London has plenty of funky bars but the prices that come with the city are not so funky. As a student, there’s nothing you want more than a cheap night out where you can still have a fun time and enjoy the London nightlife. I’ve curated a list of the best student bars in London that offer budget-friendly drinks and great vibes leaving with you enough money for a kebab and some cheesy chips at the end of the night.
My top student bars in London
There are so many bars in London – it’s impossible to know where to start. But take a look at my pick of the best student bars in London, from Soho to Southwark, to find ones that I guarantee will deliver a good time!
1. Phineas Bar
Found on the UCL Campus in the heart of Bloomsbury, is one of the UCL Student Union bars, the Phineas Bar. It’s a classic student bar with a mix of high tables, booths, and long communal seating areas. It has a lively and social vibe and is popular among students not only from UCL but the surrounding unis. The Phineas Bar is a popular venue for events held by UCL societies and the SU. These events include a weekly pub quiz, a monthly Friday Taylor Swift singalong, live Jazz every Tuesday and many more exciting events! This is a great student bar as it is quite literally made for students which is reflected by the price of their drinks. Don’t forget your student ID to be let in!
Address: 3rd Floor, Students’ Union UCL, 25 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AY
2. Thirst Bar
Located in the lively streets of Soho is the Thirst Bar. It is a vibrant and trendy cocktail bar with a party atmosphere and feel. The space is split over two levels, with the basement being the main party area featuring a dance floor and DJ booth. Whereas the upstairs area has more of an intimate vibe with dim lighting, leather seating, and a neon-lit bar area. Moreover, not only is the Thirst Bar a Soho staple but it is extremely popular with students during off-peak hours due to its promotional “Stupid” and “Happy” hours and its late closing time of 3 am. If you’re heading to the Thirst Bar don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Address: 53 Greek St, W1D 3DR
3. Simmons
Who doesn’t love a Simmons? Locations can be found all across the London nightlife hotspots like Camden, Leicester Square, and Soho. The bars are all adorned with funky decor and neon lights creating a playful vibe. Simmons is most famously known for affordable drinks with long happy hours, 2-for-1 cocktails and cheap spirits therefore making it one of the best bars for students in London.
Address: 22 Locations Across London
4. The Roxy
Near the social hubs of Soho and Fitzrovia, The Roxy is somewhat hidden on Rathbone Place, making it feel like a secret underground spot. The Roxy is a popular spot amongst students in London with discounted entry, fabulous drink deals, and events tailored for the student crowd. The bar is designed for a high-energy night out with the dance floor dominating the space. To add to the dynamic atmosphere, The Roxy plays mainstream and throwback tunes to appeal to everyone.
Address: 3-5 Rathbone Pl, W1T 1HJ
5. Doodle Bar
If you’re looking for a chilled night out rather than a rager, then the Doodle Bar is the place for you. Located in a converted warehouse along the riverside in Bermondsey, the Doodle Bar has an artsy and laid-back vibe. The bar earns its name due to its chalkboard walls which customers are encouraged to doodle on. Despite not being solely a student bar the food and drink are not badly priced and hosts frequent events like open mic nights and arts-focused gatherings that are perfect for students!
Address: 60 Druid Street, SE1 2EZ
6. Thirsty Scholar
The Thirsty Scholar is tucked away in the International Students House – a student’s hidden secret. As both a café and bar, the Thirsty Scholar is perfect for a casual night out with reasonably priced, quality food and drink. High tables and comfy seating add to the laid-back vibe. Some nights the bar stays open until 1 or 3 am which is becoming harder to find in London and is livened up by the resident DJ! What makes this spot even better is that all proceeds earned are donated to charity.
Address: 1 Park Crescent, Marylebone, W1B 1SH
7. Guy’s Bar
Guy’s Bar is located on KCL’s Guy’s Campus, right next to London Bridge Station and Borough Market. It is a bustling student bar with themed nights, sports screenings, and a great spot for socialising within the KCL community. The space is open-plan with a mix of high tables, booths, and communal seating. Their food and beverage selection is affordable and of great quality thanks to the in-house chefs.
Address: Boland House, King’s College London Guy’s Campus, SE1 9RT
8. Bar Rumba
Bar Rumba has that classic party atmosphere and is centrally located in the West End on Shaftesbury Avenue. With late-night hours, dance music and colourful mood lighting Bar Rumba is the place to be! Now what can they offer us students? From Monday to Thursday Bar Rumba offers £1 entry, £1 cloakroom and £4 selected spirit mixers, beers and shots when a valid student ID is shown. Expect a late one if you choose Bar Rumba as your destination for the night.
Address: 36 Shaftesbury Ave, West End, W1D 7EP
9. Mully’s Basement Bar
UCL’s “Mully’s” is an underground micro-club with a casual vibe. It’s a popular hangout for UCL students, offering great nightly drink deals. The venue is cosy and relaxed, hosting frequent student events such as comedy nights, live music, and a weekly karaoke night on Saturdays.
Address: Lewis’s Building (basement), 134-136 Gower Street, WC1E 6BP
Although these student bars are great for a casual night out, if you’re more of a boujee babe and are looking for something a bit more upmarket London has plenty of beautiful rooftop bars to offer!
I’m currently a BA Anthropology student so people watching is my favourite thing! I love going to concerts, pop culture and reading. In my free time, I love trying new places to eat.
