Brighton is a great place to learn English. It’s lively, welcoming, and inclusive— large enough to inspire yet small enough to feel familiar. With its pretty coastline and nearby countryside, Brighton combines the best of city and nature, offering a place where everyone feels welcome.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
Brighton is a bustling, cosmopolitan city located just an hour from London by train. It is famous for its pebble beach, unique shopping districts, and bohemian vibe. The city has a rich cultural and artistic heritage, with a calendar full of festivals, music events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Climate
The south coast of England is known to have one of the warmest climates in the UK, but the weather can still be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to carry a light waterproof jacket or umbrella. It is quite possible for the weather to be warm, cold, sunny, raining, and windy… all in the same day!
Money
The currency in Brighton, as in the rest of the United Kingdom, is the British Pound Sterling (£/GBP).
Telephone Country Code
The telephone country code for the United Kingdom, including Brighton, is +44.
Electricity
230 V; 50Hz – 3-pin
Tap water
Tap water in Brighton is safe to drink, unless there’s a sign to the contrary (eg on trains), meeting strict health and safety regulations set by the UK government.
Transportation
Transportation within Brighton is well-developed, featuring various options for getting around. The city has an extensive bus network operated by several companies. Additionally, cycling is popular due to dedicated bike lanes.
Public Transport Info
Brighton’s public transport network is primarily managed by Brighton & Hove Buses, with frequent services running throughout the city and to nearby areas. Student passes and day tickets are available, making travel more affordable and accessible.
Weekly tickets start at £15.50 for Student City Saver on mobile app / £29 travel card. More information can be found here.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 01 Jan, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 05 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec
Students may require a student visa to enter the UK. Please contact us for more information.
Legal Driving Age
The legal driving age in the UK is 17 years old. Most car hire companies require that you be at least 21 years old and have an international or European driving license.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age in England is 18 years old. You must be at least this age to purchase alcohol or enter licensed premises. Many places will ask for identification if you look below the age of 21.
Smoking Laws
Smoking is not allowed in enclosed public spaces, including bars, restaurants, and public transport in the UK. Designated smoking areas are usually available outside such establishments. The minimum age for purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products is 18.
Insurance
Students must have adequate health, accident and travel insurance while attending any of our programmes.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
£0.60-£1.20
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
£2.30-£3.00
Fast-Food combo meal
£4.50-£6.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
£10.00-£25.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
£25.00-£70.00
Public transport (local transport)
£2.50 (one-way)
Public transport (monthly pass)
£50.00-£80.00
One of Brighton’s most famous attractions, the Brighton Palace Pier offers a classic British seaside experience with arcade games, fairground rides, and a variety of food stalls. Whether you want to enjoy thrilling rides or simply stroll along the boardwalk with an ice cream, this iconic pier provides fun and relaxation with beautiful views of the sea.
Built as a lavish seaside retreat for King George IV, the Royal Pavilion’s exotic Indian and Chinese-inspired architecture makes it one of the most unique landmarks in the UK. Visitors can explore its opulent rooms, adorned with intricate designs and regal decor, and learn about the fascinating history of Brighton’s royal connections.
Brighton Beach is perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing day by the sea. The iconic pebble beach is lined with colorful beach huts, bars, and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing or enjoying a seaside meal.
The Lanes is a vibrant maze of narrow, winding streets filled with independent boutiques, antique shops, and artisan cafes. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique souvenir or grab a coffee while soaking in the eclectic atmosphere of Brighton’s oldest shopping district.
The Brighton Dome is a renowned arts venue that hosts a variety of performances including concerts, theatre productions, and dance shows. Attending an event here provides a taste of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Just outside of Brighton, the South Downs National Park offers miles of rolling hills, scenic hiking trails, and picturesque villages. This natural haven is perfect for day trips, whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the stunning landscapes and fresh air.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
In addition to our General English programme, EC Brighton offers a variety of special courses to help you improve your English to succeed at school and in the global workplace. These include English for Work, an intensive English course that helps you develop the skills you need to advance in your career; EC x FutureLearn, which combines immersive English language lessons from EC with specialized online courses from leading universities worldwide, and IELTS exam preparation classes.
At EC Brighton, we offer host family or residence/student apartment accommodations. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a Brighton family. This is a great option if you want an opportunity to practice your English with a local family over homecooked meals. If you’re looking for more independence, you may want to consider a fully-equipped shared apartment with other students, and share some or all of the living spaces.
One of the most bohemian and picturesque cities in the UK, Brighton provides endless activities and opportunities to interact with English speakers. Stroll along the piers and check out the galleries along the Artists Quarter. Tour the Royal Pavilion. Enjoy amazing restaurants and pubs and catch live music any night of the week. EC Brighton has a dedicated activities programme to immerse you in all Brighton has to offer.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in Brighton. Contact us to learn more.
Known as ‘London by the Sea’, Brighton offers the cultural vibe of London (which is only one hour away) in a laid-back seaside atmosphere. This pretty seaside resort is one of England’s most bohemian cities, famous for its architecture, art galleries, restaurants and colorful atmosphere—as well as lovely beaches. It’s a great place to practice your English with new friends and enthusiastic locals.
