The Ultimate Summer Holidays Guide for UK Students: Amazing Things To Do

Summer holidays mean freedom for UK students — and you've got a solid 12 to 16 weeks ahead of you. That’s more time off than most people get in a whole year! But here’s the catch: most summer guides are aimed at families with kids, not students. This one’s different, it’s written just for you.

Whether you're studying in London, Manchester, or anywhere else in the UK, this guide is here to help. We’ll show you how to make the most of your summer break without draining your bank account.

And if you're sticking around campus during the break, sorting out your student accommodation in UK cities can make a huge difference. We'll also share tips on finding short-term stays or making the most of your current setup.

What’s Inside

• Summer holidays for UK students run from mid-June to late September 2025.
• Budget-friendly options under £20.
• Student discounts save up to 50%.
• Accommodation solutions.
• Summer work opportunities.
• Travel tips.
• Perfect for domestic and international students wanting to maximise their break without breaking the bank.

When Are the Summer Holidays for UK Students in 2025?

UK university summer holidays usually begin in mid-June and stretch through to late September. Below, we’ve broken down the key dates you should know.

While international students often get to enjoy the full break, UK-based students might have a few things on their plate — like dissertation deadlines, internships, or part-time summer jobs.

Budget-Friendly Summer Activities Under £20

Let’s be real — student budgets don’t stretch far, especially during summer. But that doesn’t mean you have to sit at home all break. Whether you’re in the mood for culture, nature, or just vibey city energy, here are some free and low-cost activities that won’t break the bank.

Free Activities (£0)

London Free Fun:

• Hyde Park summer concerts and events
• Tate Modern and British Museum permanent collections
• South Bank street performers and markets
• Greenwich Park and Royal Observatory grounds
• Camden Market browsing (just don't buy everything!)

Beyond London:

• Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Arthur's Seat hike
• Manchester's Northern Quarter street art tours
• Liverpool's Albert Dock and waterfront walks
• Birmingham's Digbeth street art scene
• Newcastle's Quayside riverside walks

Even a day out can feel like a getaway when you’re not spending a penny. So grab your mates, explore your city (or a new one), and make the most of your summer, without touching your overdraft. You can also check out some of the best fast food restaurants in the UK for an affordable bite during your outings.

Budget Activities (£5-£20)

Summer Work and Internship Opportunities

Summer isn’t just for relaxing, it’s also the perfect time to boost your CV and earn some extra cash. Whether you’re looking for a flexible job or a career-building internship, there are tons of student-friendly options out there. Here's where to start your search and what roles to consider.

Popular Summer Jobs for Students

Looking to earn while still enjoying your summer? These part-time and seasonal roles are ideal for students, flexible, fun, and often packed with perks like free entry or tips. Here's what’s out there.

Festival and Event Work:

• Music festivals need temporary staff
• Food festivals hire students for weekends
• Sporting events always need helpers
• Corporate events look for brand ambassadors

Traditional Summer Roles:

• Retail stores need holiday cover
• Restaurants get busier in summer
• Tourist attractions hire seasonal staff
• Summer camps need activity leaders

Internship Opportunities

Want to build your CV over the summer? Internships are a great way to gain experience and get your foot in the door. Here’s where to start looking.

Where to Find Summer Internships:

• Your university careers service
• Graduate recruitment websites
• LinkedIn student programs
• Industry-specific job boards
• Company websites directly

Many internships are paid now. Even unpaid ones give valuable experience. London internships often pay £200-£400 per week.

And if you're struggling to land a role, here’s a guide to help you secure a job even in a competitive market

City-by-City Summer Guide

London: The Ultimate Student Playground

London is huge and packed with things to do. The best part? You don’t need a massive budget to enjoy it. Here are some must-do summer activities that are fun, affordable, and student-friendly.

