Welcome to Brighton, a vibrant coastal city that’s not only brimming with creativity and culture but also offers countless things to do for students. Whether you're an aspiring musician or simply seeking new adventures, Brighton is an ideal destination for students looking to make the most of their time here.

Known for its lively music scene, diverse nightlife, and rich creative culture, Brighton perfectly blends urban excitement with scenic beauty. From the iconic Palace Pier to the enchanting Royal Pavilion Gardens, the city is full of opportunities for exploration and inspiration. With excellent travel links to London and beyond, and a wealth of activities tailored to students, Brighton is a haven for WaterBear students eager to enhance their creative journeys.

Join us as we explore the best of what Brighton has to offer, from eclectic music venues to thriving festivals, ensuring you experience the full vibrancy of this dynamic city. You'll never be short of things to do!

Arts and Culture

Brighton is a cultural melting pot, bursting with creativity and artistic expression, making it an exciting destination for students.

The city hosts the renowned Brighton Fringe, one of the largest arts festivals in England, showcasing a vibrant mix of theatre, comedy, and performance art.

Throughout the year, numerous festivals celebrate everything from music to food, while street performances and buskers add a lively atmosphere to its bustling streets.

Thousands flock to Brighton every summer for its massive Pride festival, celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and inclusivity.

The city is also home to a wealth of museums and galleries, offering students a chance to immerse themselves in both contemporary and historical art.

With its rich cultural tapestry, Brighton provides an inspiring environment for students at WaterBear to thrive.

Brighton Travel Links

Brighton boasts excellent travel links, making it a fantastic location for students. Just 1 to 1.5 hours by train, London is easily accessible, offering a wealth of opportunities for musical inspiration and career networking in the capital’s vibrant scene.

For a quick cultural escape, the historic town of Lewes is only a 20-minute journey away, renowned for its spectacular Bonfire Night celebrations.

A one-hour car ride brings you to Portsmouth, home to the bustling Gunwharf Quays and the fascinating historic dockyard.

Additionally, a 40-minute drive will take you to Arundel, where you can explore the enchanting Arundel Castle and its beautiful surroundings.

With such diverse and convenient travel options, Brighton serves as the perfect gateway for students looking to enrich their university experience.

Live Music in Brighton

Brighton boasts a vibrant and diverse music scene that attracts artists and audiences from all over the UK and beyond. Renowned for its eclectic mix of genres, the city is home to numerous venues hosting everything from intimate gigs to large concerts.

One of the highlights of the year is The Great Escape Festival, a leading event showcasing emerging talent across hundreds of performances in various venues throughout the city. This festival not only offers students a chance to experience groundbreaking music but also provides invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals.

With its rich musical culture and numerous events, Brighton is an inspiring place for aspiring musicians to study and thrive.

Some of the best live music venues in Brighton include:

The Hope and Ruin: Just steps from Brighton Train Station, this popular plant-based pub hosts local artists and touring bands, featuring vegan food from the Beelzebub caravan. It offers a lively bar area and a 150-capacity music space upstairs.

The Folklore Rooms: Above The Quadrant pub, this charming folk venue has a cosy 60-person capacity and is known for its whimsical atmosphere, hosting a variety of shows including seated events.

The Brunswick: Located in Hove, The Brunswick boasts a sunny beer garden and two performance spaces. ‘The Venue’ accommodates 150 people and hosts diverse genres, while the intimate Cellar Bar is perfect for live bands and heavier music with a 60-person capacity.

Concorde 2: As Brighton’s premier independent music venue, Concorde 2 is housed in a classic Victorian building. This versatile space offers a mix of touring artists, tribute bands, and club nights, making it a cornerstone of Brighton’s music scene.

Find out more about live music venues in Brighton.

Nightlife in Brighton

Brighton’s nightlife is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, offering something for everyone.

Revenge: For an unforgettable night, head to Revenge, the leading LGBTQ+ nightclub on the South Coast, known for its inclusive vibes and energetic dance floors.

The Green Door Store: If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, check out the themed club nights like “Britney Spears VS Blur” or “The Cure VS Charli xcx” every second Friday of the month.

Dead Wax Social: This distinctive bar stays open later than most pubs, offering everything you could want—beer, food, pizza, and music.

