Living on a student budget in London can be tough, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time! From gaming and sports to local events and nightlife, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without draining your bank account. Here’s how to find deals and keep costs down while having fun in London.
1. Shop Smart for Deals Online
The internet is a treasure trove for discounts, and London students can find great deals online. Websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and VoucherCodes often feature discounts on local activities, restaurants, and entertainment. Before booking anything, take a few minutes to search for coupons or special offers.
- Tip: Set up Google Alerts or follow deal sites on social media to get notified of the latest discounts and flash sales in London.
2. Use Discount Apps for Events and Activities
If you’re looking for something fun to do, apps like Eventbrite and Skiddle are fantastic resources to find discounted tickets for concerts, gigs, festivals, or events happening in and around London. Many of these apps also offer free entry events or offer tickets at a reduced price for students.
- Tip: Early bird tickets and last-minute deals often pop up for popular events, so make sure to check these apps regularly for the best offers.
3. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Many places in London offer loyalty programs that can help you save money over time. Whether it’s your favourite coffee shop, restaurant, or cinema, signing up for a loyalty card or app often rewards you with discounts, free items, or exclusive offers.
- Tip: Download loyalty apps like Perkbox or Tastecard, which give you access to discounts at cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues all around London.
4. Take Advantage of Free Events in London
London is full of free events, especially for students looking to explore on a budget. Keep an eye out for free art exhibitions, public concerts, or outdoor movie screenings at places like Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, and Hyde Park. Websites like Time Out London and DesignMyNight list free events happening across the city, from cultural festivals to theatre performances.
- Tip: Follow social media pages of venues and cultural spots for up-to-date information on free events, as these are often posted last-minute.
5. Check Out Discounted or Second-Hand Items
If you’re looking for second-hand gaming equipment, sports gear, or even furniture for your student flat, London has plenty of options for discounted goods. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and eBay often have listings for affordable or even free items that can save you a lot of money.
- Tip: Join local Facebook groups or student Facebook pages for more exclusive offers from people who want to get rid of items at bargain prices.
6. Look for Student Discounts
London is a city that loves students, and many places offer special discounts just for you! From restaurants to cinemas, shops, and even travel, be sure to use your student ID or sign up for student discount platforms like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or Totum to save money.
- Tip: Some attractions in London like The Shard, West End theatres, or museums offer student pricing, so always ask about discounts when booking tickets.
7. Plan Ahead and Set a Budget
One of the best ways to manage your student finances while having fun is to plan your activities in advance. Create a budget for entertainment, decide what you want to do (like going to a gig or checking out a new restaurant), and compare prices before committing. Websites like Compare The Market can help you budget and get the best deals on activities.
- Tip: Use budgeting apps like Monzo or Revolut to track your spending and ensure you’re staying within your limits while still enjoying life.
8. Take Advantage of Free Trials
Many entertainment services, such as Netflix, Spotify, or Audible, offer free trials for students. You can enjoy their services for free for up to a month (or longer) and binge-watch movies, listen to music, or even read audiobooks without spending a penny.
- Tip: Be sure to set reminders on your phone to cancel the free trials before they end to avoid any unwanted charges.
9. Swap Services or Goods
Instead of paying for things you need, why not swap your skills or goods with someone else? Whether it’s exchanging a cooking class for gym sessions, or selling or trading second-hand gaming gear, swapping can be a fun way to get what you need without paying full price.
- Tip: Check out Bunz or Freecycle for local exchange communities in London where you can swap or give away items for free.
10. Shop During Sale Seasons
London is full of seasonal sales, so take advantage of events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, January Sales, and Boxing Day Sales to grab your favourite items or experiences at a discount. Keep your eyes peeled for deals in shops, online, and even for last-minute event tickets.
- Tip: Plan your major purchases around sales events to save big. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite stores to get alerts on their sale events.
11. Use Coupon Websites and Apps
Websites like Honey, VoucherCodes, and TopCashback can help you save money on everything from restaurant bills to activity bookings in London. These platforms provide discount codes, cashback deals, and special promotions for a wide range of products and services.
- Tip: Always check coupon websites before purchasing anything online, and install browser extensions like Honey to automatically find and apply discounts for you.
12. Share Subscriptions with Friends
You don’t have to pay for all the entertainment you want. Share your subscriptions with friends to save on costs. Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and even some fitness apps allow you to split the costs and still enjoy everything they have to offer.
- Tip: Split a Spotify Premium Family plan or share a Netflix account with your flatmates to lower the cost of your subscriptions.
Final Thoughts: Having Fun in London Without Breaking the Bank
London is an exciting city full of things to do, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can find deals, discounts, and free events all over the city. Whether you’re attending free exhibitions, swapping services, or using student discounts, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun without draining your wallet.
Stay smart with your spending, plan ahead, and make the most out of your time in London without compromising on fun!