Stretching your student budget

For many first-years, it comes as a shock to watch how quickly your cash goes. Here’s a list of ten offers and tips that can save you from breaking the bank when starting university in Bristol, and which allow you to explore some of the most exciting parts of the city along the way.

Food

No.1 Harbourside
1 Canon’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5UH
www.no1harbourside.co.uk
All mains are under £11 with starters beginning at £2.20. Their unique and sustainable menu is organised into vegan, fish and meat so there is something for everyone. Located beneath the Watershed and overlooking the river, enjoy your meal in a relaxed environment whilst listening to live music.

The White Rabbit
33 Gordon Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1AW
www.whiterabbitbristol.co.uk
This pizza and beer pub offers a two-for-one pizza deal on Mondays and Tuesdays. They have a wide range of delicious pizzas that cater to all diet preferences, such as vegan and gluten-free. Plus, they have pool tables, a rooftop terrace and host regular events.

Drink

The Coronation Tap
8 Sion Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4AX
www.thecoronationtap.com
Offering Exhibition cider in half pints for £2.50, exclusively produced for the pub. (The Coronation Tap tells Bristol24/7 that they do not set or condone any drinking challenges)

Browns
37 Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1RE
www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/southwest/bristol
If you ever fancy a cocktail, head to Browns. The restaurant and bar offers selected cocktails from their delicately chosen menu for just £4.95, and the opulent setting couldn’t be better. This is offered Monday-Friday from 5pm, and you don’t need your student card.

Entertainment

Watershed Cinema
1 Canon’s Road, Bristol, BS1 3QY
www.watershed.co.uk
Situated on the waterfront, Watershed is a cultural cinema and digital creativity hub where you’re more likely to find indie classics than massive blockbusters. All cinema tickets here are only £5 for under-24s, and they show a vast range of independent, foreign and old films, as well as new releases.

We The Curious Big Screen
1 Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB
www.bigscreenbristol.com
Take advantage of some (hopefully) warm autumn evenings by visiting Millennium Square, where you are able to bring blankets, chairs and cushions to watch a free film on their big screen. Think classic films, opera, film festivals and more, and visit their website to find out what’s on.

Lifestyle

Nail Xpression
4 Whiteladies Gate, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PH 
If you are after a good-quality beauty treatment including eyebrow threading and shellac manicure with a student discount, Nail Xpression is located close to the University of Bristol and offers a full shellac manicure for £18. They offer a walk-in service and are often busy so pick your time carefully.

Charity shops
Various locations
Bristol is known for being fairly fashion and brand conscious, but you don’t have to blow your student loan on the current trends to look good – try charity shops. Spots such as Regent Street in Clifton Village, Cotham Brow in Cotham and East Street in Bedminster offer a vast range of shops to sift through to find that unique look.

Reflections Training Academy
15A Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AP
www.reflectionstraining.co.uk/clients-and-models
If you’re looking for a haircut but don’t fancy splashing out at a salon, try Reflections. It’s a training academy for hairdressing students, but they offer discounted prices if you let them practice on you. Appointments are supervised by a stylist, which means the average haircut may take longer, but for the price it’s worth it. Visit their Facebook page for other offers including free haircuts.