CHALK: One of the biggest clubs in Brighton, CHALK features cheap drink deals and popular club nights hosted by ‘Fat Poppadaddy’s’, ‘Secret Discotheque’, and ‘Let’s Kill The Disco’.

With such a dynamic nightlife scene, Brighton is the perfect place for WaterBear students to unwind and connect with fellow music lovers.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

Looking for a day out and a walk on the wild side, Brighton offers a stunning array of nature, making it a perfect blend of urban and natural beauty.

Brighton Beach: The vibrant beach, featuring the iconic Palace Pier and the haunting ruins of West Pier, is a popular spot to relax with fish and chips while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Devils Dyke: For a touch of adventure, head to Devil's Dyke, the UK’s longest dry valley, steeped in folklore and surrounded by breathtaking views.

Stanmer Park: Boasting hundreds-of-acres of parkland and woodland, this serene spot is ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.

The Royal Pavilion Gardens: A picturesque oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for enjoying the summer sun and vibrant street performances.

Preston Park: This vibrant green space is ideal for summer sports and leisurely hangouts. The stunning Rock Gardens, filled with cascading waterfalls and exotic plants, create a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.

Great Places to Eat

Brighton’s food scene is as diverse and vibrant as its music culture, offering a delightful array of options for students.

Nowhere Man: A snug, bohemian café known for its delicious pancakes, hearty breakfasts, and gluten-free fare, with outdoor seating for sunny days.

Earls: For a taste of Vietnam, enjoy incredible Banh Mi sandwiches and refreshing iced coffees, all in generous
portions.

Pompoko: This informal café delights with its Japanese noodles and donburi dishes, offering quick service at affordable prices.

Kenny’s Rock & Soul Café: Tucked away in the North Laine, this hidden gem immerses you in a nostalgic rock ‘n’
roll vibe, serving comforting dishes in a soulful atmosphere.

Student Discounts in Brighton

Brighton is not only a vibrant hub for music and culture but also a student-friendly city that offers a plethora of discounts to make student life more affordable and enjoyable. Most bars and restaurants in Brighton provide student discounts, so be sure to look out for signs or ask if you’re unsure.

Here is a small selection of the great student discounts available throughout the city:

Brighton & Hove Buses: Enjoy discounted fares for students. This makes commuting around the city more affordable.

Sea Life Centre: Visit the oldest continually operating aquarium in the world with cheaper tickets exclusively for students.

Lucky Voice Karaoke: Every Wednesday, students can enjoy free karaoke and 25% off food and drinks—a perfect mid-week break!

Boulder Brighton: Students get a 15% discount at this popular bouldering centre, ideal for those looking to stay active.

King Alfred Leisure Centre: Take advantage of student memberships that provide access to three swimming pools, weekly exercise classes, gym facilities, and personalised fitness sessions.

Hollywood Bowl: Head to the Marina for a fun night out with 10% off bowling for students.

Brighton’s student discounts make it easier to enjoy all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether you're exploring local attractions, staying fit, or enjoying a night out, being a student in Brighton comes with its perks.

A Perfect Place for Students to Thrive

If you are a student or just visiting for the weekend Brighton is an exhilarating city offering a rich tapestry of culture, music, and natural beauty—an ideal destination for creatives.

With its vibrant nightlife, eclectic music venues, and renowned festivals like The Great Escape, students have countless opportunities to immerse themselves within the music scene and connect with other musicians.

The city’s stunning beaches, parks, and outdoor activities provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and inspiration. Whether you’re savouring delicious food at local cafes or exploring the cultural landscape, Brighton truly has something for everyone.

Brighton is the perfect place for students to thrive.

Why not book an Open Day at WaterBear - The College of Music and make your mark in this vibrant coastal community!

WaterBear – The College of Music

WaterBear offers BA (Hons) degree and master’s courses made for today’s musicians, artists and industry professionals. Its colleges are based in the heart of Brighton and Sheffield, two amazing UK cities with incredible musical roots and heritage. The college also has a range of online distance learning courses.

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WaterBear is a College of Falmouth University, a pioneer in creative industries education, entrepreneurship and innovation. Run by musicians for musicians WaterBear is about smaller class sizes, flexible course delivery, bespoke one-to-one mentoring and exclusive work experience and career development opportunities.