Student life: microwave dinners, riding a bike because – you know – public transport is way too expensive, getting a hot flush every time you check your bank account and praying that somehow your student loan may have miraculously arrived early.
Money is scarce, so it’s a mini fist-pump moment when something free comes along.
Here’s a rundown of some completely free events you should definitely pay a visit to.
You don’t have to be rich to have fun (well, it would probably help but we don’t all have that luxury.)
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[tabs-header-group open=”one” active=”yes”] Music [/tabs-header-group][tabs-header-group open=”two”] Comedy [/tabs-header-group][tabs-header-group open=”three”] Events [/tabs-header-group]
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[tabs-content][tabs-content-group id=”one” active=”yes”]Alex Bayley – Having released his first solo folk album in 2014, Alex Bayley is heading down to Hootananny’s for an evening of moving folk music. He will be accompanied by the soothing indie sounds of the band Lucy Cait. The night will be rounded off with an appearance from the comedic poet Laurie Bolger, as she draws reference to drunken calls, one night stands, and the cool kids of Shoreditch. Not to be missed: Hootananny’s. 11 Feb.
Share The Love – Defected Records will be hosting a free event for Valentine’s Day. Sam Divine will be on the deck with more to be confirmed. Share the love and and shake a leg with your beau or your best friends at Boxpark, 6pm-9pm, 12 Feb.
Charles Howl + Yokan System – Ample Play will be showcasing two of their newest signings in the shape of British rock musician Charles Howl and Japanese electro music duo Yokan System. If you’re looking for something different to your average night out, then head down to The Waiting Room and join them for a unique musical experience. The Waiting Room. 13 Feb.
Bleach Blood – As part of their five-week residency, indie punk band Bleach Blood will be taking over Camden on Valentine’s Day. They’ll be supporting and headlining nights which will will feature indie, rock, punk and maybe a drift into the indie pop domain. If love isn’t in the air, your hands surely will be. The Stillery. 14 Feb.
Bobby Tank + Ambassadeurs – Eat Your Own Ears presents a night with Bobby Tank and Ambassadeurs. Tank’s high energy R&B influenced electronic sounds will be complimented by Ambassadeurs’ knowledge of minimal and smooth electronic beats. Don’t miss the chance to see these two musical geniuses do what they do best. The Waiting Room. 18 Feb.
Fresh Out The Box – Ibiza Rock have teamed up with Hype to present to you Fresh Out The Box. There will be live music from the likes of Greighwolfe and Tony Blaize plus music from a selection of Ibiza Rocks DJs. Drinks are free too (SCORE!) so there is no excuse for you not to head down to Boxpark on 19 Feb between 6pm – 9pm.
Acoustic Afternoon – If you love live music then this is for you. Spend the afternoon with some of the freshest new musical talent the UK has to offer as they showcase their sounds and provide a perfect soundtrack to your lazy Sunday. Boxpark. 22 Feb.
Shoreditch Regional Festival – The Shoreditch Regional Festival will be giving young Londoners the opportunity to showcase their talent next month. There will be a mix of pop, urban, rock, hip hop and rap – something to suit everyone. Rich Mix. 1 March. Between 1pm-5pm.
Keep Up – Anoushka Lucas. If you haven’t heard of her then you are seriously missing out. Armed with her voice and guitar, she will be performing in Camden. Her rich and authentic tone and depiction of love and life will have you mesmerised. She’ll be joined by The Last Skeptik; champion of hip hop, trap and everything bass, as he provides his DJ-ing skills for the evening. No doubt, this will be an amazing night. The Stillery. 11 March[/tabs-content-group][tabs-content-group id=”two”]Comedy Cafe Theatre – It’s Wednesday and you’ve got the mid-week blues. You, my friend, need a good ol’ belly laugh. Join a range of new comedians at one of London’s few purpose built comedy venues. You can dance, dine, and with drinks at pub prices, get a little merry too. Comedy Cafe Theatre. Every Wednesday at 8pm.
Comedy Virgins – You’re funny, right? You always have your work colleagues in stitches and your mum thinks you’re hilarious. Why don’t you get on stage and share your comic genius with a few South London punters? Sounds a bit scary now, doesn’t it? Head down to Stockwell and be entertained by the have-a-go comedians as they descend on the open mic and (hopefully) give you a few giggles. The Cavendish Arms. Every Mon, Tues, Wed.
Angel Comedy – The proof is in the name; it’s comedy and it’s in Angel. Camden Head hosts an evening introducing specially selected open mic comics to keep you chuckling all night. With new talent, expect the unexpected and be the one to say ‘I saw them first’. Camden Head. Until 1 March.
Allsortz – Maybe a comedy night tonight? Or do I fancy listening to a bit of rap? You just can’t decide. Luckily you don’t have to. Allsortz will be hosting a night that includes a mix of comedy, dance, rap, spoken word and more. Whatever your taste, you’ll be entertained here. To gain entry all you have to do is retweet @Allsortz1. Simples. Rich Mix. 15 Feb.
It’s a Hoot Comedy – Russell Howard’s Good News and Never Mind The Buzzcocks alumni Tony Law will be heading down to Brixton for It’s a Hoot Comedy Night. The bearded Canadian will be joined by the equally funny Fin Taylor for an hour and a half of full on belly laughs. Hootananny Brixton. 8.30pm-10pm. 20 Feb.[/tabs-content-group][tabs-content-group id=”three”]The Friend Zone – Don’t worry. This isn’t referring to that awkward moment when Helen said you should just be friends (my heart still aches for you, Helen…). No, this is a chance to mingle with your mates and potentially make new ones as you take part in social games and get chatting to everyone. This is a social event with a twist. Boxpark. 6pm-10pm. 27 Feb.
Dash Café – Be educated and entertained as Dash Café come together with the Armenian Institute to host an evening celebrating Armenian culture. This night will include songs, performances and films highlighting the Armenian genocide. Rich Mix. 4 March.
The Alibi Film Club – Even a student ticket to the cinema leaves the pocket howling. If you’d rather step back in time and watch some classic films for free then you should be at The Alibi. Every Monday they hold their famous movie night, so head down and have a laugh at the dodgy visual effects and questionable make-up…The ’80s, we salute you. The Alibi. Every Monday 8pm-10pm.
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Featured image by Cassandra Panayiotopoulos via Flickr