Must-Do Summer Activities:

• Shakespeare's Globe outdoor performances
• Rooftop bars with student nights
• Borough Market food sampling
• Hampstead Heath swimming ponds
• East London vintage shopping
• West End show student rush tickets

To get around the capital affordably, you’ll want to take full advantage of student discounts, especially with an Oyster card. Here’s your full Oyster card guide.

Manchester: Music and Culture Hub

Summer in Manchester means non-stop vibes, from legendary music venues to green getaways. Here’s how to soak it all in without spending big.

Summer Highlights:

• Warehouse Project events
• Northern Quarter independent venues
• Heaton Park festivals
• Canal boat trips
• Student night crawls in Fallowfield
• Day trips to the Peak District

Edinburgh: Festival Central

In August, Edinburgh turns into a buzzing festival city, and it's a dream for students. From free shows to flexible work, there’s something for everyone.

Festival Activities:

• Free Fringe shows daily
• Street performers everywhere
• Student accommodation deals during the festival
• Part-time work opportunities
• Networking with performers

Birmingham: Surprising Summer Gem

Birmingham might not be the first city that comes to mind, but it’s full of student-friendly surprises in summer. Here’s where to explore beyond the obvious.

Hidden Gems:

• Digbeth creative quarter
• Jewellery Quarter workshops
• Canal boat tours
• Bullring shopping with student discounts
• Curry Mile food adventures

Travel Options: UK and European Adventures

UK Travel on a Budget

Want to explore more of the UK this summer without draining your savings? From cheap travel hacks to student-favourite destinations, here’s how to make your trips affordable and unforgettable.

Cheapest Ways to Travel:

• National Express coach deals
• Ride-sharing apps for group travel
• Student travel groups
• Young Person's Railcard (save 1/3 on train fares)

If you don’t have one yet, check out this complete guide to student railcards and how much they can save you.

Top UK Destinations for Students:

• Brighton: Beach, nightlife, and festivals
• Bath: History and Instagram-worthy spots
• York: Medieval charm and ghost walks
• Cambridge: Punting and university vibes
• Cornwall: Surfing and coastal adventures

European Budget Travel

Got a bit more time (and passport stamps to collect)? Europe’s packed with student-friendly cities that won’t cost a fortune. Here are some top picks with low daily budgets and great perks for students.

Student-Friendly European Destinations:

Money-Saving Tips:

• Hostel dorm beds instead of hotels
• Cook in hostel kitchens
• Free walking tours (tip-based)
• Off-season booking discounts
• Student travel insurance

For even more ways to budget smartly while abroad, explore this list of the best apps for avoiding overspending.

Travelling Europe as a student doesn’t have to mean splurging. With smart planning and these money-saving tips, you can explore incredible cities, make lifelong memories, and still stick to your budget.

Student Discounts That Matter

Tired of those endless lists of discounts you’ll never use? We’ve cut through the noise to bring you the deals that save students real money—especially during summer.

Essential Student Discount Apps

These free (and low-cost) apps unlock real savings on everything from food to fashion. Download them once, and you’ll be surprised how much you save all summer long.

UNiDAYS (Free):

• ASOS: Up to 20% off
• Deliveroo: Regular food discounts
• TESCO: Mobile deals and groceries
• Apple: Education pricing

Student Beans (Free):

• Nike: 10% student discount
• Spotify: 50% off premium
• Uber Eats: Free delivery deals
• ASOS: Exclusive student sales

TOTUM Card (£14.99/year):

• National Express: 30% off coaches
• Odeon: 25% off cinema tickets
• Travel insurance: Discounted rates
• Pizza Express: Student menu deals

And for even more ways to earn while you save, try out these powerful student earning apps.

Seasonal Summer Discounts

Festival Tickets:

• Reading & Leeds: Student payment plans
• Glastonbury: Volunteer opportunities
• Local festivals: Student group discounts

From festival perks to food savings and cheaper travel, these discounts are worth using while you can. One app download or card sign-up could stretch your summer budget way further.

