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University of Brighton

Why choose University of Brighton?

The University of Brighton is based across three campuses in Brighton. A fun, vibrant and forward-thinking city, Brighton is based on the south coast of England with an award-winning beach and on the edge of picturesque British countryside. We’re just an hour by train from central London and half an hour from London Gatwick International Airport, ideal for travelling to the rest of the UK and Europe on weekends and during university breaks.

Our study abroad programs give you the opportunity to join our community of 18,000 students from 150 countries. You’ll study classes that excite you, alongside immersing yourself in British history and culture through field trips to some of the most iconic tourist landmarks.

Founded
1850

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

The University of Brighton prides itself on its commitment to providing a safe and respectful educational environment for all. As members of the Race Equality Charter with a Bronze award, we have taken many steps towards improving the representation, progression and success of our students. These include decolonising the curriculum and launching our Brighton anti-racist forum.
The university is committed to ensuring our community is inclusive and supportive for all students. There is lots of support for LGBTQ+ students including campaigns by Brighton Students’ Union, our LGBTQ+ student society, our dedicated mentoring programme with the LGBTQ+ Pride Network at American Express, as well as official policies and procedures for trans and non-binary students.
We know that neurodivergent students may have additional studying needs, which is why they are supported by the university’s Disability and Learning Support team. This team can set up learning support plans and students access dedicated funding.
The University of Brighton offers personalised advice and adjustments for students with disabilities and or long-term health conditions. Our Disability and Learning Support team will assess what impacts your disability might have on your academic experience, and work with you to tailor support to your needs.

Impact 🌎

Sustainability is a core value at the University of Brighton, and our teaching ensures students learn about responsible practices within their field. We’ve committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and have implemented sustainable practices on campus such as eco-friendly food choices and responsible travel options. We even have our own on-campus allotment to support biodiversity.

Reviews

Default avatar
Zoe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Being Uncomfortable in the best way

This was my first time living away from friends and family since my first year at college, and there I was still in the same state of California. This adventure was unlike anything I had ever done before. I had to learn to be uncomfortable in almost every environment, and in the end I am stronger for it. Ive learned so much about being an adult, making friends, and gaining a love for the new. Every problem I faced turned into something new to learn and adapt to. I wouldn't have it any other way.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Learning the transportation. I come from a very car structured area and ive never really had to use any buses or trains to get around. Its very different here, the only way to class is by bus and to explore anywhere else I have to take a train. I found people who helped me with the learning curve and was continually patient with myself if I made a mistake. I have come to love taking public transport, and its given me a huge confidence boost.
Pros
  • The people I met
  • The city of Brighton
  • The cafes everywhere
Cons
  • My dorm was not the best
  • Figuring out healthcare when I got sick
Default avatar
Mohammad
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

First of all, the staff is amazing and very helpful. They assisted me with absolutely everything I needed. The professors are also very kind and always ready to help. The people I met at the university were all very nice, without exception. I can only recommend it to anyone.

During the introduction week, all the international students were taken on a trip to London, which was very nice because it really helped us make friends in a city where, as an international student, you don’t know anyone. The city itself is also very nice to visit, especially the beach.

All in all, the four months I’ve spent here have been awesome.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Bringe more money with u.
Default avatar
Mathilda
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Brighton Study Abroad Semester

Everyday life and leisure
Brighton is only about an hour away from London by train. This is definitely a bonus if you don't want to live in the big city but still don't want to miss London. Brighton also has quite a few small shops and restaurants, especially in the ‘Lanes’ and the ‘North Lanes’. Brighton has its beautiful corners and of course the sea, but it is also very run-down in some parts. Brighton is also quite hilly.

Accommodation
We were all housed at the Falmer Campus, which is on the edge of Brighton and quite far out of the city centre. You always had to take the train or the bus and that always took quite a long time.

Response from University of Brighton

Hi Mathilda, thank you so much for your review and for recommending our programme to new students. We wish you all the best for your studies. The Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco)

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Nikita
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Semester of Magical Thinking

When I first started to think about studying abroad, there was no place I wanted to study more than the United Kingdom. After spending a semester with USAC, I have to say that this was the best decision I could have ever made. Those three short months enhanced my academic skills, and I grew more than I ever thought possible. As a socially anxious person, the group I studied with in Brighton are some of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Traveling to places I have only dreamt about, I grew out of my shell and became a person who is now more culturally aware and understands more about walks of life far different than where I come from. Because of the professors and instructors at the University of Brighton, I got to cover more than half the areas of the United Kingdom than I could've possibly on my own. At the end, I felt satisfied despite my limited time there, I felt like I didn't miss anything.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
The only thing I would change is finance. I was running low on money by the end and it was getting pretty bad. I would say research pricing when it comes to buying groceries and the means it would take to take care of yourself.
Pros
  • Classes
  • Traveling made easy since plane rides and trains are so inexpensive
Cons
  • Traveling to class, the bus pricing was what took most of my finances.
  • Housing, I felt like I was too far from the city living on the Falmer campus, traveling into town was always a hassle and very expensive at times.
Response from University of Brighton

Hi Nikita, it's great to hear how your academic skills, cultural awareness and growth as a person have been boosted by studying abroad with us. This is why this programme is in place and why my team and I love to do our job. Thank you so much for this and we wish you all the best for your future adventures! The Study Abroad Team

Default avatar
Minsun
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program

It was a fun and affordable program. There was a wide variety of lectures to choose from and learning was meaningful and engaging thanks to passionate lecturers and classmates. Study abroad team (Mary and Zoe) were really sweet and helpful. The city was vibrant and safe, since university students are the major part of the population from what I've heard. Also thoroughly enjoyed the field trips to Bath and Eastbourne and so on, they were very memorable. I recommend this program to those who want to experience British culture.

