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London has a reputation for being expensive, we can’t deny that. However, once you’ve settled into student life, you’ll quickly realise there’s loads of ways to enjoy this amazing city without spending a fortune. Unlock cultural highlights spanning free museums and green spaces to discounted days out to affordable foodie spots, without breaking the budget with our handy guide to things to do in London for students.
Here we share some of the best free attractions and experiences, budget-friendly activities and student events in London to help you make the most of your time in the capital. With a little planning and some student discount know-how, you can take in everything London has to offer without blowing your budget.
Free Things to Do in London as a Student
Lounging in between lectures? Looking for a history fix? Catching up with friends? One of the city’s biggest perks is the number of genuinely free things to do in London for students that don’t need you to touch your debit card at all.
Free Museums and Galleries
For a culture fix without the premium price tag, head to one of over 100 national museums and galleries in London that offer free permanent admission. Once you’re in, you may find temporary exhibitions where additional tickets are required but you’re free to explore permanent collections, cafes, displays and more. Many spots also host free talks, exhibitions and late opening events throughout the year, giving you even more opportunities to explore London’s cultural scene, popular options include:
- The British Library – Home to one of the world’s largest collections of books, manuscripts and historical documents, the British Library offers free exhibitions where you can see treasures such as the Magna Carta or handwritten Beatles lyrics. It’s a great place to study, explore and escape the bustle of the city.
- The National Gallery – Overlooking Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery has more than 2,300 paintings by artists including Van Gogh, Monet and Turner. Entry to the permanent collection is free, making it an easy way to experience some of the world’s most famous artworks on a student budget.
- Tate Modern – Set inside a former power station on the South Bank, Tate Modern showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The permanent galleries are free to visit, and the building itself is worth exploring for its incredible architecture and views across the Thames.
- The Wellcome Collection – Combining science, medicine, art and culture, the Wellcome Collection explores what it means to be human through thought-provoking exhibitions. General admission is free, and it’s great if you’re looking for something a little different.
- The Barbican – Alongside its theatres, cinemas and concert halls, the Barbican Centre regularly hosts free art exhibitions. Even if you’re not attending a performance, its iconic Brutalist architecture, conservatory and public spaces make it a great place to explore.
Free Parks and Outdoor Spaces
We’ve already outlined some of the best parks in London, and yet, we can still reel off more. The city’s countless parks, viewpoints and riverside walks are great ways to enjoy the capital without affecting your budget. In fact, when the weather is good, London’s green spaces offer some of the best free days out in the city. Why not explore:
- Holland Park – A peaceful park in Kensington known for its beautiful Kyoto Garden, woodland walks and resident peacocks. It’s ideal if you want somewhere quieter than Hyde Park to study or unwind.
- Crystal Palace Park – Famous for its Victorian dinosaur sculptures, large lake and open green space, there’s plenty of room for picnics, walks and outdoor sports, so it’s a great option to hang out with friends.
- Brockwell Park – A favourite in south London, Brockwell Park offers panoramic views across the city, formal gardens and the popular Brockwell Lido. It’s the ideal spot to relax between lectures or soak up a sunny afternoon.
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – Built for the London 2012 Olympics, this modern park combines landscaped gardens, canals and walking routes with plenty of open space for studying outdoors or meeting up with mates.
- Bushy Park – One of London’s Royal Parks, Bushy Park is less crowded than some of the city’s better-known green spaces and is known for its free-roaming deer, woodland trails and peaceful atmosphere.
A perk of choosing student accommodation in London with Collegiate is both our sites being in a central location with easy access to some of the best free things to do in London on foot or by bike, as well as exceptional public transport links.
Budget-Friendly Paid Activities in London
Not every activity needs to be free to be affordable and there are plenty of cheap things to do in London for students, especially when you make use of student discounts, off-peak pricing and special offers throughout the week.
Student Discounts on Entertainment
- Cinema screenings
A lot of cinemas regularly offer cheaper tickets, including ODEON through its free myODEON membership and via UNiDAYS and Student Beans. It’s worth checking both before booking, as promotions change throughout the year. Picturehouse Cinemas, including Picturehouse Central, run regular value screenings with reduced ticket prices throughout the day, as well as offering young adult memberships at selected cinemas.
- Theatre tickets
Many of London’s theatres reserve discounted tickets specifically for students and young people. Downloading apps like TodayTix is one of the easiest ways to find last-minute deals, while several West End theatres release student or rush tickets on the day of performances. The National Theatre also offers discounted tickets for under-25s on a lot of productions, although availability is limited. All it takes is a little bit of flexibility and knowing how quickly you can arrive at a venue and you’ll be enjoying a cultural fix on a budget in no time.
- Off-peak pricing
Many attractions and entertainment venues charge less during quieter periods – known as off-peak times – or offer discounted tickets when booked online in advance.. This usually means weekdays, early morning or early afternoon entry, or outside school holidays. If your timetable is flexible, visiting midweek rather than on a Saturday is likely to help you save a little money without changing the experience.
Cheap Eats Around London
Eating out doesn’t have to eat away at your weekly budget, nor do you have to cook every last meal at home. London has plenty of affordable places to eat, especially if you know where to look.