Festivals and Events Worth Your Time

Music Festivals (July-August 2025)

Summer in the UK means one thing for many students—festival season. Whether you’re into indie, dance, or just the vibes, there’s something for every budget and music taste.

Major Festivals:

• Reading & Leeds Festival: August 22-24
• Latitude Festival: July 25-28
• Boardmasters Cornwall: August 8-11
• Creamfields: August 28-31

Check out this ultimate guide to UK music festivals so you can plan your summer season like a pro.

Budget Alternatives:

• Day tickets instead of weekend passes
• Volunteer positions for free entry
• Local one-day festivals
• University-organised group discounts

Cultural Events

Summer isn’t just about music; it's packed with cultural festivals too. From world-class comedy in Edinburgh to open-air events in London, there’s no shortage of arts, theatre, and unforgettable student-friendly experiences.

Edinburgh Festival (August):

• Free Fringe shows daily
• Student accommodation packages
• Part-time work opportunities
• Comedy, theatre, and music

London Summer Events:

• Somerset House summer series
• Hyde Park concerts
• Thames Festival
• Notting Hill Carnival

Social and Networking Opportunities

Meeting Other Students

Summer’s the perfect time to expand your social circle. Whether you're looking for fun meetups, society events, or career-focused networking, there are plenty of ways to connect with fellow students across the UK.

Summer Social Activities:

• Student union summer events
• International student meetups
• Language exchange programs
• Sports clubs and societies
• Volunteer group activities

Professional Networking:

• Industry summer events
• Alumni gatherings
• Professional association meetups
• Startup pitch nights
• Career fairs

International Student Communities

Even when you're far from home, there are plenty of ways to stay connected. International student groups across the UK offer support, friendship, and shared culture.

Staying Connected:

• Facebook international student groups
• WhatsApp city-specific chats
• Meetup.com events
• University international offices
• Cultural society events

Skill Development and Learning

Free Online Learning

Summer’s a great time to boost your skills,  especially when it's free (or heavily discounted). These online platforms offer student-friendly options to help you learn something new, fast.

Platforms with Student Discounts:

• Coursera: University partnerships
• edX: Free courses from top universities
• Skillshare: Student rates
• LinkedIn Learning: Often free through universities

Popular Summer Skills:

• Coding and programming
• Digital marketing
• Photography and video editing
• Language learning
• Entrepreneurship basics

Creative Pursuits

Got a creative itch this summer? You don’t need loads of cash or gear — just a bit of time and inspiration. Try these fun, low-cost ways to express yourself and unwind.

Low-Cost Creative Activities:

• Photography walks in new cities
• Writing in local cafes
• Sketching in parks and museums
• Music production with free software
• Blogging about student experiences

Practical Summer Survival Tips

Accommodation Solutions

If your student halls shut for the summer, don’t stress. There are plenty of affordable and flexible accommodation options to keep you covered during the break.

If Your Halls Close:

• Summer sublets from other students
• House-sitting opportunities
• Staying with friends in different cities
• Hostels for travel periods

Also, don’t miss these helpful tips for finding the right student housing during the summer months.

Money Management

Summer freedom can lead to spending sprees—but smart budgeting keeps you in control. Here’s how to manage your money wisely while still having a great time.

Summer Budgeting:

• Set weekly spending limits
• Track expenses with apps
• Cook more, eat out less
• Use student discounts religiously
• Plan big expenses in advance

Banking Tips:

• Student account overdrafts for emergencies
• Travel cards for overseas trips
• Budgeting apps linked to accounts
• Direct debits for regular payments

Health and Well-being

Just because classes stop doesn’t mean self-care should. Stay on top of your health with these student-friendly tips.

Staying Healthy:

• NHS services remain free
• University counselling often continues
• Maintain routines despite freedom
• Exercise in parks and free facilities
• Mental health support groups

A little effort goes a long way—your future self will thank you for staying healthy over summer.

International Student Specific Advice

Visa Considerations

Before picking up a summer job, make sure you understand your visa's work rights—breaking the rules can impact your stay.

