Student-friendly ways to cut costs without missing out

1) Haircuts from hair academies 💇‍♀️

Looking to start the year with a fresh haircut? Hair academies throughout London offer heavily discounted haircuts in exchange for modeling. I visited the Sassoon Academy and paid a student price of £15. The appointment lasted about three hours, as the instructors carefully checked each step of the process. While it does require a bit more patience and many photos were taken of me, the results were fantastic. 

Other options to consider include Toni & Guy on New Oxford Street for £20 (prices have risen since the reel below), and Hob Academy in Camden for £10. 

2) January gym memberships 🤸‍♂️

January is the one of the best months to take advantage of discounted gym memberships, as many gyms offer New Year promotions and student deals. If you're been thinking about starting a workout routine, now is a great time to sign-up without committing to full prices. Here are a few to check out:

• Class Pass - Offers 50 free credits for one month, allowing you to try a wide range of workout classes from different studios, including pilates, yoga and dance. 
• LSESU 6 Month Membership -  With about 6 months to go until the end of term, now is the perfect time to purchase the LSE 6-month gym membership for £150. 
• Pure Gym Holborn - Offers 30% off fixed term memberships with UNiDAYS. Open 24/7 and just a 10 minute walk from campus.

3) Visit local bookshops 📚

One of my favorite (and completely free!) activities to do in the Winter months is wander into bookshops. I love browsing the staff recommendations and often snap photos of titles that catch my eye so I can check them out from the library. Two shops I've discovered and loved are Foyles (seven locations across London) and Upper Street Bookshop in Islington. 

4) Post holiday sales 🛍️

Many department stores have post-Christmas sales that begin on December 26th and continue into mid-January, making this the perfect time to purchase household items, clothes, or gifts. Popular shopping areas include Battersea Power Station, Oxford Street, and Westfield London.