Student Life on a Budget
Things to do in the local area on a budget!
Becoming a university student and living on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice having a life! There are plenty of budget-friendly activities to do in the local area that won’t break the bank. From low-cost events to fun hangouts, this guide will show you that yes, you can still have a social life whilst keeping your budget intact!
If you’re looking for things to do so you can still live your best student life on a budget, we have found some local and affordable activities:
Cool off in the summer at the only remaining Lido in Arundel just a 20-minute drive from either campus. Spend the day lounging, eating and swimming in the beautiful South Downs National Park, it even has a view of Arundel Castle – Only £7
If you would rather be on the water than in it, Arundel has rowing boats that can be taken around the picturesque Swanbourne Lake for just £4 pp.
Just a 2-minute walk from our Stockbridge halls, Tenpin Bowling offers plenty of student deals so you can have some competitive fun with friends on a budget. Students can bowl from just £1.50 and if you want to make an evening out of it you can also get 2 games and a meal for £11.75!
Film fanatic? Cineworld Chichester student tickets are £8.20 or if you’re staying at our Bognor campus, you’re just a 15-minute walk to Picturedrome, which has tickets from £3.50!
If you’d rather be down the pub, there are plenty to choose from which of course includes the classic … Spoons. There are also student-friendly bars such as The Vestry and The Chantry that love a 2-for-1 deal!
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We asked our students what they would do if they were given £10:
“Bottomless pancakes at Bill’s for £7.50”
“Spoons for dinner”
“Grab a coffee and do the walls walk around the centre”
“Walk around Kingley Vale ancient forest”
“Indoor glow in the dark crazy golf at Hunston (£10.50)”
“Swim at Westgate Leisure Centre”
“Bakery treat from Serendipitous Bakery on the hornet!! The most incredible pastries!”
“A trip to the Bishop Gardens”
“Cinema or a walk around Hotham Park and get a hot chocolate”
“Visit the Cathedral for free. Have a pint in the Hole in the Wall and watch some live music”
“Kim’s Bookshop on South Street”
“Cineworld! Student tickets are always under £10”
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We then asked students how they still manage to have a social life on a budget:
“I joined the Adventure Society here at uni. It was only £30 for a year’s membership and they do bi-weekly climbing sessions, host social events and arrange fun activities outside of Uni like open water swimming, surfing, and skiing. It’s such a lovely group of people.
I’m also a keen runner and use the app All Trails to find new routes in and around the area. It’s taken me to some incredible places in the South Downs.
Uni deadlines and lectures take up the rest of my free time “
-Ellen
“Really simple!
I only buy what I can afford! I’m not much of a drinker but I love coffee. There are plenty of affordable coffee shops near the university. There’s also affordable food around the area.
There is a driving range near the uni. Some of my mates go there and that’s good fun.”
-Henry
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If you want to get to know the local area in more detail, check out our location page on the website:
