London, as one of the most prosperous cities in the world, has the most amazing and attractive nightlife. Meanwhile, it is also an energetic city full of university students, offering the most exciting student nightlife in the world. However, London can be expensive. That is why finding the best clubs in London for students with cheap entry and student discounts is so important. This guide will show you the top 10 venues, the best student nights, and exactly where to live to be close to the action.
10 Best Clubs in London for Students
Fabric
- Location: Farringdon
- Best For: Techno, Drum & Bass, Electronic
Fabric is a legendary venue in the global club scene. Music lovers travel from everywhere to experience its famous “bodysonic” dancefloor in Room 1. The bass vibrates through your feet while you dance. The club plays the best techno, grime, and drum & bass in the city. Entry prices can be high on weekends, but students should look out for the “Freshers Festival” events which offer great value.
Ministry of Sound
- Location: Elephant & Castle
- Best For: House, Dance, Trance
Among many student clubs London, Ministry of Sound is a world-famous superclub with four massive rooms. The venue hosts huge DJs and dance music icons every week. New students often visit here during “Freshers Week” to start their university life. You can save a lot of money on Tuesdays. The club hosts popular student nights with cheap tickets and discounted drinks.
XOYO
- Location: Shoreditch
- Best For: House, Disco, Hip-Hop
XOYO is regarded as one of the best clubs in London for students, situated in the heart of Shoreditch near Old Street. This good club in London for students is a favorite spot for students living in East London. The basement hosts amazing resident DJs and electronic nights. Hip-hop and R&B fans will also love the music selection on the ground floor. Weekday student nights are very affordable, with entry fees often as low as £5 to £8.
KOKO
- Location: Camden
- Best For: Indie, Rock, Pop
KOKO is a visually stunning venue inside a converted old theatre. A massive mirror ball hangs from the ceiling as its famous symbol. Indie music fans consider this club their second home. The stage hosts live bands, electronic nights, and pop parties. The crowd is very diverse and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people.
EGG London
- Location: King’s Cross
- Best For: Techno, House
EGG London offers a raw warehouse party experience with three floors to explore. The party continues until the morning, sometimes as late as 7 AM or 8 AM. This is the perfect choice for students who have high energy and a low budget. You can often get free entry if you join the guestlist and arrive before 11 PM.
The Underworld Camden
- Location: Camden
- Best For: Rock, Metal, Punk
The Underworld is the home of alternative music in London. This basement club is strictly for fans of rock, metal, and punk. Students flock here to see exciting new bands and heavy acts. The atmosphere is loud, energetic, and unpretentious. The bar offers much cheaper drinks compared to the expensive venues in the West End.
Village Underground
- Location: Shoreditch
- Best For: Experimental, Electronic, Arts
Village Underground is a unique creative hub built from renovated tube carriages and shipping containers. Art and design students love the cool, industrial aesthetic. This good student night club in London hosts concerts, rave nights, and art events. The sound system is excellent for electronic music lovers. Ticket prices vary, but the quality of the events is always high.
Bar Rumba
- Location: West End (Piccadilly Circus)
- Best For: Commercial Pop, R&B, Party Classics
Bar Rumba is the king of cheap student nights in Central London. DJs play commercial pop, R&B, and party anthems all night long. Student societies often choose this venue for their social events and parties. The club is famous for its Happy Hour deals, where drinks can cost as little as £3 or £4.
Infernos
- Location: Clapham
- Best For: Cheesy Pop, Disco, 80s/90s
Infernos is the best place for a fun and “cheesy” night out. The DJ plays pop classics, disco hits, and power ballads. Students visit this cool club in London to sing loudly and dance with their friends. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, so you do not need to dress up. Drinks are reasonably priced, making it a popular spot for sports team socials.
Corsica Studios
- Location: Elephant & Castle
- Best For: Underground Electronic, Leftfield
Corsica Studios is a hidden gem located beneath old railway arches. Serious music fans prefer this intimate spot over big commercial venues. The sound system has won awards for its quality. The venue books incredible underground DJs and experimental artists. Entry tickets are usually cheaper than the large superclubs nearby.
The Nightlife in London
While the best clubs in London for students are legendary, not every night out needs to end on a sweat-soaked dance floor. For students living in the capital, the nightlife scene offers a huge variety of alternatives that are perfect for socialising and exploring the city’s culture.
The Pub Culture
Besides the good clubs in London for students, the cornerstone of British student life is the traditional pub. Unlike the intensity of a club, pubs are where real conversations happen. Whether it’s a cheap and cheerful Wetherspoons (a staple for student budgets) or a trendy gastropub in Angel or Fulham, these venues offer a more relaxed atmosphere to hang out with flatmates. Many local pubs also host weekly Pub Quizzes, which are a fantastic way to bond with new friends and win bar tabs.
Live Music and Comedy
London is arguably the live music capital of the world. Beyond the massive arenas, there are hundreds of intimate venues hosting up-and-coming bands every night of the week—often for the price of a pint. If you need a laugh, areas like Soho and Leicester Square are packed with Comedy Clubs that offer student discounts. It’s a great alternative date night or group activity that doesn’t involve a 3 am finish.
Where to Live to Enjoy the Best Nightlife
If you live in student apartments in London near the best clubs in London for students, you save money on expensive taxis late at night. Here are the best neighbourhoods for students who love nightlife.
Living in Hoxton
Hoxton is effectively part of the Shoreditch nightlife scene. If you live here, you are right next to XOYO and Village Underground. It is a very cool, artistic neighbourhood full of bars and cafes.
Best for Students at: Perfect for creatives at the University of the Arts London (UAL) and students at Queen Mary University of London (easy commute).
Living in Camden
Do you love rock music and live bands? Then, Camden is your best choice. It is famous for KOKO and The Underworld. The vibe here is energetic and alternative.
Best for Students at: Camden is incredibly popular for students at University College London (UCL) and SOAS University of London because the campus is just a short bus ride or walk away.
Living in Holborn and Covent Garden
If you want to be close to the West End nightlife, Holborn and Covent Garden are the best choices. You are walking distance from Bar Rumba near Piccadilly Circus and the busy bars of Soho. Living here means you are in the very centre of London.
Best for Students at: Ideal for students attending London School of Economics (LSE) and King’s College London (KCL).
Living in Vauxhall
Located just south of the river, Vauxhall is a famous nightlife hub itself and is very close to Ministry of Sound and Corsica Studios. It has excellent transport links (Victoria Line) and great river views.
Best for Students at: A strategic location for London South Bank University (LSBU) and London College of Communication (UAL) students.
Transport Suggestions
- The Night Tube: The “Night Tube” is the fastest way to travel. It runs 24 hours a day on Fridays and Saturdays. It operates on the Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Northern, and Piccadilly lines. It is safe and usually full of other students going home.
- Night Buses: If the tube is closed, you can take a bus to leave these best clubs in London for students. London has many buses that run 24 hours a day. Look for bus numbers that start with the letter ‘N’ (for example, N55). This is the cheapest way to get home, but it can take a little longer than the tube.
- Uber and Bolt: Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are very popular in London. They are comfortable because they take you directly to your door. They are more expensive than the bus, but you can use the ‘Split Fare’ feature in the app to share the cost with your friends. This makes it affordable and safer.
Keeping Safe
Stick Together
There is safety in numbers. Always arrive and leave the club with your friends. Decide on a meeting point inside the club in case you get separated. It is also a good idea to share your live location on WhatsApp with your flatmates so someone always knows where you are.
Watch Your Drink & Know Your Limits
- Spiking: Never leave your drink unattended. Ask the bar staff for a “Spikey” (a plastic cover) to protect your bottle or glass.
- Pace Yourself: Drinks in London clubs can be stronger than you are used to. Drink water in between alcohol and know when it is time to call it a night.
Travel Safely
- No Unlicensed Cabs: Never get into a random minicab that stops for you on the street. They are illegal and unsafe. Only use black cabs, the Tube, or booked rides via apps like Uber or Bolt.
- Plan Ahead: Before you leave the house, take a screenshot of your route or the Night Tube map in case you lose signal later.
Emergency Contacts
Save these numbers in your phone just in case:
- 999: For emergencies (police, ambulance, fire).
- 101: For non-emergency police matters.
- 111: For non-emergency medical advice.
Conclusion
London nightlife is legendary. From the superclubs like Ministry of Sound to the rock vibes of The Underworld, there are good clubs for students in london. Remember to plan your journey home and look out for your friends. Most importantly, having a safe and comfortable home to return to makes everything better.
FAQs
The best areas depend on your music taste. Shoreditch is perfect for electronic music fans who visit clubs like XOYO and Village Underground. Camden is ideal for rock and indie lovers close to KOKO. Elephant & Castle is great for students who want to be near Ministry of Sound and usually offers affordable student accommodation.
Yes, London has excellent night transport. The Night Tube runs on Fridays and Saturdays on major lines like the Victoria and Jubilee lines. There are also 24-hour Night Buses (look for the ‘N’ numbers). For extra safety, always travel in groups and consider sharing an Uber or Bolt with friends.
Most clubs are strict about ID. You usually need a valid passport or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit); university student IDs are rarely accepted for age verification. Also, check the dress code before you go—East London clubs are often casual, while West End venues may require smart dress.
The main hubs for student nightlife are Shoreditch (for hipster and electronic vibes), Camden (for live music and rock), and Soho/West End (for commercial pop and R&B). Elephant & Castle is also very popular because it is home to major clubs and affordable student housing.
London can be expensive, but you can do it cheaply. A budget student night (cheap entry + pre-drinks) costs around £35–£45. A regular weekend night usually costs between £60–£80. If you go to exclusive clubs in the West End, you might spend over £100.
Yes. The Night Tube runs 24 hours a day on Fridays and Saturdays. It operates on the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. It is the cheapest and fastest way to get home. Always check the TfL app for updates.
For world-class electronic music, Fabric and Ministry of Sound are the top choices. If you prefer a gritty, warehouse-style atmosphere, try Village Underground in Shoreditch, EGG London in Kings Cross, or the intimate Corsica Studios.
To save money, look for specific “Student Nights” which usually happen on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. You can also use apps like UNiDAYS or Student Beans for ticket discounts. Many clubs also offer cheaper entry if you arrive early (e.g., before 11 PM).
