Founded in the 1850s, the University of Brighton is recognized as being one the most inclusive educational institutes in the United Kingdom today. Mingle with alumni, students and professors at campuses, gardens, galleries and theaters. Notable former students of the University of Brighton include Turner Prize winning artists, cartoonist Raymond Briggs and musician Fatboy Slim.
Within the city center, the Grand Parade campus stands at the edge of the bohemian Kemptown district. This is the home of the arts faculty and site of the University of Brighton Gallery. Visit the gallery to browse the Aldrich Collection, which features works by former students such as Kenny McKendry and Sir Quentin Blake. Attend theatrical productions and concerts at the 272-seat Sallis Benney Theatre.
On sunny days, students take the chance to relax on the lawns of the nearby Victoria Gardens and Royal Pavilion Gardens. The bars, pubs and restaurants in Kemptown attract crowds at night and make it a fun area to be on any day of the week.
Make the short journey north from the city center to the campus in the village of Falmer. It is adjacent to the 30,000-seat capacity American Express Community Stadium, the home soccer arena of Brighton and Hove Albion FC. Also on the doorstep of this campus is the Castle Hill National Reserve, an area of chalk grassland and valleys that are great for walking.
Depending on your location in the city, the university is easily reachable on foot or by public buses and trains. The train from Brighton railway station to Falmer takes just 10 minutes. Brighton has numerous metered car parking spaces for drivers.
You can visit the University of Brighton year round, although it is liveliest between September and June. Open days and tours are offered for free to future students. Information about events and exhibitions is available on the university’s official website.