Being a student in London isn’t cheap, but thankfully there are loads of discounts out there for you to take advantage of. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best discounts and freebies to help keep your budget in check.
UNiDAYS and Student Beans
UNiDAYS and Student Beans have loads of discounts and offers for everything from restaurants to phone plans. It’s easy and free to sign up and verify your student status. Before making any big purchases, going shopping, or even ordering a takeaway it’s a good idea to check and see what discounts are available.
TOTUM card
Another student discount service. TOTUM cards are £14.99 for one year or £24.99 for three years and give you offers like 10% off at Co-op supermarkets and 20% off on ASOS orders. It’s also got discounts on technology from companies like Samsung and Dell, so it’s great if you’re looking at buying a new laptop or phone for uni.
Supermarket cards
Lots of major supermarkets in the UK have free loyalty cards. King’s students love Tesco meal deals—but with a Tesco Clubcard, the price drops from £3.50 to £3. It’s easy to sign up for loyalty cards and those savings add up quickly, so it’s definitely worth getting one at least for your closest supermarket.
Cheap theatre tickets
Seeing a West End show is a bucket list item for lots of students in London, but you don’t need to pay for full-price tickets. Sites like TodayTix regularly have offers to see shows for as little as £20, and you can also visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square to get cheap tickets on the day.
Take advantage of freebies
There are some great apps out there to help you save. OLIO allows users to give away food and items they aren’t using anymore, and supermarkets will sometimes give away stock at the end of the day which is a great way to save on groceries. Too Good To Go also tackles food waste, providing restaurants and businesses with a platform to sell food that would otherwise go to waste for much cheaper than the original retail price—you can get whole meals this way! Sites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are also great for getting furnishings or room decor very cheaply or even free—and sustainably, as well.
Ask for student discounts!
Don’t be afraid to ask if there’s a student discount when you’re out and about exploring London. Lots of places have them but might not advertise them clearly, so it’s always worth a try.
For more tips and tricks for new students, click here!