Cecilia on studying in Brighton: “I’d do it a hundred times over”
When Cecilia Sparringsjö was about to take the Intermediate Course in English, she could choose between studying in Gothenburg and Brighton. She chose England. Here, she tells us about everyday life in Brighton, the friends she made and why she would not hesitate to do it all over again if she had the chance.
What did you study in Brighton?
I took a course in English, a continuation of the introductory course.
What made you decide to take this course in Brighton?
The course is a compulsory part of my bachelor’s programme, but we could choose whether to take it here in Gothenburg or in Brighton, so of course I chose to study in England.
What did you study before this?
This was the second semester of my programme, so last autumn I took the introductory course in English, followed by the intermediate course this semester. I have also previously taken a few shorter freestanding courses in other languages at the University of Gothenburg and online, as well as several language courses in Spain.
How would you describe your time in Brighton?
My time in Brighton was absolutely fantastic. I didn’t want to leave the city or the friends I made there! I have lived abroad several times before, in different countries and cultures across Europe, but nothing has compared to Brighton. I would do it all over again a hundred times if I had the chance.
How did your English improve?
Since I was already studying English and had lived abroad before, I was fairly used to speaking English. But of course, actually living in an English-speaking country and being constantly surrounded by the language you are studying makes a huge difference and is an incredible advantage. I am convinced that I speak more fluently now and pay more attention to the English being spoken around me.
What are the advantages of taking the course in Brighton?
Not only are you constantly exposed to the language and have the opportunity to use it, but you also get to experience British culture! Studying abroad is an amazing experience in itself, giving you the opportunity to grow as a person and become more independent.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying in Brighton?
Make the most of the few months you spend in England! If you are keen to travel, I recommend getting a Railcard to save money on train tickets. That is what my friends and I did when we travelled all over England. I would also recommend living on campus. I lived in student accommodation and shared a kitchen, common room and bathroom with five other English-speaking students. It was a great way to practise my English as well as make friends. I am still in close contact with most of them and will definitely go back to visit them!
How would you describe Brighton as a city?
Brighton is an incredible city! You really do find all kinds of people there, and there is something for everyone. It is a very lively and colourful city. Falmer, the campus where we studied and where most of our class lived, is also fantastic – it is like a little village of its own, full of students.
What is your favourite memory from your time in Brighton?
Some of my best memories from Brighton are probably all the times my group of friends and I explored different pubs, which are a big part of British culture. Simply strolling around the city or having a picnic on the beach was also really lovely. But watch out for the seagulls! :)
What are your plans now?
I’ll now continue with the next course in my programme and hopefully return to Brighton many times in the future to visit my friends!
Vår grundkurs i engelska, EN1110, kan du välja att läsa på plats i Brighton i stället för i Göteborg. Från och med våren 2027 kan du numera även välja att läsa fortsättningskursen, EN1210, i Brighton. Det är dock inte möjligt att läsa både grundkurs och fortsättningskurs i Brighton.
Här kan du läsa mer om att studera i Brighton.
Här kan du läsa mer om Kandidatprogram i engelska med arbetslivsanknytning.