London is a great city with lots to offer, but it’s also an expensive city to live in as a student. Luckily, there are tons of student deals and discounts for you to take advantage of on a wide range of activities. There are also handy student discounts to help with your essential costs.
TRAVEL
If you take public transit to school often, the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard gives you 30% off the standard adult rate for weekly, monthly and annual Travelcards. Cycling is another great way to get around the city. If you don’t own a bicycle, Santander Cycles cost £1.65 for 30 mins (or £120 for an annual membership). If you plan on travelling around the UK, consider a 16-25 Rail Card. The card costs £30 a year and saves you 1/3 on rail fares throughout Great Britain.
Bonus Tip: You can link your 16-25 Railcard with your Student Oyster Card to receive 34% off off-peak pay-as-you-go fares!
RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
Many places near campus and across the city offer student discounts.
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Design My Night has a list of restaurants offering student discounts
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ASK Italian - with a valid student ID card, you can save 25% off a delicious Italian meal.
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Soho Coffee offers a 10% student discount if you show your ID card
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Caffe Nero offers a student discount if you download and use their app
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Unidays, Totum and Student Beans can give you a range of additional student discounts for restaurants, cafes and more
ENTERTAINMENT & TECH
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Students can get a free 6-month trial of Amazon Prime to enjoy free shipping, music, movies and more.
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Spotify offers half-price memberships for students
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Get 25% off at ODEON Cinema with a Student Beans card
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National Theatre: If you're aged between 16 and 25, you can get tickets for as little as £5.
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English National Opera offers discounts for below 21s (free tickets) and below 35s (tickets as low as £10)
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The Barbican: see a concert, theatre performance, film screening or art exhibition with the ‘Young Barbican’ (14-25) scheme for discounted tickets
SIGHTSEEING
FREE EVENTS
One of the best things about London is that there are always free events and attractions to visit. Many of London’s museums, art galleries and parks are free to visit any time. For some great suggestions, take a look at Time Out, Visit London, and Secret London. A quick Google search will also provide lists of free things to do during your free time.
Blog written by Hannah Thomsen.
Hannah works as an Advice Assistant at the LSESU Advice Service
THE LSESU ADVICE TEAM
The LSESU Advice Team is based on the 3rd floor of the Saw Swee Hock Building and we provide free, independent and confidential advice to all LSE students on academic and housing matters. We also administer the Hardship Fund, the Childcare Fund and the Graduation Gown Support Fund (GGSF).
Our service is currently operating using a hybrid working pattern. We are still open and can be accessed by emailing su.advice@lse.ac.uk. You can also book a telephone or Zoom appointment with an adviser through Student Hub.