11 Money-Saving Tips for Student Nights Out


A student night out doesn’t have to mean spending your entire student loan! With a few smart tricks, you can enjoy Liverpool’s nightlife without breaking the bank.

With a few smart moves, you can stretch your student loan further and still make the most of Liverpool’s nightlife. Simply by setting budgets, using discounts and sharing snacks, you can return home with plenty in the bank. 

So, stay with Luxury Student Homes for our 11 money-saving tips for student nights out

Students enjoying a budget-friendly night out in Liverpool

1. Set a budget 

To make the most of your night out (without going overboard), start by determining how much money you’re comfortable using solely for one night. 

Decide how much you’re willing to spend before heading out. A simple way to do this is by splitting your budget into:

  • Drinks
  • Food
  • Transport

While this might make taking physical money out a little harder, it’s always possible to dedicate different online banking accounts to spending (this way, you can make sure the night’s expenses won’t dip into funds for essentials). 

To avoid overspending, use a separate bank card for nights out. A Monzo card or Revolut account helps track spending and stops you from dipping into essential funds.

2. Use discounts/offers

You’d be surprised how many clubs and bars in university areas run regular deals including:

  • 2-for-1 drinks
  • Discounted or free entry before a certain time

Keep an eye on platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans which often update with exclusive discounts specifically for students.

Or, you can use social media as a resource! Clubs often announce special offers or discounted entry fees on their pages, particularly for students who arrive early or sign up on a guest list in advance.

A group of students sitting in a student house, enjoying pre-drinks together with drinks in hand, smiling and chatting before a night out

3. Pre-drink with friends 

It’s the budget-friendly method students have been using since the dawn of time: pre-drinks! A student night out starts at home, where you can enjoy drinks for a fraction of the cost.”

By starting the night off with affordable tipples at home, you’ll likely spend less when out, as drinks bought at a club often cost double what you’d pay at a supermarket. 

For budget-friendly options, try:

  • Cocktail cans
  • WKD or other alcopops
  • Supermarket own-brand spirits and mixers from shops like Aldi or Tesco.

Then, create a personalised playlist and maybe even organise some games to play with your friends. 

4. Plan transport in advance 

Planning how you’re getting to and from the event in advance will make the whole night much more enjoyable. Save money by:

  • Ride-sharing with friends
  • Using Uber’s fare-splitting feature
  • Booking a group taxi in advance

Apps such as Uber allow for easy fare splitting so that everyone contributes equally to the journey. Alternatively, booking a group taxi in advance can reduce waiting times and, in some cases, lower the total cost per person. 

5. Opt for bars with happy hour deals

‘Two-for-one’, did we hear you say? Yes! Many UK bars and pubs, particularly in student-friendly areas, offer excellent discounts during happy hours, which can mean two-for-one cocktails, reduced pints, or other affordable drink options.

You could find pub-exclusive deals, like £5 cocktails or two-for-one on select drinks stretching into the evening, all so you can kick off your evening in style! 

Check out places like Heebie Jeebies, Baa Bar, and The Merchant for some of the best happy hour deals in the city.

👉 Want more recommendations? Here are the 6 best student bars in Liverpool you need to visit for great nights out on a budget.

6. Order water with your drinks

Ordering water with your drinks might sound like a killjoy tactic, but trust us, it’s the ultimate hack for a longer, more affordable night out. 

It’s a simple solution: for every alcoholic drink, order a glass of water – it’s free in most UK bars, so you’re instantly saving money. 

Plus, alternating drinks keeps you refreshed and saves you from waking up with that “why did I do this to myself” headache. It’s like giving your bank account (and your liver) a little pat on the back for making smart choices.

7. Share snacks and plates

Heading out for some food before you go out on the town? Wise decision! 

If you and your friends are in the money-saving game together, always remember: sharing is caring. Plenty of bars and tapas restaurants offer “small plates”, which means everyone can try different dishes without overspending.

Student tracking night-out expenses using a budgeting app

8. Limit card payments

Leaving your card at home is one of the smartest (and sneakiest) ways to keep your night-out budget intact. 

With a card in your pocket, it’s way too easy to keep tapping away, especially when contactless payments make it feel like you’re not even spending. Instead, withdraw cash and:

  • Only take what you can afford to spend
  • Leave your main bank card at home

But if you head out with just cash, you know exactly where you stand. When it’s gone, it’s gone – and there’s no “accidentally” buying that last round you definitely don’t need.

9. Have food ready at home

Sometimes, the temptation of late-night cheesy chips or margarita pizza is too much. But when you have to choose between that and having bus fare for next week’s lectures, you have to make the hard decisions. 

Avoid splurging on greasy, overpriced takeaways by preparing food before your night out. Good options include:

  • A pre-made sandwich
  • Leftover pasta
  • Microwaveable meals

It could be anything, even some leftovers could be the key to staving off the nighttime munchies. 

10. Avoid Impulse purchases

We’ve all bought something in the club toilets before: from heart-shaped sunglasses to a cap to commemorate the night, these impulsive purchases could be the difference between staying on track and blowing your budget. 

It’s easy to get caught up in spur-of-the-moment spending, especially if friends around you are doing the same. Before taking the plunge, ask yourself these questions:

  • “Do I actually need this?”
  • “Will I still want this tomorrow?”

A quick moment of reflection often stops those buys that feel exciting but end up being forgotten! 

11. Track your expenses and learn

It’s now the next day: you’ve put our tips to the test and (hopefully), you’ll have noticed a difference in your finances. It’s completely normal to spend money on a night out, so don’t be worried if you have! It’s all part of the university experience. 

But by keeping a closer eye on your expenses (rather than hoping for the best), you’ll start spotting patterns that help you make smarter choices on future nights out. 

We have properties in Liverpool’s best student areas!

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on budgeting for a student night out, it’s time to make sure your student experience is equally sorted on the home front! 

Start your search for accommodation with Luxury Student Homes, where you can discover your ideal student home in Liverpool and secure your spot in some of the city’s most popular areas, including Aigburth, Wavertree, and the vibrant City Centre.