In the past few weeks hundreds of new students have flocked down to Brighton, ready to begin what is guaranteed to be the best few years of their lives. But when the excitement of freshers week dies down and before those long hours spent in the library loom closer, there are a few things that every new resident of Brighton must do…
1. Spend a day at the beach
Yes, it’s a little chilly now, and we’re sure you’ve all visited the beach before, but heading down and spending a little time sat on the pebbles, looking out at the sea cannot be beaten, especially when it’s just on your doorstep. When the cold really begins to hit, head along the beach to the West Pier Arches and check out the hidden boutique shops, and finish your trip with a bag of chips. A day well spent, if you ask us.
2. Try out Brighton’s best pizza (in our opinion)
There’s a reason Fatto a Mano have three restaurants in one city – they make the best pizza in town! If you want to be in the thick of Brighton’s buzz, take a seat outside their North Laine location. Enjoy a pizza, sip an Aperol Spritz and watch the world go by.
3. Explore the vintage shops
Everyone knows that Brighton is a vintage haven. From Beyond Retro to Snooper’s Paradise, you’re not going to go short of second hand goodies in this city, and a trip down the North Laine is never finished empty handed! But, being the city of well dressed people that Brighton is, our charity shops are just as well stocked as the bigger stores – London Road’s charity shops are especially popular.
4. Take a trip to Hove
Anyone who’s lived in Brighton for a while knows how beautiful Hove is, but the location of University campuses means that it can often slip under the student radar. The 25 bus will take you from your halls of residence, straight into the heart of Hove, where you can explore the delightful shops, cafes and bars that Hove has to offer.
5. Head to the South Downs
Brighton is beautiful, but so is the countryside it’s nestled in. A short bus or train journey will take you into the heart of the downs, with Stanmer Park, Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon being the most easily accessible from the city centre. Autumn isn’t Autumn without a country walk, followed by lunch in a pub!
6. Cycle along the seafront
We’re lucky enough in Brighton to have Life bikes, meaning you can borrow a bike for as little or as long as you like. A short registration and a small fee, and the bike is yours to cycle all the way along the seafront, made safer and easier by cycle lanes. East will take you to to Saltdean, and a trip West will land you in Shoreham – two lovely destinations! If you want to keep it short and sweet, a trip up and down Brighton’s seafront is just as fun.
7. Explore Brighton’s pub and bar scene
There’s more to Brighton’s nightlife than just clubs! Rumour has it that Brighton has more licensed premises per square foot than anywhere in the UK outside London – apparently you’re never more than a thirty second walk from a drink… With that in mind it would be a crime to not explore what the city has to offer. From laid back pubs to prohibition cocktail bars, you’re definitely not going to go thirsty in Brighton!
8. Experience Lewes Bonfire
Okay, so you may have to wait a couple of months to experience this one, but it’s not to be missed. Lewes bonfire is the largest Bonfire Night celebration in the country, with the entire village coming alive for this night of festivities. Plan your evening in advance – people come from far and wide to witness Lewes bonfire, so transport can be tricky.
9. Try out The Pier
An obvious but 100% vital activity. Surely the most photographed aspect of Brighton, The Pier is a great way to while away an hour or two – try out the penny slot machines, test your nerve on one of the rides or simply enjoy some sugary donuts!
10. Visit the Royal Pavilion
Last but certainly not least – visit the Royal Pavilion. Somehow an Indian- style palace manages to look perfectly at home in the centre of a British seaside town, to the extent that many of us don’t even give it a second glance when we walk past. But, a trip inside the amazing building will pretty quickly remind you what an oddity it is to have such a building in the city centre! The lavish interior, royal finish and rich history is mesmerising, and absolutely not to be missed!
Don’t bother with Lewes Bonfire, the people of Lewes have spent years trying to stop students attending as they inevitably see it as nothing more than an excuse to get drunk, have no idea what’s going on and generally ruin it for everyone else. There are no trains in or out of Lewes this year precisely to stop students attending, you can’t drive there as the roads are all closed off and you’re just generally better off going elsewhere.