The Best Student Bars in London to Have on Your Radar

Studying at university in London is a huge adventure. Studying in the capital city of the UK, you’re going to encounter people from all nationalities and cultures, and you’ll be able to enjoy all that this historical powerhouse has to offer. In between studying and visiting monuments in the city, no doubt you’ll be on the lookout for the best student bars in London to enjoy student nights out.

No doubt about it, London is a huge cosmopolitan city, which means that you’ll find something for every taste and need.

Here’s a selection of our favourite student bars in London. 

CLF Art Café, Peckham

Based in what was once a Victorian multi-storey warehouse, this nightclub also functions as an art gallery and a cafe, and changes its interior from one day to the next. On Saturdays it plays host to the South London Soul Train, which combines live music, soul, funk and disco well into the early hours of the morning. The venue also regularly hosts famous DJs, cutting edge art exhibitions, and secret festival gigs throughout the year.

It makes for a unique and exciting night out, make sure you give it a try!

The Four Quarters, Peckham and Hackney Wick

If you’re less into big nights out and more a fan of quirky pubs, then the Four Quarters is for you. 

Here you can sample craft beers and cocktails while indulging in playing some retro video games and classic arcade games.

Fun fact - the Peckham venue was London’s first ever arcade bar! A nice detail is that the games function using US quarters which you can get hold of at the bar.

Little Nan’s Bar, Deptford

This unique spot pays homage to all things British, and is famous for being a hub of British nostalgia tucked away in South London. The interior is homely and cosy, with 80s furniture and pop-culture decorations. Make sure you sample the award-winning cocktails which come served in China teapots. You can even get into the nostalgia swing by partaking in their karaoke nights or test your British trivia knowledge in the pub quiz.

This place has proved to be so popular that they are continually opening up new venues across South London, so keep your eyes peeled!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Kentish Town

In this case first impressions are deceptive. With its unassuming sign and situated in what was once a public toilet, this venue is a surprisingly classy and elegant cocktail experience! It’s certainly a unique cocktail bar experience, if a little strange. That’s what makes it worth visiting. What’s more, this classic lounge is placed within a well-connected part of London, so even if you live further out you’ll always be able to catch the tube or train to get home.

Salsa!

This Mexican bar is set in Soho and hosts a very popular happy hour between 5pm and 8pm every day. It’s one of the most vibrant student bars in London to have cocktails, food and drinks, and shake off the stress by dancing all night. This colourful venue also offers evening salsa class if you really want to get into the swing of things and learn a new skill!

Cargo Events

This Shoreditch venue is one of the coolest student bars in London to enjoy a sunny summer’s day with friends. That’s because it has a decked terrace garden, where you can enjoy BBQ burgers while listening to live bands and DJ sets, before welcoming in the evening to an eclectic mix of tunes on the dancefloor.

Ruby Blue

From the starlit balcony of Ruby Blue in Leicester Square, you can do a bit of celebrity spotting as they head to the West End. Inside the bar, you’ll find multiple rooms with two live DJs and three bars. There’s a real buzz within the venue, and unlimited music. With a wide selection of genres you can either chill at a table outside on the terrace or dance the night away on the dancefloor. You can even get hold of some cheeky late night snacks and take advantage of happy hour cocktails.

You can see why we think it's one of the best student bars in London, right?

Ballie Ballerson

This place is LOTS of fun! Here you get to relive your childhood and really let loose with your friends. It contains a million balls in two giant ball pits - just like the ones you used to play in when you were a kid! To get you hyped up, you can have some of the naughtily sweet cocktail drinks and pizza, and in the midst of the sugar rush fling yourself into the ball pit!

It really is the best student bar in London to have a laugh, and ideal for unloading stress around exam times.

Havana

This is another fun venue with lots of tropical vibes and a buzzing, flamboyant happy hour. In Havana at Hoxton Square, you can play retro games to relax after a long day or you can choose to let it all go in an energetic night out till all hours of the morning. The decision is yours!

Popworld Wattling Street

If you’re a fan of 80s music and pop nostalgia, then this place will be paradise for you! Its vibe is pure cheesy fun, dancefloor mayhem and cheap and cheerful drinks deals. It’s the perfect place to let your hair down after a long day of studying by bopping away on the dancefloor. If you get there earlier you’ll see a more chilled side to the venue, where you can chat with friends and catch up. Later on the volume turns up and the place converts into a dancer’s heaven!

The DJ will pump out your favourite nostalgic hits until the early hours of the morning. Guaranteed fun!

Rumba

In the West End of London, you’ll find the famous Rumba bar which is renowned for its student nights. Here you can enjoy a night of chart topping music, and there’s even a comedy club upstairs. It’s the perfect venue for a group party session, a birthday night out or any other special occasion.

There are open mic nights on Tuesdays and if you are brave enough to perform then you’ll win free entry to this underground club. You can celebrate your courage by heading downstairs to the dancefloor, where every night of the week there are themed music nights. It’s bags of fun!

Simmons

This place oozes with vintage charm, and is definitely a right up there on the list of top student bars in London. Situated a stone’s throw away from Camden High Street, its location makes it a popular one for anyone who is a fan of quirky furniture and charismatic vibes. If you are just looking for a place to hangout and talk about anything and everything with your mates, then this one is a great option for you. That said, it’s also superb for a night of drinking and dancing as well! Check out their legendary happy hours - guaranteed to have you coming back for more!

Thirst

Another great student bar, set in the heart of the legendary Soho area, this one you cannot miss!

It’s an independent venue with a light, airy, carefree atmosphere. Perfect for easy-going students and exuberant tourists, it doesn’t matter which night of the week you choose - there’s always a great vibe! Check out their happy hour (or, as they refer to it, the stupid hour). You’ll always encounter reasonably priced drinks and an ideal setting to catch up with friends. If a party is what you’re after, then stay late and descend to the basement club where you can turn it up a notch.

Enjoy cracking tunes from the DJ until the early hours of the morning.

Tequila Mockingbird

This student bar in London is another great place for a casual hang out session with friends, taking advantage of the 2 for 1 cocktails deals, and catching up on the latest gossip.

Its riverside location makes it ideal for long summer evenings chilling with a few drinks. You can even order stone-baked pizzas to share with friends (or get your own!).

The versatility of this bar is one of the reasons why it’s so popular. In the evening, you can head down to the basement and party away until the small hours, dancing away to banging tunes from the DJ.

This venue boasts 3 floors with very distinct moods and personalities, which will have you coming back for more, no matter the occasion.

Blame Gloria 

This underground venue is one of the most unique student bars in London thanks to its system of tunnels and secret rooms. It feels like you’re in a magical version of the London Underground, and there’s an amazing party atmosphere. Here you’ll find loud music, happy hours, great beers, and friendly staff.

You really don’t want to miss out on this one!
 

Of course, after every night out, whether it be big or small, it’s essential to have a safe place to rest afterwards. When you’re studying in London, there’s no better place to come home to than Yugo’s student accommodation, a haven to relax and recharge your batteries for yet more London adventures!