Student club nights aren’t expensive because they’re exclusive-they’re expensive because you don’t know where to look.
Every Friday night in Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, or London, students line up outside clubs hoping to get in before the door price jumps. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to pay £15 to get in. You don’t need to wait until 11 p.m. to find a queue. And you definitely don’t need to rely on luck. There are real, working ways to cut your club night costs by 50% or more-if you know the system.
Most students think discounts are just for pubs or student unions. But the biggest savings come from places you’d never expect: university societies, local council events, and even apps most people ignore.
Start with your student union
Your student union isn’t just a place to borrow a printer or complain about coursework. It’s your golden ticket to cheap nights out. Every university in the UK runs its own club nights, often called "SU Nights" or "Student Nights." These aren’t just parties-they’re organized by students, for students, and they’re priced to fit your budget.
At the University of Glasgow, SU club nights cost £5 on average. At the University of Birmingham, you can get in for £3 if you show your student ID before 10 p.m. In London, Goldsmiths and UCL run weekly events with entry under £7. These aren’t rare deals-they’re weekly. And they’re not advertised on Instagram ads. You have to check your student union’s website or email newsletter.
Pro tip: Sign up for your union’s mailing list. Most send out event alerts every Monday. Miss one, and you might pay £12 instead of £4 next Friday.
Use student discount apps-before you leave your flat
There are three apps students swear by: UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM. These aren’t just for discounts on Zara or Amazon. They work on club entry, too.
Student Beans has deals with clubs like The Fridge in Brixton, The Ritz in Manchester, and The Windmill in Brixton. You don’t need a promo code. Just open the app, show your digital student card at the door, and get £5 off or free entry. Some clubs even let you book tickets through the app, locking in the discount before you even leave home.
TOTUM (formerly NUS Extra) works the same way. In Edinburgh, clubs like The Bongo Club and The Liquid Room offer 30% off for TOTUM members. You pay £10 for the card once a year, and it pays for itself in one night out.
Don’t wait until you’re outside the club to check your app. Download them now. Add your student ID. Turn on notifications. You’ll thank yourself in December when your bank balance still has money left.
Go early. Go weekday. Go smart.
Most students think Friday and Saturday are the only nights worth going out. They’re wrong.
Monday nights are quiet. That’s when clubs drop prices to fill the room. In Liverpool, The Kazimier offers £2 entry on Mondays. In Nottingham, The Rescue Rooms run "Student Mondays" with free entry until midnight. Even in London, places like The Windmill and The Hope & Anchor have £3 entry on Tuesdays if you arrive before 10 p.m.
Weekday nights also mean shorter queues, better service, and more space to dance. No one’s waiting at the bar. No one’s spilling drinks on you. And you’re not paying a "weekend premium."
Also, arrive early. Most clubs raise prices after 10 p.m. If you show up at 9 p.m. with your student ID, you might get in for half the price. Some even give free drinks to the first 50 people. That’s not a rumor-it’s standard practice in Sheffield, Brighton, and Cardiff.
Join a student society
Student societies aren’t just for debating or hiking. There are societies for music, film, gaming, and yes-nightlife.
At King’s College London, the "Nightlife Society" organizes monthly club trips to venues like Fabric and Printworks. Members pay £5 for a night that would normally cost £15. The society negotiates group rates, books transport, and even gets DJs to play for free. At Durham, the "Dance Society" runs weekly club nights on campus with no cover charge.
Joining a society gives you access to events that aren’t open to the public. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to lead anything. Just show up. Most societies have 200+ members and meet every other week. Your student union website lists them all.
Know the hidden rules
There are unspoken rules in UK student nightlife. Learn them, and you’ll save money without even trying.
- Some clubs let you get in free if you bring a group of 5 or more students. Ask at the door.
- Student IDs must be valid. If yours is expired, you’ll pay full price. Renew it before term starts.
- Some venues only accept physical TOTUM cards-not digital ones. Keep a printed copy in your wallet.
- Never pay for a ticket online unless it’s through the club’s official site or a student app. Third-party sellers often charge £10 extra.
- Look for "Student Only" nights on Facebook Events. They’re not always tagged as "discount."
Also, avoid the big chains like X-Ray or Revolution unless you’re going with a group. They rarely offer student discounts. Stick to independent venues, university-run spaces, and local bars with student nights.
What to do when you’re out of options
What if your uni doesn’t run events? What if your city has no TOTUM deals? What if you’re in a smaller town like Preston or Hull?
You still have options.
Check your local council’s website. Many run free or low-cost youth events. In Leeds, the council hosts "Youth Nights" at the Leeds Playhouse with free entry and transport from student halls. In Coventry, the city library runs monthly club nights with DJs and free food.
Or start your own. A group of students in Newcastle started a weekly "Student Disco" in a community hall. They paid £20 to rent the space, split the cost, and charged £2 entry. It became the most popular night in town. You don’t need a big budget-just a few friends and a speaker.
Real numbers, real savings
Let’s say you go out twice a month. At £12 a night, that’s £24. Over a year? £288.
Now, if you use student discounts, go on weekdays, and join one society: you’re spending £4 a night. That’s £8 a month. £96 a year.
You just saved £192. That’s a new pair of winter boots. A flight home for Christmas. Or five months of Spotify Premium.
It’s not about being cheap. It’s about being smart.
What to do next
Here’s your 3-step plan to start saving today:
- Download Student Beans and TOTUM. Add your student ID. Turn on notifications.
- Check your student union’s website. Find the next SU Night. Mark it in your calendar.
- Join one student society this week. Even if it’s just for the parties.
Don’t wait for Friday. Start now. The next discount is already waiting for you.
Do all UK universities offer student club nights?
Almost all do. Even smaller universities like Aberystwyth and Stirling run weekly student nights. The difference is in how well they’re advertised. Check your student union’s website or ask in your course group chat. If you can’t find it, email the union office directly-they’ll send you the schedule.
Can international students use TOTUM and Student Beans?
Yes. Both apps accept international student IDs as long as they’re from a recognized university. You’ll need to upload a photo of your ID and proof of enrollment. Some venues may ask for your passport too, but most just check the app. Don’t assume you’re excluded-try it first.
Is it safe to buy tickets through student apps?
Yes. Student Beans and TOTUM partner directly with venues. Tickets are digital and scanned at the door. No third-party resellers. No hidden fees. If a club says they accept Student Beans, you’re guaranteed the discount. Avoid any site that asks you to pay extra to "confirm" your booking.
What if my student ID expires during term?
Some clubs will still let you in if you can show your enrollment email or a screenshot of your student portal. But it’s risky. Renew your ID as soon as you get the email from your uni. Most renewals cost £1-£3 and take 5 minutes online. Don’t risk paying full price over a £2 fee.
Are there student discounts for festivals and big events?
Yes. Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Wireless all offer student tickets at reduced prices. You need a TOTUM or UNiDAYS code to get them. Some festivals also have "Student Only" camping zones with cheaper rates. Check their official websites in January for early bird deals.