Here’s a guide to 10 low-cost things you can do in London, as a student on a budget

It’s that time of year again. The Christmas lights are switched off, Winter Wonderland is fully dismantled, and January’s food and drink deals have finished. London is back to wearing its true winter uniform – spoiler alert, it’s grey.

With overdrafts still working overtime after the festive season, we’ve devised 10 ways to make the most of this month without breaking the bank.

1. Watch some live music

Hannah Jadagu at the Lexington (for just £5)

Don’t let the Ticketmaster wars fool you—live music doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Venues like The George Tavern, The Old Blue Last, and The Lexington are still putting on great live music nights, with tickets often costing less than a pint, or even nothing at all.

So, why not support some local venues, discover some new music, and get ahead of next year’s Spotify Wrapped? 

2. Explore a flea market

Walthamstow flea market

Is your flat looking a little bit sad without all the tinsel and fairy lights? Find something to brighten it up at one of London’s flea markets, such as Peckham Salvage Yard.

Even if you don’t buy anything, they can be fun to browse- like a giant charity shop bric-a-brac section.

3. Have a movie night

A classic for a reason. Make sure everyone brings a mug for hot chocolates – or a glass for anything stronger – if you didn’t get enough novelty ceramics for Christmas.

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If no one in your flat has a TV, prop up a laptop, or find someone with a wall projector gathering dust on their bookshelf after all of those Freshers’ packing articles told us they’d be a great idea.

4. Cosy up in a cute café

Host Café

Yes, coffee can be extortionate in London but if you’re going to pay almost £4 for a latte from Costa, you might as well spend the same amount, often less, to treat yourself to a coffee at one of London’s more unique cafés.

For a more inspiring study session, take your laptop to Host or The Wren, two cafés inside gorgeous old church buildings, or take a break by curling up with a book and a thick jumper at a coffee spot inside one of London’s many parks, like Queen’s Wood Café.

5. Night at the museum

It’s well known that many of London’s museums are free to the public, but did you know that many of them also run late-night events, complete with DJs and bars?

Maybe the most well-known is the (free) Tate Modern Late series, running on the last Friday of every month, but The Courtauld runs a similar, more art-focused event with tickets costing just £5 if you’re under 26. This month’s is on Valentine’s Day, so it could be a fun date or a great distraction.

If art isn’t your thing, you might prefer the Science Museum’s free Space Lates, but the next one isn’t until the 6th March.

6. Browse some bookshops

If you manage to find the time to read for pleasure between all the required uni reading, don’t limit your book shopping to Waterstones and Foyles.

Daunt Books in Marylebone organises its books by country – plus, you could pick up one of their coveted tote bags while you’re there. Walden Books in Camden offers a mixture of new and used books for as little as 50p.

If it’s queer literature you’re after, Gay’s the Word and The Common Press have you covered (both of which are known for their community events too).

7. Go to a pub quiz

Did you find yourself getting a bit too invested in The Chase Christmas special? You don’t need Bradley Walsh’s help to get competitive – just a few friends and, usually, £1.

Almost all London unis have SU-run quiz nights, and some of them even have quiz societies. If you’re not quite that committed, have a look at the Pub Quiz map to find your local.

8. Make the most of student deals

It’s important to squeeze a few trips out into your winter budget to avoid going completely off the wall.

If you fancy some cocktails for less than London prices, Be at One does £6 cocktails all day, every day for students. For food, try Ask Italian or Las Iguanas for 30 per cent off food from Sunday to Thursday, or MEATliquor for 50 per cent off on Sundays.

9. Host a potluck

If there’s no squeeze room left in the budget, you can still have a great time without going out. Take the opportunity to finally make one of those meals you’ve saved on Instagram and invite some friends over for a potluck. Maybe encourage people to bring dishes they ate growing up for some extra home comfort to ward off the cold.

10. Enjoy a slice of the tropics at Kew Gardens

The Temperate House at Kew Gardens

If none of that worked, and all you need is some hot weather, you can find it in the huge greenhouses at Kew Gardens.

Student tickets are reduced to £6 until the 31st – much cheaper than a Wizz Air flight to somewhere warmer.