The Brighton Pier, photo courtesy of Victoria Domagalski

I’ve only been in Brighton, England for a week, but already I can tell I’m going to love it here. From the coastal views to the quaint shops and cafes to the ever-exciting nightlife, Brighton has something for everyone. With London being only an hour away I’m sure I’ll be visiting often. As one might expect, the rainstorms have been frequent, but the scenery more than makes up for them. Perhaps the most dramatic adjustment thus far has been the differing pace of life. In the past week I’ve already seen the sun rise quite a few times after a long night of clubbing. The people of Brighton seem to have boundless energy and need no sleep to fuel their dancing. Whether it’s grabbing lunch at a café in the lanes, having a pint with friends at the pub, or dancing to house music until the break of dawn, the Brits are on the go nonstop.

I underestimated what could be lost in translation, even between people who speak the same language. Simple misunderstandings happen quite frequently, especially when food is involved. Apparently jacket potatoes are the same as baked potatoes, and baked beans are typical breakfast fare. Despite any confusion, nearly everyone I’ve met thus far has been incredibly friendly. I’ve always been fascinated by British accents, and it turns out many of my British counterparts feel the same about American accents. Unlike Wheaton, which can seem contained in its own little bubble, the University of Sussex seems to stretch across the entire city. Students live both on campus and off, meaning social events take place in a variety of locals and buses run at all hours. Living in off campus housing means a gorgeous view, but a 35 minute bus ride to campus. Classes haven’t even begun yet, but they will surely bring more adjustments and excitement.
Cheers from Great Britain!