Working Rights:

• Check your visa work allowances
• Student visas typically allow 20 hours/week
• Some allow full-time work during holidays
• Keep employment records for visa renewals

Staying Connected Home

Staying connected with loved ones doesn’t have to be expensive—here are simple, budget-friendly ways to keep in touch while studying abroad.

Budget Communication:

• WhatsApp for international calls
• Student deals on international SIM cards
• Skype and Zoom for family calls
• Social media to share experiences

You might also consider using an eSIM to stay connected affordably while travelling or working. Compare eSIM cards here and find out the best.

Cultural Exploration

Summer is the perfect time to dive into UK culture beyond the classroom. From history and food to regional quirks, here’s how students can explore it all affordably.

Making the Most of UK Culture:

• Historical site visits with student discounts
• Regional food exploration
• Local traditions and festivals
• Language exchange programs
• UK travel to understand regional differences

Transportation Hacks for Students

Getting Around Cheaply

Getting around the UK as a student doesn’t have to drain your budget. With the right cards, discounts, and a bit of planning, you can travel affordably and efficiently all summer long.

Public Transport:

• Young Person's Railcard: 1/3 off train travel
• Student Oyster cards in London
• City-specific student transport deals
• Group booking discounts
• Off-peak travel savings

Alternative Transport:

• Cycling with student bike schemes
• Walking groups for fitness and exploration
• Ride-sharing for group trips
• Student coach deals for longer journeys

Whether you're hopping on a train for a day trip or cycling through the city, smart transport choices will stretch your budget further—so you can spend more on what matters.

Technology and Apps for Summer

Essential Apps

Your phone can be your best budgeting tool. With the right apps, you can save on everything from food to flights—perfect for students looking to make the most of summer without overspending.

Money-Saving Apps:

• Honey: Automatic coupon codes
• Groupon: Local activity deals
• Too Good To Go: Discounted food
• Student Beans: Instant discounts

Travel Apps:

• Skyscanner: Cheap flight alerts
• Hostelworld: Budget accommodation
• Rome2Rio: Transport route planning
• XE Currency: Exchange rate tracking

Download a few of these essentials before your next adventure or night out, and let tech do the heavy lifting when it comes to saving money and planning smart.

Social and Safety Apps

Stay safe and connected this summer with apps that help you keep in touch and handle emergencies with ease.

Staying Safe and Connected:

• WhatsApp location sharing
• Find My Friends for group activities
• Emergency contact apps
• Local emergency service numbers

Making Summer Count for Your Future

CV Building Activities

Make your summer count by adding experiences to your CV that show initiative, responsibility, and growth.

Experiences Employers Value:

• Volunteer work with measurable impact
• Part-time jobs with responsibility
• International travel with purpose
• Skills development with certificates
• Leadership roles in student activities

Also, if you're looking to gain relevant work experience, explore these top summer internships available.

Building Your Professional Network

Networking over summer can open doors—whether you're interning, attending events, or just reaching out online.

Summer Networking:

• LinkedIn connections from internships
• Alumni events in your field
• Professional association student memberships
• Industry conferences with student rates
• Informational interviews with professionals

Final Thoughts: Making Your Summer Unforgettable

Summer as a UK student is a rare window of freedom—a chance to step away from lectures and deadlines and truly explore what excites you. With more time on your hands than most working adults, this is your opportunity to shape an unforgettable season.

Balance is key. Mix in travel with rest, exploration with learning, and new experiences with meaningful connections. Whether it’s discovering hidden corners of UK cities, gaining work experience, or simply enjoying relaxed moments with friends, every bit adds to your journey.

You don’t need a big budget to create incredible memories. Some of the most memorable experiences come from simple things—impromptu road trips, music in the park, or shared laughs over late-night snacks in a hostel kitchen.

Ultimately, this summer is yours to shape. Use it to grow, connect, and recharge for the year ahead. The choices you make now could become stories you’ll carry for life.