Culture
Living in London means you are spoilt for choice when it comes to culture. Most galleries and museums are free, including big names such as the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Tate Britain. However, there are also lots of smaller museums and independent art galleries dotted around London, especially in areas such as Oxford Circus and Mayfair. Combining a number of these galleries will give you exposure to a variety of art styles and artists. Galleries such as The Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth change the artists on display regularly so check their websites for details before visiting.
If you’d rather have your art with a side of drinks and dancing there are plenty of ‘Lates’ hosted at various museums and galleries. These are usually in the first or last week of the month and include the opportunity to check out the displays as well as purchase drinks and food at pop up stalls. Some include a dance floor or other interactive experiences.
Food
Supermarkets often sell products that are close to the display by date at a hugely reduced price. It is worth checking regularly for essentials such as bread and vegetables, as well as lucky finds such as discounted cheesecake!
Certain chains such as Itsu and Wagamama also sell their products at half price from half an hour before closing – perfect for that sushi craving!
Local markets can be a great place to find freshly baked goods, vegetables and meat.
Exercise
Walking is a great way to get fitter and many of London’s sights are best seen from foot. Pick a neighbourhood every week and walk around – you’ll soon be an expert on London! Santander bikes are also inexpensive: £2 for 24 hours provided the bikes are docked every 30 minutes. The numerous parks are the perfect place to jog or engage in other exercise, all with the added benefit of beautiful surroundings.
Day trips
Advance train fares are the best way to get cheap train tickets but bear in mind these are usually non-transferable. A railcard also gives 1/3rd off the retail price. A day trip to another town is a fun way to see new sights without the cost of overnight accommodation.
Libraries
These are a good place to go to if you like reading but don’t want to spend on buying every new book that is released. Most libraries also have free wifi and a coffee shop. Some stock magazines and DVDs as well, in case you want to brush up on the latest editor’s report or watch a recent film.
Cinema
Most cinemas have discounted student tickets or offers on particular days. For example, Vue has ‘Super Monday’ tickets for £5. It is worth checking prices in different locations as there can be significant variations.
Socials
Different societies and venues often host free or discounted events. Think of something you are interested in trying out and do a quick google search – you might be surprised at what is on offer! Meetup is also a good website for finding events and meet ups, it just requires filtering through the events to make sure they are what you are looking for.
