Recommended spots and deals around campus

Where to do your food shop, near campus or LSE halls 

Lidl 

The go-to supermarket for low prices and great deals all year round. Lidl offers a wide range of affordable products, with new offers and a rotating selection of seasonal and limited-time stock each week. The in-store bakery is a standout, and if you sign up for the Lidl Plus App (free to download), you’ll get a free sweet treat when you spend £10 each month, plus extra coupons and discounts. 

While Lidl isn’t as common as some other supermarkets in central London, there are branches within walking distance of Sidney Webb, Passfield and Carr-Saunders- or just a short bus ride from other LSE residences. 

Tesco 

One of the most popular supermarket chains in the UK, Tesco is everywhere in London. In terms of prices, Tesco is mid-range, but if you’re looking for a great bargain, food with shorter dates tends to be reduced towards the end of the day.  

Most Tesco Express stores are small, but well-stocked with essentials, so great for picking up a few things or a meal deal. If you want a larger range of products to choose from, there are bigger superstores further out of central London. 

Signing up for the loyalty card, the Tesco Clubcard, is a must, giving you access to lower prices on selected products and the opportunity to collect points as you shop, which can be converted into vouchers. 

Sainsburys 

Similar to Tesco in terms of prices, quality and range of products, Sainsbury's is another good option. The smaller Sainsbury’s Local stores are dotted all over central London- including a relatively big shop on Kingsway, near campus, and smaller stores near most LSE halls. You may also want to sign up for the free Nectar card, which gives you lower prices on some items and personalised discounts on the things you buy frequently. 

Co-op 

Another convenient option, and the closest supermarket to campus. Although generally a bit more expensive than Lidl, Tesco or Sainsburys, Co-op does support a lot of local community and social initiatives, so if that’s important to you, it might be the place to shop. Getting a Co-op membership will give you access to member-only discounts and let you earn rewards as you shop, but unlike its counterparts, it has a £1 sign-up fee. 

Waitrose 

Not the cheapest option, Waitrose is known for high-quality groceries and premium products. The higher prices mean it’s a good option for a treat or finding niche products that other shops don’t stock. 

Just like the other supermarkets on this list, Waitrose has its own version of the loyalty card- MyWaitrose. One of the best benefits is free tea or coffee from its self-serve machines, when you scan your MyWaitrose card and use a reusable cup, even if you don’t make a purchase. 

M&S  

Similar to Waitrose, M&S is a bit more upmarket, known for high-quality food, great snacks and ready meals that feel a bit fancier than your average supermarket. Although it does have some of the best prices for basics like tinned goods, milk and pasta, the pre-prepared food and snacks are on the pricey side. 

The Sparks loyalty programme will give you some personalised offers and the chance to win your shopping for free. But the best deal offered by M&S, in my opinion, is 25% off food on the move, exclusive for students and accessed through Unidays. 

Don’t forget to also explore the massive variety of markets and international supermarkets across London- great for discovering new foods or items you miss from home. For the best deals, look out for discounted items in stores, and check out the Too Good To Go app, where you can grab surplus food from shops and cafes at reduced prices. Happy shopping!