My Erasmus Experience in Brighton, England by Pauline

Why did you choose to go to Brighton, United Kingdom?

I could choose 3 places and I put Brighton as my first option (followed by Cardiff and Paisley) because I wanted to go to an anglophone country to improve my English. The southern accent is the least strong so it's the simplest to understand. It seemed like a dynamic city and it was also convenient for me as it's on the English south coast and I was living in Normandy. I was then finally lucky enough to be selected for the Erasmus program in this city.

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How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

5 months. I received an Erasmus bursary and I continued to receive money from CROUS.

What's the student vibe like in Brighton?

Amazing. There are lots of international students and a huge French and Spanish community. There are lots of opportunities to party, depending on your tastes.

Would you recommend the city or university to other students?

Absolutely.

What's England's food like?

Not very good, a lot of pre-made food, fish & chips, etc... I would advise everybody to eat at the Pav Tav (Pavillion Tavern) located in the city centre where you can eat really well for cheap, from £2. 99 to £5. 99. Indian food is also generally really good in England.

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Was it hard to find accommodation in Brighton?

I had initially requested to be in a university residence but as there were no more places, I asked to lodge with a host family to start. I liked it there but I was far from the city centre and the university too so I decided to move and I found an apartment to share in the city centre on a website called 'Gumtree'.

How expensive is your rent? And Brighton in general?

I was paying around £90 a week. Accommodation in Brighton is expensive. All costs in general are more expensive than in France like accommodation and food, but evenings out (entrance fee and alcohol) are cheaper.

What's it like learning the language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

I continued learning Italian at the university (Saltdean) but I didn't take an English course. Lessons are taught in English therefore you learn really quickly. I personally didn't have many hours in university so apart from group work, I didn't get much practice.

What's the most economical way to get to Brighton from your home town?

I found that the cheapest way of getting to Brighton was by catching the ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven. From Newhaven you simply just get on the bus from the town (for around £1. 90) and you'll arrive in Brighton city centre roughly 30 minutes later. I did also take the Eurostar and then from London you just need to take the train to Brighton, but if you don't book it enough in advance it can become really expensive.

Where do you recommend to go out in Brighton?

All of the clubs along Brighton beach (Oceana, Life, Honey, etc... ) Madame Geisha and Tru are also good places to go. Go to the Western Front pub on Thursday nights as they put on bilingual evenings which is a good way to meet people from all over the world. There is also King and Queen, The Duke of Norfolk, Pavillion Tavern, Revolution and more...

And to eat in Brighton? What are your favourite places?

I always eat at Pav Tav or Day's which is a self-serve Asian/Oriental buffet. I also liked all the Indian takeaways.

And what cultural places do you recommend going to see?

The Royal Pavilion of course. I recommend visiting Rottingdean and Saltdean to see their coast and chalk sea-cliffs. You should also visit Brighton Marina, the Brighton Pier, Seven Sisters Country Parks (to see cliffs) and Arundel Castle. Also, Brighton is only one hour by train to London.

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Any advice for future students going to Brighton?

Make the most of everything as soon as you arrive and you won't have any regrets! Go out during the week because it's more expensive at the weekends and students normally go out within the week anyway.