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Students guide to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Looking for student-friendly activities and deals in east London? Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a vibrant hub for students based on the Park or visiting from elsewhere. Look out for days and evenings filled with exciting opportunities for events, sports, culture, food, and entertainment. Whether you're looking to stay active, explore new art and culture scenes, or simply hang out with friends, the Park offers a range of experiences tailored just for you.
Here's your guide to some of the best things to do in east London.
Bars & cafés: the best hangouts
Bars & cafés: the best hangouts
East London is known for its eclectic and vibrant nightlife, and the Park is no exception:
- Riverside East: This bar, café and restaurant is the ideal spot for students to relax by the water, enjoy some drinks in the outdoor Yard or Roof Terrace, and unwind after a busy day of studies. Riverside East offers a chilled vibe with tasty drinks, food and a great place to catch up with friends. Plus look out for regular quiz nights, markets and regular DJ sets to help kick-start a night out.
- Four Quarters East: Located at Here East Canalside on the Park, this quirky arcade bar combines the best of retro gaming with modern cocktails. Students can take advantage of special student discounts on drinks and cocktails, making it a popular choice for a fun night out filled with gaming nostalgia, without breaking the bank.
Food deals: affordable eats in east London
Food deals: affordable eats in east London
Eating well on a student budget doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are some of the best spots on the Park offering delicious food deals:
- Hackney Bridge: A dynamic food and drink destination, Hackney Bridge is known for its collection of delicious street food vendors. They regularly offer weekday deals, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner without overspending. With options ranging from gourmet pizzas to vegan burger delights, there’s something for every palate.
- Randy’s Wing Bar: If you’re a fan of wings, you’re in for a treat. Randy’s Wing Bar offers irresistible deals like Wing Wednesday, where you can enjoy discounted wings all day. For those with a bigger appetite, their Monday All-You-Can-Eat offer is hard to beat—perfect for a fun, filling night out with friends.
Culture and art on the Park
Culture and art on the Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is also a thriving cultural destination with plenty to offer art lovers and student creatives:
- Free events at London College of Fashion, UAL: Immerse yourself in the world of fashion and creativity with free events hosted by the London College of Fashion. From exhibitions and guest lectures to hands-on workshops, there’s always something new to explore and learn. Check out our what’s on page for more information.
- Art in the Park trail: Discover the art installations scattered around the Park through the Art in the Park trail. This self-guided tour allows you to enjoy contemporary artworks while exploring the Park's scenic surroundings—a great way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends or solo.
- Exciting launches in 2025: The Park is set to get even more exciting with the upcoming openings in 2025 of Sadler’s Wells East and the V&A East Storehouse and Museum. These major cultural institutions will bring world-class performances and exhibitions, many of which free or low-cost, right to east London’s doorstep, making it an even more vibrant place for students.
- The Yard Theatre: Located just a stone’s throw away from the park, The Yard Theatre offers cutting-edge performances in an intimate setting. For those aged 27 and under, you can get £5 tickets for non-sold-out shows on the day—a fantastic deal for theatre lovers who want to experience something different.
Fitness & sports on the Park
Fitness & sports on the Park
Stay active and take advantage of the student deals available at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's numerous sports facilities:
- Student deals at Copper Box Arena and Lee Valley VeloPark: If you're looking to hit the gym, Copper Box Arena and Lee Valley VeloPark offers a student membership that provide access to a network of gyms, pools, and fitness classes at discounted rates. It’s an affordable way to maintain your fitness routine in these iconic Olympic and Paralympic venues.
- Swimming at London Aquatics Centre: Dive into the some of the best swimming facilities around with Everyone Active. With multiple pools, including the 50m former Olympic and Paralympic pool, and even diving facilities, they offer cost-friendly pricing to help you stay fit and refreshed.
- 50% Off London Lions tickets through UniDays: Love watching live sports? The Copper Box Arena is home to the London Lions basketball team. Through UniDays, students can snag 50% off tickets and experience the thrill of a live game. It's a perfect way to unwind with friends and soak up the energy of east London’s sports scene!
Stay in the know
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is always buzzing with events. From live music and markets to pop-up experiences and community festivals, there's always something happening. Make sure you check in on the what’s on page to find your next favourite event.
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