Blue Monday: How living in Brighton is good for your wellbeing

Monday 19 January is ‘Blue Monday’, commonly referred to as the most depressing day of the year and an annual reminder to check-in on our current mental wellbeing.

Looking after your mental wellbeing while studying is just as important as your academic success. Which is why you should choose to study somewhere that will support you both academically and personally, shaping your experience inside and outside the classroom.

Brighton is an ideal place to be a student because of its environment. With easy access to the sea, nearby green spaces and a walkable city layout, Brighton makes it easy to step away from academic pressures, get fresh air, and build healthy routines alongside your studies.

Brighton’s blue spaces

Brighton’s award-winning beach and seaside energy is an attractive reason to study here. The beach’s promenade is perfect for a de-stressing walk along the seafront to breathe in the sea air and re-set your mind.

The sea has a long history of healing, dating back to Victorian times when people travelled from across the country to bathe in the cold water for its believed health benefits.

Today, it’s true that spending time by the ocean has been shown to reduce stress and improve your mood. In 2020, Dr Jo Garrett of the University of Exeter was interviewed on BBC Radio 4 about her research, which found that people closest to the coast reported ‘better mental health’ than those further away.

Edzwan Redza Anwar, a Civil Engineering BEng graduate from Malaysia says: “I loved that I could be in a lecture in the morning and then half an hour later, I’d be walking along the seafront or getting lost in The Lanes.

“Those simple moments are what I cherish most – when the stress of an assignment was building up, just grabbing some food and watching the waves for a bit would completely clear my head.”

Local green spaces

Brighton is surrounded by picturesque British countryside, giving students easy access to calming green spaces.

Just outside the city, places like the Seven Sisters cliffs offer dramatic coastal walks, rolling hills, and some of the UK’s most iconic scenery.

Closer to campus, Stanmer Park is a favourite with students. It is perfect for walks, picnics, reading outdoors, or simply taking a break in nature.

Having these green spaces so close makes it easier to build healthy habits and spend time outside, even during busy term-time.

Dong Kim, a Precision Medicine (Cancer) MSc student from South Korea says: “[Brighton has] very pure sky and pure air.”

A walkable city

Brighton is a very walkable city, with lots of cyclists, and is well-connected by public transport. Shops, cafés, libraries, green spaces and the beach are all within walking distance, which makes it both easier and cheaper to explore Brighton.

Walking more as part of your routine can also have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing, as it encourages daily movement and fresh air.

Roxanne Lewis, a Sports Journalism MA student from India says: “If I put into google maps and my destination is 30 minutes walking, I go for it because [Brighton] is very, very pretty.”

Campus life

The University of Brighton has three campuses across the city of Brighton & Hove. Explore how each of our campus locations can support your wellbeing.

Falmer campus

Our Falmer campus is located within the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. In-between lectures you can explore the local scenery, with Stanmer Park not far away for exploring.

The pace of life feels slower in Falmer, and it’s a relaxing campus to study at.

City campus

The central location of our City campus means you are less than a 10-minute walk from the beach. In-between classes you can enjoy a seafront stroll, or go and unwind by watching the waves.

Even though you are studying in the city centre, with the beach so close you can get fresh sea air within minutes to de-stress.

Moulsecoomb campus

Moulsecoomb campus is between our City and Falmer campuses. The location is very walkable, so you can be at the beach in around half an hour, or you can be out in the countryside in a similar amount of time.

There are also various parks and coffee shops within walking distance, so you can grab a drink and take a walk with your friends between your lectures.

A supportive environment

For international students, Brighton is a welcoming place to study. The city is diverse, ranked the third most diverse and inclusive city in the world (Time Out 2025), and is home to people from many countries and cultures.

You will be able to find community within the city, whether that’s through religion, culture or food.

While studying, you will also have access to tailored support from our International Student Advice team, as well as academic and wellbeing support.

Are you interested in applying to Brighton? Find your course.