18
Dec,2025
London isn’t cheap-but if you’re a student, you don’t have to skip the nightlife to save money. The city’s student scene is built on deals, late-night specials, and hidden gems that locals know about. You can drink well, dance hard, and still have cash left for breakfast the next day. It’s not magic. It’s just knowing where to go and when.
Student Nights Are Everywhere-If You Know Where to Look
Most universities in London have partnerships with nearby bars and clubs. You don’t need a student ID from a top-tier school to get in. Even if you’re at a smaller college or studying online, many venues accept any valid student card-even if it’s expired. Places like The Electric Ballroom in Camden, The Windmill in Brixton, and The Joiners in Greenwich all run weekly student nights with £3 pints and £5 entry.
Monday and Tuesday are the quietest nights, so that’s when bars make their biggest moves. Look for ‘Student Mondays’ or ‘Tuesdays for Students’ on Instagram pages of local pubs. Some spots, like The Arch in Islington, drop drink prices to £2.50 after 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. No gimmicks. No cover charge. Just cheap beer and a crowd that’s there to hang out, not show off.
Where to Find the Best Cheap Drinks
London’s drink prices vary wildly. A pint in Soho can cost £8.50. In a student-heavy area like Hackney or Peckham, it’s often half that. Stick to neighborhoods with high student populations: Brixton, Dalston, Lewisham, and Southwark. These areas have pubs that rely on student foot traffic, not tourist spending.
Here’s where to go for the best value:
- The George in Brixton - £2.80 pints on Wednesdays, live music, no cover. Open until 2 a.m.
- The Archway Tavern - £3.50 lagers and ciders every Thursday. Free popcorn, cheap pub grub, and a patio that stays open late.
- The Old Blue Last - A Southwark staple. £3.20 pints on Friday nights, and they let you bring your own snacks.
- Stag’s Head in Shoreditch - Not flashy, but their £2.90 lagers on Sunday nights are legendary. You’ll find students from UCL, LSE, and City University here.
Pro tip: Ask for a ‘student special’ even if it’s not advertised. Many bartenders have a secret list of discounted drinks they’ll offer if you mention you’re studying locally.
Free Entry Clubs and Late-Night Hubs
Entry fees can kill a budget. But some clubs in London don’t charge at all-especially during the week. The most reliable? Canvas in Dalston. Every Tuesday and Thursday, students get in free before midnight. They play indie, hip-hop, and retro tunes. No VIP section. No dress code. Just a good sound system and a crowd that’s there to dance, not to be seen.
Moles in Brixton is another no-cover spot. It’s a basement venue with live bands on weekends and DJ sets on weekdays. Students get in free until 11 p.m. on Fridays. They even have a free shuttle bus from nearby universities after 1 a.m.
Don’t overlook university-run clubs. Most campuses have their own bars or partner with local venues. King’s College London runs King’s Night at The Electric Ballroom every other Friday. Entry is £3. Drinks start at £2.50. You’ll find 500+ students there, and the vibe is way more relaxed than West End clubs.
Student Discounts Beyond Drinks
It’s not just about alcohol. Many venues offer food deals, free entry to gigs, and even cinema tickets for students. Picturehouse Cinemas in Camden and Brixton offer £5 tickets for students with a valid NUS card. Yates’s pubs across London have £5 three-course meals on Tuesdays. You can eat, drink, and see a film for under £20.
Some bars run ‘drink and a show’ nights. For example, The Albany in Deptford pairs £3 pints with free live comedy on Wednesday nights. It’s not flashy, but it’s real entertainment. You’ll laugh, you’ll drink, you won’t feel broke.
How to Stay Safe and Save Money
Drinking cheap doesn’t mean drinking recklessly. London’s student nightlife is generally safe, but you need to plan. Use apps like Citymapper to find the last bus or night tube. The Night Tube runs Friday and Saturday nights on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly lines. It’s free for students with a valid Oyster card or contactless payment linked to a student discount.
Carry a small bottle of water. Many bars will refill it for free if you ask. Avoid buying shots-stick to pints. A £4 pint lasts longer than three £6 shots. And if you’re with a group, split a bottle of wine. Many pubs let you buy a £10 bottle and bring your own glasses.
Never go alone to unfamiliar areas after 2 a.m. Stick to main streets. Use the ‘Safe Return’ service offered by many universities. Just text your location to a campus number, and they’ll track your journey home. It’s free, anonymous, and works in real time.
What Not to Do
Don’t waste money on tourist traps. Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Soho are pretty-but they’re expensive. A £12 gin and tonic there isn’t worth it. You’ll get the same drink for £4 in a student pub five minutes away.
Don’t believe the ‘happy hour’ hype. Many places advertise ‘happy hour’ from 5 to 7 p.m., but the deals are on overpriced cocktails. Look for ‘student specials’ instead. They’re usually after 9 p.m. and last until closing.
Don’t skip the free events. Open mic nights, student art shows, and campus film screenings often happen on weekends. They’re low-key, fun, and cost nothing. You’ll meet people who aren’t there just to drink.
Final Tip: Build Your Own Nightlife Routine
The best way to save money in London nightlife is to stop chasing the ‘big night out’ every weekend. Instead, build a weekly rhythm. Monday: pub quiz with £2 pints. Tuesday: student night at a local bar. Thursday: free gig at Moles. Saturday: cheap cinema. Sunday: brunch with friends.
You’ll spend less, see more, and actually enjoy it. London’s student scene isn’t about flashing cash. It’s about knowing where the real value is-and being smart enough to find it.
Can I get student discounts in London without a student card?
Some places accept a university email address or even a class schedule printed from your portal. Others ask for nothing at all-just say you’re a student. Many bartenders will give you a discount if you’re polite and clearly young. But having an NUS card or equivalent is the safest bet. It’s free to sign up online if you’re enrolled in a UK course.
What’s the cheapest time to go out in London?
Tuesday and Wednesday nights are the cheapest. Bars compete for students during the week, so they drop prices to fill seats. You’ll find the best deals between 9 p.m. and midnight. Avoid Friday and Saturday if you’re on a tight budget-prices rise, and crowds get thick.
Are there student-only clubs in London?
There aren’t many clubs that are 100% student-only, but plenty have student nights where 80% of the crowd is students. Places like Canvas, Moles, and King’s Night at The Electric Ballroom are student-heavy. You won’t see many professionals or tourists there. The vibe is casual, loud, and fun-exactly what you want.
Can I bring my own drinks to bars in London?
Most bars don’t allow it. But a few, like The Old Blue Last in Southwark, let you bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Some pubs allow you to buy a bottle of wine and bring your own glasses. Always ask first. Don’t assume-getting caught can mean being asked to leave.
How much should I budget for a night out in London as a student?
You can have a full night out for under £15 if you pick the right spots. That’s £5 for entry (or free), £6 for 2-3 pints, and £4 for a snack. If you skip clubs and stick to pubs and free gigs, you can stretch that to £10. Avoid tourist zones and fancy cocktails. Stick to student nights and you’ll be fine.
