How to Get Free Stuff as a Student


As a student, learning how to make your money stretch is an invaluable life skill. It’ll teach you how to budget, the best time of year for deals and, most importantly, where you can save pennies. 

Student freebies aren’t hard to find. In fact, most major chains offer some form of discount. So, don’t deprive yourself of the coffee you so desperately want. Get it in time for your lecture with our guide on how to get free stuff as a student. 

1. Birthday freebies! 

It’s your special day: what better way to celebrate than with money off everything? Most high-street chains offer birthday discounts, and as a student, you should take full advantage! 

Simply sign up for café and restaurant loyalty programmes, and you can get their birthday perks. Companies like Krispy Kreme, Gregg’s, Costa Coffee and Burger King all offer complimentary treats on the big day. 

Restaurant chains like Frankie & Benny’s, Las Iguanas and Zizzi’s also give out free vouchers towards your meals. For retailer birthday rewards, pop over to Lindt for a free box of birthday chocolate or Hotel Chocolat for a £5 voucher! 

 

Liverpool Freshers Fair - student freebies

Student housing company giving away student freebies at a Freshers Fair

2. Freshers fair

For national brands and local businesses, Fresher’s Fair is the place to be. 

Freshers Fair is a university-wide event used to help new students feel welcome on campus. It’s home to various societies, food vendors and can be a great place to grab some student freebies

Big-name brands hand out everything from free samples to vouchers and promotional items. Pick up stationary for exam study or discount cards for local services. Collect these and use them to save money at a later date. Problem solved!

 

3. Free museum/art gallery admissions

Take a weekend off from boozy parties, and instead, enjoy free cultural exhibits at your city’s local museum or art gallery! 

Many institutions allow complimentary admission to their permanent collections so you can bask in historical and scientific discoveries (for free!) 

National institutions like the British Museum (London), the National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh) and the Walker Art Gallery (Liverpool) are open to the public at no charge. Make the most of what they have to offer while you’re studying!

 

4. On and off-campus entertainment 

Fun weekends shouldn’t put a strain on your budget. Instead of blitzing through your student loan, look for free on and off-campus entertainment! Many student unions host free events like movie nights, quiz competitions, and live music performances.

Usually, all you need to access them is a valid form of student ID! Just keep an eye out for events via your student newsletter or university social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). 

Exciting off-campus events might include those organised by the local community. Free events such as outdoor movie screenings, exhibitions, and seasonal festivals may be advertised on local Facebook groups or local community boards.

 

5. Free trials 

Spending your well-earned downtime in front of the TV is, undoubtedly, one of the 

best kinds of weekends. You can use platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime without spending a penny! But how? 

Streaming platforms often offer free trials for their services. Apple TV+, for example, offers a 7-day free trial period during which you can access Apple’s original films and series. Amazon Prime offers an even lengthier deal. 

Students, exclusively, have access to a 6-month free trial! After this period, Amazon offers you a reduced subscription rate of just £4.49 per month.

 

6. Free listings 

As the saying goes, one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure. If you’re in dire need of some boxes, a record player or even a potted plant, you may be able to find free listings on sites like Gumtree! 

You may find hidden gems on sites like Freecycle, where people offer their unwanted goods to those in need. You can also look at local groups, and Facebook marketplace in your local area: who knows what goodies you’ll find?

 

7. Sample products 

If you want to receive sample products, signing up for student-focused websites or brand newsletters can be an excellent way to receive these offerings directly. 

Lots of beauty and skincare companies (like Garnier and L’Oréal) frequently provide sample-sized versions of their items, ranging from moisturisers to cleansers, which can be requested online or picked up in-store.

Some supermarkets, like Costco, even offer free samples you’re walking around. Try before you buy!

 

8. Free calls at home and abroad 

If you’re missing family, having free calls can be an excellent cure for the homesickness blues. Not everyone can journey home at the weekend, especially with the rising costs of public transport. 

That’s why using Skype, Zoom and picking phone contracts with free overseas calls means you’ll only need Wi-Fi to get in touch.

The next best way to save money at university is to shop at charity shops, they are a treasure trove of pieces where you can save money and help save the planet.  Read our blog on the best charity shops in Liverpool to find the perfect spots to shop sustainably and without breaking the bank.

We have properties in Liverpool’s best student areas!

Don’t let student freebies pass you by! If you’re still house-hunting, Luxury Student Homes have properties in some of Liverpool’s most popular student areas. Settle down for term-time in Wavertree, Aigburth or even a stone’s throw from campus in Liverpool City Centre. 

Find your new student accommodation in Liverpool here, and make the most of your time at university.