Look out for:
- Restaurant chains – student discounts are typically very generous
- Lunch specials and set menus
- Street food markets
- Early evening meal deals
- Loyalty schemes through restaurant apps or student discount platforms
LEON serves quick, healthy meals and frequently partners with UNiDAYS or Student Beans to offer student discounts, making it a popular choice between lectures. While Itsu regularly discounts freshly prepared sushi and hot food later in the evening through its “Evening Discount” programme, making it a great option if you’re eating after classes.
Within 10 minutes walking distance of our student accommodation in Elephant & Castle, you’ll find Mercato Metropolitano. This vibrant food market has a wide range of independent street food vendors, with lots of budget-friendly options and it hosts regular community events. It’s a brilliant choice for students looking for affordable food and a sociable atmosphere.
BOXPARK Wembley, just a short walk from Pavilion Court, brings together a wide range of independent street food vendors making it ideal for students eating with friends on different budgets. Many traders run meal deals, while BOXPARK’s Student Black Card offers even more savings throughout the year, making it a great place to grab affordable food without sacrificing choice.
A good local independent cafe to know is CXI Love Food; it’s one of the best-rated independent cafés in Wembley and just a short walk away from our student accommodation in Wembley. With many meals priced under £10, it’s particularly well suited to a student budget.
Student Events and Socials in London
With the vibrant student community in London, there are also thousands of student events in the city every year.
Freshers’ fairs are the obvious starting point when you arrive at university. With so many sports clubs, volunteering opportunities and academic societies to choose from, you’ll have plenty of scope to find affordable and free events to share with like-minded people. Throughout the year, students’ unions organise themed nights, quizzes, workshops, careers events, wellbeing activities and cultural celebrations that are either free or heavily subsidised. Make a habit of checking your university’s social and events calendar to stay up to date. There are also a number of dedicated student event platforms that list citywide activities across multiple universities.
Group Activities for Students in London
Some of the best experiences and things to do in London for students are designed to be shared, which also helps make them affordable. Activities like escape rooms are great for society socials and getting to know flatmates, while adult bowling alleys frequently offer discounted student nights during the week on games, drinks and food.
There’s plenty of affordable ways to spend time with friends that don’t rely on spending a lot of money including group dining deals, afternoon board game cafés and organised walking tours. A lot of London museums also run guided tours for groups, as well as seasonal outdoor events and festivals often being cheaper when you book in a group.
Budgeting for a Student Social Life in London
Having an active social life doesn’t have to mean spending freely every weekend and it’s worth remembering that small actions make the biggest impact when it comes to student finances and budgeting. Setting aside a realistic weekly entertainment budget makes it much easier to enjoy London without worrying about unexpected costs later in the month. It takes a little organisation and planning ahead but you can make use of student discounts and mix free experiences with occasional paid activities to help create a sustainable balance throughout the academic year.
Your student accommodation in London also plays an important role when it comes to managing money. Living somewhere with all-inclusive bills makes monthly budgeting more predictable, while living close to your university or within easy reach of good transport links and amenities can help reduce travel costs and leave more left in the pot for the fun stuff.
FAQs
What student discount cards are worth getting in London?
We have a great guide on student discounts that’s worth a read. Generally, UNiDAYS and Student Beans are the main platforms that provide free discounts across shops, restaurants and entertainment, while a TOTUM card adds extra savings with selected retailers and an 18+ Student Oyster photocard offers discounted Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes. So it depends on your needs on what student discount card is best for you.
What's the easiest way to get around London between different areas as a student?
The Underground, buses and Overground services provide excellent coverage across the city. If you travel regularly, compare pay-as-you-go fares with weekly or monthly Travelcards to find the most cost-effective option.
How can students meet new people in London?
Joining university societies, attending students’ union events, volunteering and taking part in sports clubs are some of the easiest ways to build friendships. Many universities also organise regular social events throughout the academic year.
Is London safe for students exploring the city?
London is generally considered a safe city for students; as with any large city it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings, plan journeys in advance, keep valuables secure and use well-lit routes or licensed public transport at night.
Are there accessible activities in London for students with disabilities?
Yes, a lot of London museums, galleries, theatres and public attractions offer step-free access, accessible toilets, hearing assistance and companion ticket schemes but it’s always worth checking accessibility information online before visiting.
Are there LGBTQ+ friendly social spaces for students in London?
Absolutely. London has a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ+ community, with many universities running dedicated societies alongside inclusive cafés, cultural venues and community events throughout the year.
Which areas of London are most popular with university students?
Areas including Stratford, Camden, Finsbury Park, Tooting, Walthamstow and Canada Water are popular with students because of good transport links, student communities and range of accommodation options.
Is London a good city for international students?
Yes, London’s multicultural population, along with globally recognised universities and extensive support services make it one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students.
What are the best day trips from London for students?
Day trips to Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford, Windsor and Canterbury are all very popular because they’re easy to get to by train and offer plenty to explore without needing an overnight stay.
What can students do in London on a rainy day?
Visit free museums and galleries, explore indoor markets, watch discounted theatre performances or films, attend university events or spend time studying and socialising in independent cafés.
Are there any hidden gems in London for students?
Yes. There’s plenty of Instagram-worthy spots and things to do in London for students and away from the crowds. Research lesser-known viewpoints, peaceful canalside walks, independent bookshops, small galleries and local food markets.
When is the best time of year for students to explore London?
Autumn and spring are ideal, with comfortable weather and plenty of events taking place, while summer brings outdoor festivals and longer days, and winter offers seasonal markets and festive attractions.
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