: £250-300
• Decent second-hand bike: £50-150

Safety Stuff 

Brighton provides a safe environment for students with reliable public transport and supportive communities. For extra peace of mind, students can refer to the student safety guide for Brighton, which offers practical tips and emergency contact numbers. The safest areas include Lewes Road, Hanover, Hollingdean, Hove, and Moulsecoomb.

Money Reality Check

The cost of living in Brighton is manageable with good budgeting, especially if you choose the right area and housing. Students can use the cost of living calculator to plan their monthly expenses wisely. This tool also helps to stay on top of your budget. 

Budget option (Coldean/Moulsecoomb):

• Rent: £480-640

• Transport: £60

• Food: £200

• Fun: £100

• Total: £840-1,000

Middle ground (Lewes Road/Hanover):

• Rent: £600-760

• Transport: £60

• Food: £250

• Fun: £150

• Total: £1,060-1,220

Fancy (Kemptown/Hove):

• Rent: £720-1,120

• Transport: £80

• Food: £300

• Fun: £200

• Total: £1,300-1,700

Nightlife by Area

Nightlife in Brighton is vibrant and diverse, with everything from beachside bars to student-friendly clubs and live music venues.

Best for going out:

• Kemptown: Alternative bars, LGBTQ+ venues, live music

• North Laine: Quirky pubs, cocktails, everything walkable

• City Centre: Main clubs, chain bars, late-night food

• Lewes Road: Student pubs, house parties

Limited nightlife:

• Coldean/Moulsecoomb: Travel to the city centre

• Hollingdean: Few local options

• Hove: More wine bars than student pubs

Uni-Specific Recommendations

Brighton Uni students

Top picks:

1. Moulsecoomb - Next to the main campus

2. Lewes Road - Easy access to all campuses

3. Coldean - Near Falmer campus

Brighton University has multiple campuses, so check which one you’ll be based at most frequently.

Sussex Uni students

Best choices:

1. Coldean - Walking distance

2. Lewes Road - Direct buses

3. Hanover - Good balance

The Sussex campus is isolated. Your accommodation choice affects your social life massively.

Practical options:

1. City areas - Close to BIMM
2. Lewes Road - Access everywhere
3. Kemptown - Creative community

Types of Accommodation

Purpose-built student places

Purpose-built student accommodation in Brighton offers modern facilities, all-inclusive bills, and a hassle-free living experience.  Students can find these accommodations in the city centre, Lewes Road, and near the universities. They benefit from good facilities and enhanced security.

Student house shares

Areas like Moulsecoomb, Hanover, Hollingdean, and Lewes Road offer affordable accommodation options where students can enjoy independence and choose their own flatmates. However, they need to sort bills themselves and may face maintenance issues.

Your Action Plan

Week 1: Research

1. List your priorities
2. Research areas using this guide
3. Join Facebook groups of universities

Week 2: Virtual exploring

1. Google Street View the areas
2. Check rush hour and transport times
3. Look up local amenities
4. Read student reviews

Week 3: Visit and decide

1. Plan a viewing trip
2. Visit 2-3 areas at different times
3. Talk to local students
4. Apply quickly for your favourites

Week 4: Apply and backup

1. Submit with all documents
2. Have backup areas ready
3. Follow up on viewings
4. Confirm transport and logistics

Final Words

Choosing the right student area in Brighton can shape your university experience, from how easily you get to lectures to how much fun you have outside them. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant energy of North Laine, the budget-friendly options in Moulsecoomb, or the creative buzz of Kemptown, there's a perfect fit for everyone. 

The best areas not only offer comfort but also provide a long-term investment in your student experience. Choose wisely to make your student life in Brighton happy and fulfilling.