Student Sessions take over the Bullring for its sixth birthday

From Krispy Kreme doughnut dipping to Van-style Beer Pong, this year’s Student Sessions had it all


Thousands of bargain thirsty students flocked to the Bullring last week for its sixth anniversary of Student Sessions.

Last Thursday, 25,000 thrifty shoppers took advantage of the 130 brands available and DJs set the mood in several of the stores – Luke customers were even treated to the sultry sounds of a saxophonist.

Vans appealed to everyone with free red cup drinks, pizza, gifts, and the opportunity to play the Vans edition of Beer Pong, where beer was replaced with prizes.

In Selfridges, the infamous Krispy Kreme counter sold Double Dozens to students for £12, and also gave students the opportunity to take part in the ‘Dip a Doughnut’ tour, for free.

And to make things even better, across the Selfridge’s food hall there was a Nutella personalisation, where you could get your very own jar of personalised Nutella…for £3.99.

Double Dozen Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme for £12

Personalised jars of Nutella

Of course there were plenty of discounts to be found, with Fudge, Ekachai and Patisserie Valerie offering discounts of 10 per cent.

If you were in the mood for something more adventurous (and filling), Yo Sushi and the glamorous Balcony restaurant were offering a discount of 25 per cent, with Ed’s Diner topping them all with a great saving of 30 per cent.

£10 Meal Deals were offered at Rossopomodoro  and Itihaas. Even Starbucks got in on the action, cutting a whopping 25 pence off selected drinks.

The freebies were flowing thick and fast, and goody bags were offered at loads of stores including Boux Avenue, Bank and Dr Martens.

At Selfridges, Tatty Devine offered a free charm bracelet making workshop alongside their 20 per cent discount and free goody bags whenever a customer spent £35 or more. And yes, you got to take your handmade charm bracelet home.

Goody bags at Dr Martens at every purchase

Free charm bracelet making workshop with Tatty Devine

Freebies with Desperados

Bose offered the chance to win a Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Portable Speaker System, and Michael Kors offered the opportunity to win an NS Hamilton handbag.

Red5 were clever enough to introduce a selfie competition to win an extra discount – so there were a few collisions in that store – and Thomas Cook was hounded by students desperate to win a free club 18-30 Zante holiday for three people.

Of course, the main reason behind the sessions is plain and simple: clothing discounts.

And at this year’s event, the offers were by far the best yet, with shops going all out to entice the hoards of students eyeing up the bargains.

Most stores offered at least a 10 per cent discount, and AllSaints, Bank, River Island and many more were practically giving the stuff away for free with their 20 per cent discount.

Until May 2015…

And as the event continues to grow year-on-year, there’s no doubt that next time round the bargains will continue to grow.

So if you didn’t manage to make this year’s student lock-in, don’t despair.. there’s always next year.