Best Student Accommodation in Brighton, United Kingdom

University of Brighton

The University of Brighton is one of the top universities in Brighton, known for its applied learning approach, strong teaching focus, and high employability outcomes. It holds a Silver rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting high-quality teaching and student experience.

The university offers a wide range of career-focused programmes across areas such as Health & Medicine, Education & Social Sciences, Art & Design, Engineering & Technology, and Business & Management, with many courses professionally accredited.

University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is a leading research-intensive university in Brighton, recognised globally for its academic strength and research impact. It holds a TEF Silver rating for teaching quality, and 89% of its research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the REF 2021 assessment.

Sussex also performs strongly in global rankings and graduate outcomes, making it one of the UK’s well-regarded universities. Popular subject areas include Psychology, International Relations, Business and Management, Media, Arts and Humanities, and Life Sciences.

There are various student housing options in Brighton to suit different budgets, lifestyles, and university-specific locations. Here are some of our recommendations, including en-suite, shared flats, studios, and homestay options:

Best Student Accommodation in Brighton

• Alumno Falmer

• iQ Brighton

• Crown House

• Brighton Residence - Flexible Tenancies

Affordable Student Accommodation in Brighton

• Moulsecoomb Place

• Hollingbury House

• Holden Court

• Ravilious House

These neighbourhoods are some of the best student areas for students in Brighton:

Lewes Road 

Lewes Road is located north of Brighton city centre, towards Falmer, and is one of the city’s main student areas. It offers practical everyday convenience with supermarkets, convenience stores, independent shops, and local services, making it ideal for student living. Key nearby highlights include the London Road Shopping Area and The Level park, both popular with students.

Lewes Road is one of Brighton’s best-connected student corridors, with frequent bus routes such as the 25, 23, and 25X providing direct links to both major universities and the city centre. The University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb campus is within a short walk or bus ride, while the University of Sussex (Falmer campus) is also easily accessible via a direct bus connection, typically within a range of 15-25 minutes.

Moulsecoomb 

Moulsecoomb is situated in north-eastern Brighton within the city’s residential belt. It’s a key student neighbourhood for students at the University of Brighton Moulsecoomb campus, and for many students living on a budget. The suburb has a quieter, more residential feel, with access to local shops, supermarkets, and essential services. Moulsecoomb features areas like Moulsecoomb Wild Park and Moulsecoomb Place, with easy access to the South Downs National Park.

Moulsecoomb is easy to get to by bus, with frequent routes, including the 25, which runs directly to the University of Sussex via Lewes Road, and the 24, 28, and 49, which link the University of Brighton campuses and Brighton city centre. Moulsecoomb railway station also offers short train journeys to central Brighton, making commuting quick and convenient. 

Falmer 

Falmer is located to the north-east of Brighton on the edge of the city, close to the South Downs, and is primarily known as the main campus location of the University of Sussex. The area has a village-like feel, with a large green open space and a campus-focused environment featuring academic buildings and student housing, unlike more urban student areas.

Falmer is easily accessible despite its outlying location, with Falmer railway station providing direct trains to Brighton city centre in around 10 minutes. It is also served by frequent bus routes, including the 25, 25X, 23, and 28, linking the University of Sussex campus, University of Brighton campuses, Lewes Road, Moulsecoomb, and central Brighton, with bus journeys to the city centre typically taking 20-30 minutes.

City Centre 

The Brighton city centre is the historic heart of the city as well as its commercial and cultural hub and one of the most lively areas for student living in Brighton. It’s centred around North Street, East Street, and West Street and extends to areas such as Churchill Square, North Laine, Brighton railway station, and the seafront. The city centre offers immediate access to shops, restaurants, cafés, and cultural attractions, combining student lifestyle and convenience.

The city centre is highly connected, with frequent bus routes such as the 25, 25X, 23, 24, 28, and 49 linking it directly to both the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex via key corridors like Lewes Road and Moulsecoomb. Brighton railway station is also located nearby, offering direct services to London and other major UK cities. 

The cost of living in Brighton depends on several factors, including lifestyle choices and accommodation options, and you should expect it to be slightly higher compared to smaller UK cities.

Student Accommodation

According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single student in Brighton is £885.7, excluding rent. Here’s an average monthly breakdown for student expenses in Brighton: 

Groceries

Utilities

Transportation

Note: In Brighton, students benefit from discounted bus fares through Brighton & Hove Buses after verification, along with national rail discounts and student railcards for wider travel. 

Brighton has a well-developed transport network, with frequent Brighton & Hove bus services covering the entire city, direct rail connections from Brighton Station to London and major UK cities, and strong cycling and walking infrastructure, making it easy for students to travel across the city without a car.

Bus

Buses are the main way students get around Brighton, with frequent routes connecting areas like Lewes Road and Falmer. Key routes such as the 25, 25X, 23, 24, 28, and 49 connect major student areas, including Lewes Road, Moulsecoomb, and Falmer with both the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, as well as the city centre. Night services such as the N25 also operate for late travel, making buses a reliable option for students throughout the day and evening.

Train

Brighton railway station is the city’s main transport hub operated by National Rail, offering fast and frequent services to London, Gatwick Airport, and other major UK cities. Within Brighton, trains also provide quick connections between nearby areas such as Moulsecoomb and Falmer, with journey times to the city centre typically taking just a few minutes. This makes rail travel a convenient option for both local commuting and national travel.

Cycling

Cycling is a popular and practical transport option in Brighton, especially among students. The city has dedicated cycle lanes along key routes such as Lewes Road, connecting residential areas with both universities and the city centre. Bike hire schemes are also widely available, making cycling an affordable and flexible way to get around. Its compact layout and relatively short distances make Brighton well-suited for everyday cycling.

Walking

Brighton is a highly walkable city, particularly in central areas such as the city centre, North Laine, and the seafront. Many student neighbourhoods, including parts of Lewes Road and Moulsecoomb, are within walking distance of local amenities and transport links. Walking is a common choice for short daily journeys, especially for students living close to campus or city facilities.

Taxi & Ride Services

Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available across Brighton, providing a flexible option for late-night travel or journeys outside regular public transport hours. Licensed taxis operate throughout the city centre and near university areas, making them a convenient alternative for students when buses or trains are less frequent.

• Royal Pavilion: A historic former royal residence in central Brighton known for Indo-Saracenic architecture and landscaped gardens.

• Brighton Museum & Art Gallery: A museum located in the Royal Pavilion gardens showcasing art, design, fashion, and local history exhibits.

• Brighton Palace Pier: A seaside pier offering rides, arcade games, food stalls, and coastal views.

• The Level: A central urban park near Lewes Road featuring green spaces, skate areas, and events.

• North Laine: A creative district filled with independent shops, cafés, street art, and vintage stores.