Days out on a budget

Being a student in a London city can be very expensive when TfL is £20 on its own. 

We have come up with a few ideas of how to spend your day while on a budget.

• Take a walk and enjoy the sights.

This may not be everyone’s cup of tea but for some, this could be a great day out especially when Kingston is surrounded by parks like Bushy and Richmond Park – or even just walking along the river Thames. If you feel like treating yourself why not get a coffee from a local café to enjoy on the walk.

If you feel like venturing out to central London there are many places to go to for walks like Primrose Hill or Hyde Park and, you can even be a tourist for the day and visit all the landmarks.

• Fuse Box – Kingston Art, Music, Pop Fashion – 1960s–1990s Exhibition.

For those who like to visit places like museums and galleries, Fuse Box is currently holding an exhibition “exploring and celebrating Kingston’s musical heritage from the 1960s – present day”. It is free to attend, and they will be running the exhibition until 23  March.

• Student discounts at restaurants.

If you are a student, many restaurants accept student discounts in Kingston including, Bills, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, YO! Sushi and Franco Manca. Most offer 20% off your meal which if you’re on a budget is a big help.

Franco Manca has a great deal where you can get a pizza and a soft drink for £9.95.

Some restaurants do have certain days that the offers run throughout the week so make sure to check before dining.

• Cheap music gigs. 

If you love going to concerts but can’t afford to go to the expensive stadium tours, Banquet Records in Kingston regularly host gigs in their shop as well as Pryzm for cheap prices as low as £20.

In the past, there have been performances by Shania Twain, Tate McRae and The Drivers Era. Some upcoming shows include Renee Rapp, Rod Stewart and The Blinders. 

• Happy hour is the best hour.

Las Iguanas has blessed the students of Kingston by having happy hour, where you can get two-for-one cocktails, all day, every day and who wouldn’t want 10 drinks for the price of five?

If you enjoy prosecco, then you would enjoy Megan’s bottomless brunch for £25 per person. There does need to be a main meal bought separately but once you finish that there are 90 minutes of non-stop prosecco pours.