You may have tighter purse strings than most and a mountain of dissertation-despair sitting on your shoulders, but you Brighton students sure know how to kick back and relax when it comes to tipples in the city. From cocktail bars with cracking drink deals to laid-back boozers with fun on their mind, check out our recommendations for some of the best student bars in Brighton and brush your lecture woes away with a selection of easy-going nights out.
Located a stone's throw from the beautiful beach, this is one of the busiest gay bars in Brighton, characterised by its central location and trendy crowd. It's a great place to stop for pre-drinks before a big night out on the town.
🥂 Free Bellini Bumps with Your 1st Round of Drinks 🥂 and 5 other offers
The name Be At One is legendary in some of Britain's biggest nightlife circles. As a cocktail bar with a drinks list capable of rivalling any, the venue's talented bartenders have been busy trying new things, mixing together weird ingredients and creating some of the most inventive concoctions in town. Best of all, the happy hour deal makes it perfect for any student night out in Brighton. 2-4-1 cocktails, don't mind if we do.
Just a stone's throw away from the seafront, The Bootlegger is a quirky bar inspired by the Prohibition era. Dance to a soundtrack of jazz, blues, swing and more, with DJs and live music playing downstairs.
They've got some fantastic drinks deals to take advantage of too, including two cocktails for £16 during their happy hour every single day. Tuesday and Wednesday are also student nights, where you can nab two cocktails for £10 and £5 doubles or pints. They've also created six exclusive cocktails for the summer, including the Honey and Ginger Penicillin and Malibu Coconut Mojito. Each one is available until 11pm daily for only £9.50.
With round-the-clock NUS drinks discounts, live music, DJs, sports screenings and tonnes of pop-up events, there is never a dull moment at London Road boozer New Unity. Head here on a Thursday or Friday between 4pm and 8pm to enjoy one of Brighton's happiest happy hours.
Great for anyone who loves a craft beer or two, East Street Tap is inspires by the Eastern Shores of America with a cool New York aesthetic to match. Here you can enjoy some great brews from the mighty USA, and chow down on some good ol salt beef bagels until the early hours.
Searching for boozers in Brighton. A real charmer of a watering hole, Foundation Head is whipping up delicious comfort eats, from pink salt fries to juicy burgers and chicken nuggets. Plus, you can enjoy refreshing pints of beer or a glass of vino.
🍔 Student Deal - 50% off Burgers on Mondays and 3 other offers
Fancy keeping your costs low and getting a healthy dose of nostalgia while you're at it? Popworld Brighton is the place to be. Not only will you get that cheesy playlist, but also a whole host of affordable drinks.
Get to know one of Brighton's South Lanes' best bars for students, Font. A laid-back watering hole with affordable eats by day, this buzzing bar transforms into a thumping party palace by night. Expect top-notch DJs, cheap drinks offers and so much more.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Brighton on Various dates from Wednesday 22nd July 2026
If you're after an affordable night out with a difference, head down to Brighton's seafront and discover Alcotraz - an immersive evening behind bars. Manage to smuggle your booze past the notorious warden on a Wednesday night and you'll be treated to a bevvy of cocktails with a 30% student discount.
On Thursday nights, Patterns is inundated with students looking to start the weekend early. Playing everything from Electro to Garage, the resident DJs and guest producers play a great selection of tunes to get Brighton's student population moving and shaking with electric energy. Blow off some post-lecture steam and enjoy everything this student bar in Brighton has to offer.
Brighton's most popular gay bar is a must-see for any student. With a thriving LGBT+ scene, this lace really hosts some great nights at affordable prices. With regular themed nights and visits from the Drag Race alumni, Revenge always guarantees a great night out.
Fancy the finer things in life when it comes to the cocktails but don't fancy paying through the teeth for a bit of whipped cream in your drink? Enter the Twisted Lemon. Popular with student societies, this hidden retreat in the heart of The Lanes promises to treat your bank account with the respect it deserves.
One of the South's most iconic clubs with a truly remarkable soundsystem (for all you danceheads out there) shake off any responsibilities, forget about your deadlines and dance the night away with some of the best underground electronic musicians.
Arguably one of the best nights out in Brighton. Head to Concorde 2 for nights of music, mayhem and merriment. Attracting some of the biggest names in music, the venue has somewhat of a legendary status among students in Brighton.
Looking for something fresh? Head to CHALK, where the parties are always varied with a whole host of incredible organisers. From Gucci Gang to Polyglamorous, the venue's exciting programme and awesome soundsystem guarantees an epic night out for students.
Don't tell us you Brighton students aren't seriously spoilt. Not only do you live in one of the most fun cities in the country, but also you get to enjoy pubs, such as The Hare and Hounds, that offer unreal student drink prices. Whip out your student card for reduced prices on cider, spirits and beers.