Response from University of Brighton

Dear Minsun, thank you so much for your review, and we're really happy you had such a positive experience! We wish you all the best for your future, The Study Abroad Team (Mary, Zoe and Francesco).

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Becca Dwyer

Becca Dwyer is in her fourth year at California State University Northridge with a Major in Graphic Design and a Minor in Marketing. Currently working as a Graphic Design and Web Development assistant, she is set to graduate in Spring 2018. When she's not working or studying, she likes to watch animated movies and work on her own illustrations.
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Why did you choose this program?

Aside from the fact that they offered courses beneficial to my degree, the University of Brighton offered many included field trips that were very enticing to me.

I was also drawn to this specific program by the town of Brighton, itself. With it's close proximity to a pebble beach and only an hour train journey to London, it seemed like the perfect location.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Applying to the program was a bit more difficult for me than others. Since I did not have a USAC program at my school, I had to apply for National Student Exchange to the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, and then apply straight to the University of Brighton.

I was pretty much on my own throughout the whole process, but since I knew that I wanted to study specifically at Brighton through USAC, it wasn't a huge problem. I know that students who have the USAC program at their school have a pretty easy application process.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Plan ahead and save! I knew that I wanted to study abroad several years before I actually applied to the program. In the years leading up to my application, I saved as much money as I could, and it definitely paid off. Having extra money to spend on a spontaneous trip to Wales with friends is so much more fun then staying home on the weekend.

Having the financial freedom to say yes to random activities and travels allowed me to take full advantage of my year abroad.

Unfortunately, I know of one girl in my program who signed up for the whole year, but didn't have the financial means to do so and left after the first semester. In order to get the most out of your time abroad, you need to save your money and go on as many adventures as you can!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average week would probably have you going to school three out of the five school days. I only took the equivalent of 12 U.S. units per semester and would spend my downtime hanging out with friends, going to the beach and chilling at pubs. Brighton has a young demographic and a lot of nightlife so you definitely don't have any excuse to be bored!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was just doing something so independently. I felt like I had never been put so far out of my comfort before. Arriving in a new country where you don't know where to go, you don't have any friends yet and where nothing is familiar to you is very daunting. Luckily, once you get to your campus, you'll find approximately 30 other students feeling the exact same way! Bonding!

Also, after completing my year abroad, I can tell that I am a much more confident and assertive individual. Because I put myself out there and took the leap to study abroad, I now know how important it is to have that kind of bravery in my everyday life. I'm much more likely now to say yes to new adventures and challenges that once might've seriously intimidated me.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

It's not so much of a story as it is an awesome fact. I went to Edinburgh, Scotland during my three week long Spring Break and stayed in the Castle Rock Hostel. First of all, yes our spring break was three weeks long and also yes, I would definitely recommend staying at the Castle Rock Hostel if you ever find yourself in Edinburgh.

Anyways, the Castle Rock Hostel holds a beer pong tournament every Saturday night and I can now literally say that I won a beer pong tournament in Scotland. My teammate was someone I didn't even know before the start of the tournament, but who for sure became my best friend when she threw the winning shot. My picture is now up on their "Wall of Champions" for 2016 beer pong tournaments, how cool is that!?

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Elissa Gregory

Job Title
Study Abroad Administrator

What is your favorite travel memory?

A cruise up the coast of Norway past the Arctic Circle and dog sledding with Huskies in Tromso where there was an ice hotel. I got to experience the Aurora Borealis. It really was a once in lifetime experience and one of the incredible natural wonders of the world that I feel so very fortunate to have experienced.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

It’s been fantastic to work directly with students to really do all we can to have a positive impact on the student experience. When we took our JSA and ISU Spring semester students to Paris; this was the last trip I attended with them before they returned to their hometowns back in the USA. It was gorgeous to see how much they had grown both as individuals and bonded as a group since I first met them at the beginning of the semester. We work really hard to create bespoke programs for our students and it’s great fun and it’s given me a real passion for the service that we provide.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

A student described how she never felt like she fit in anywhere at home, but felt a sense of belonging here in Brighton. She learned a lot about herself on the program and could now get a sense and see the direction of where her life was going. She felt like Brighton was her second home and couldn’t wait to return and hopefully move here one day!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I think the Summer program would be really fun. Students are here during the best part of the year with the weather and when it’s hot the vibe is great in Brighton. The program is jam-packed with activities and as student teachers, you would get to experience a wide range of various, fantastic schools that make up our school system, from independent forest schools to SEN schools and of course mainstream schools who we have spent many years building a partnership with. Schools love having students from the USA.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We’re a very small team and the service has developed over 20 years creating bespoke programmes for our students wishing to experience studying abroad. You can’t compare our programmes to other institutions because they are so different. The programmes have been built up from the reviews of the students who really are our best marketing tool and advert and I’m proud that the team really have listened and created programmes that really go out a limb to make sure students return home with a life-changing experience.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Passion and caring about what you're doing. It’s so rewarding to support our students on their journey of studying abroad which is often their first time away from home, and although companies do have to have financial stability it’s not about profit and numbers, it’s about creating a service that stands out from the rest.