How to become fluent in English while living in Brighton: 5 Alternative Tips

A stand up comedian holding a microphone stares quizically at the viewer. Image by Rob Slaven from Pixabay

Here are a handful of tips you might like, and that you might not have expected, to boost your fluency whilst you're living and studying English in Brighton, UK.

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Introduction: Why Brighton is perfect for learning English

Brighton is a vibrant city blending old English charm with modern multicultural diversity. Known for being fun and welcoming, Brighton is an excellent place to improve your English skills. The city offers many opportunities to practise English in real-life situations, from shopping in The Lanes to joining local events and activities.

Why choose ELC Brighton for learning English?

ELC Brighton is one of the top English language schools in the country, providing a safe and supportive environment for learners. The school offers structured English lessons that cater to various proficiency levels, ensuring that all students receive the best possible education. At ELC Brighton, you will meet new friends who are also learning English, providing you with a supportive community where everyone speaks at your level, helping to boost your confidence. The lessons provide structure and perfect English language learning opportunities in one of the best settings in the UK.

Maximise your learning: Alternative strategies

Four people are standing in a studio environment, or they could be on stage, performing improv comedy. They are highly focussed but seem to be having a good time.

1. Boost your self-confidence to speak English with improvisation

Taking improvisation classes is a fantastic way to build your confidence. When you feel comfortable outside your comfort zone, every other aspect of human interaction and communication becomes easier. Improv helps you think on your feet, which is crucial for language learning. Visit And Also Improv for more information and class schedules.

English fluency opportunity: Improv classes can significantly enhance your speaking skills and boost your self-confidence. By practising spontaneous dialogue, you become more adept at thinking quickly in English, which is invaluable for everyday conversations and public speaking.

Welsh songwriter, musician, rapper, producer, and director, Ren, performing in Brighton. Photo by Richard Bradford.

2. Immerse yourself in English and culture: Festivals and events

Cultural Events

You can attend a play or a musical at the Theatre Royal Brighton to improve your listening skills and understanding of different accents and dialects. During the month of May, the Brighton Festival and the Brighton Fringe take place and your opportunities to practise listening and speaking in real-world settings increases.

Comedy nights

Komedia in Gardner Street in the Lanes is a popular venue for comedy shows of all kinds. Your teacher might know some of the comedians playing there, and might be able to recommend the best options.

Brighton Pride

Attend Brighton Pride, the UK’s largest Pride event, to experience the city’s inclusivity and vibrant culture while practising English in a lively and supportive environment.

Brighton Carnival

Enjoy the colourful and energetic Brighton Carnival, a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local festivities and interact with residents and visitors alike.

English fluency opportunity: Engage in conversations with people you sit next to in the audience - plan some questions in advance to get started. Share your thoughts about the peformance afterwards. Where it’s allowed, record snippets of video or audio on your phone to listen back later, because you might not understand everything the first time around.

3. Boost your English listening comprehension with guided tours in Brighton

ELC has a great walking tour as part of the social programme, and you should definitely start with that. If you like the idea of a commentated tour, there are some more great ones to consider:

  • Underground Donut Tour: Take part in the Underground Donut Tour to enjoy delicious treats while practising your English by interacting with fellow tour participants and guides.
  • Discover Brighton Tours: Join a Discover Brighton Tour to learn more about the city’s history and culture while practising your listening and speaking skills.
  • Alternative Brighton walking tours: Be guided by award-winning Blue Badge tour guide, Ric Morris, who offers a Secrets of the Lanes and a Piers and Queens LGBTQ+ tour of Brighton.

English fluency opportunity: You’ll really remember vocabulary when it is attached to visual or emotional experiences, and this will help to keep your words active and available to you in conversations, boosting your fluency.

Students of yoga striking a Parsvottanasana, or reverse prayer pose, where you bend forwards with your hands in prayer behind your back, with palms together and fingers pointing upwards. Image by shushipu from Pixabay

4. Boost your English communication: Join clubs and share activities

Social activities with students and local people

You can of course participate in activities organised by ELC Brighton and your social programme organiser will be happy to suggest local activities too, like local ghost tours, a weekly quiz night at a pub. These will all help you make friends and practise English in a fun, relaxed environment.

Community clubs and societies

For more practical activities, you can participate in community activities like yoga classes at Brighton Yoga, or cookery lessons at the Community Kitchen and Cookery School.

Speed dating

For a huge challenge, check out speed dating events to meet new people and practise your English in a fun environment.

English fluency opportunity: Engaging with the community will provide practical learning experiences outside the classroom and the chance to get to know people over a longer timeframe. Brief encounters with people can be a challenge, but once you get to know someone, you relax into the conversation and the words start to flow.

A black and white blurred photo which shows people looking at a series of photographs on an art gallery wall. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

5. Read more English: Learn English outside the classroom

Art galleries and exhibitions

Use your free time to explore Brighton’s attractions such as the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

English fluency opportunity: By the time you’ve read all of the descriptions on the the exhibits, your vocabulary will be very much improved. If you start to get tired, or there are words you don’t understand, take a photo of the exhibit and the description on your phone, and look them up later. At Brighton Pavilion, you can also use the Audio Guide which gives you the choice of a basic or extended tour that you can use on your phone.

How long does it take to become fluent?

The time it takes to become fluent in English varies based on several factors, including your current level, the amount of time you dedicate to practice, and the learning methods you use.

Typically, reaching fluency from an intermediate level can take anywhere from six months to two years. However, adopting the immersive and interactive approaches suggested in this article can significantly speed up this process.

Consistent practice, engaging in diverse activities, and immersing yourself in the language can help you become fluent much faster. Speak to your teacher or our director of studies about learning strategies to boost your English fluency.

Brighton will help you get fluent in English!

Brighton is an ideal place to build your confidence and fluency in English. With its unique blend of cultural experiences and opportunities for interaction, you can immerse yourself in the language and enjoy your learning journey. Start your English learning adventure with ELC Brighton and see how fun and effective learning English can be!

For more information on activities and events in Brighton, visit Visit Brighton.