Those long uni breaks were made for holidays, so don’t waste them. Press pause on the study sesh and live it up somewhere beachy or buzzy – you’ll be safe from 9am lectures there. You make the student discounts work as hard as you do, which is why we’ve partnered up with UNiDAYS to give you £50* off your trip – just use your exclusive code when you book.
Here’s our hot take on different types of students as holidays, so you can pick your next trip based on your vibe…
The one who submits everything last minute…
You love to live life on the edge – there’s no shame in waiting until 3.59pm to submit your assignment due at 4pm…
If you can relate, Last-minute holidays are deffo a bit of you. Book somewhere today and you can pretty much be there tomorrow. Reading week next week? It’s not too late to lock in a trip and swap the library for somewhere sunny – reading the material on a lounger with a cocktail totally counts. The hack for these types of holidays is to pick somewhere that’s always got availability, like a city or somewhere that’s hot all year…
Enter, Rove Dubai Marina. The UAE is always a shout for getting up some sun ASAP, thanks to its year-round rays. Dubai’s a big name for business, so it’s basically the blueprint for mixing a bit of studying with sightseeing and soaking up the Vit D. This stay’s steps from a sandy beach, but there’s also an outdoor pool and sun terrace back at the hotel. The café’s ideal for doing a bit of work, then the marina’s boujie bars and restaurants are right there for dinner and drinks. Plus, if you’re used to late-night workout sessions, the gym is open 24/7.
The one who splashes their loan as soon as it drops…
Are you even a student if you’re not down the pub as soon as that money hits your account? There’s not a lot that beats those fresh balance feels – except a holiday. Switch the pints for flights and snap up a sweet deal instead. Holidays don’t give you a hangover and they definitely don’t have to be spenny if you’re trying to stick to a budget this semester. You don’t even need to wait for your loan to drop to lock one in thanks to our low deposits, plus, you can spread the cost with direct debit payments. You won’t have to live on Pot Noodles until your next instalment… we’ve all been there.
Seeking out a cheap holiday’s a great place to start. But there are also plenty of other ways to save £££, like ditching the checked luggage and transfers if you don’t need them. When you get there, street food stalls and flea markets are your bestie, and stocking up on food in supermarkets will make your spending money go further, too. Pick bars with a happy hour, take local transport – buses, trains and underground networks are usually very affordable – and find things you can do for free. Think public beaches, cultural sights with free entry or exploring a city on foot.
When you’re searching for somewhere to stay, look out for hostels and guesthouses. These budget-friendly babes have come along way since the OG backpacker days, and lots of them come with facilities you’d expect from a hotel. The Fuzzy Log in up-and-coming Ljubljana is a prime example – the spaceship-style pods are super cosy, the communal bathrooms are modern and there are social spaces like a dreamy rooftop bar. The location’s on point, too – all the main sights are withing walking distance.
The one who loves the catered halls life…
You’ve managed to avoid cooking for your whole degree, and you’re not about to start now… Leave your catered accom behind and book yourself an All Inclusive holiday. If you haven’t been on one before, it’s gonna change your life – pay one price when you book and you’ll get all your meals included. It’s usually a buffet situation for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but lots of picks also have an à la carte restaurant where you sometimes get a free meal during your stay. And, that’s not even the best part… all your drinks are included, too, AKA every student’s dream. We’re talking local beer, wine and spirits – so, cocktails are ON – and local-brand soft drinks, ofc. Just stroll up to the bar and order for all your mates – no awks ‘whose round is it’ convos here.
Classic destinations like Spain, Cyprus and Turkey are go-tos for mega All Inclusive hotels, like the adults-only Marmaris Bay Resort. It’s right next to the water, so it’s beach, buffet, bar, repeat all day long. Expect a combo of Turkish and international dishes at mealtimes, or switch things up in the seafood à la carte spot – you’ll get one free meal here included in your stay, btw. There’s also a patisserie open 4-5pm, ready for when you’re craving something sweet, plus a midnight snack buffet. The pair of pools both come with bars to keep your cocktails topped up, then the main bar and lounge is open 24/7… say less.
The one who never misses a night in the S.U.
POV: it’s Wednesday night, you’re having pres in the shared kitchen in your halls and you’re playing Ring of Fire before you head over to the event of the week at the student union… life is good. If this is you to a T, you would LOVE a Nightlife holiday. Take all your fave things about going out at uni and add in some sun, a beach and a mega strip lined with pubs, bars and clubs – the Otley Run could never… You can’t really call it nightlife in party destinations, either, because clubs are usually still going strong in the AM, then there will be a solid line-up of day events, like boat and pool parties to attend. If you don’t fancy a hangover before the sun sets, ditch the day drinking and do something more wholesome instead, like sightseeing or just chilling on the beach. You might feel pressure to go hard on a party holiday, but make sure you set your own pace.
Ibiza’s got that BNOC energy, so we think you’ll get along, or for something slightly less spenny, places like Malia and Ayia Napa are student faves for a reason. The nightlife’s still next level, but you’ll be paying a lot less for tickets and entry fees for events. You don’t have to settle for a sub-part stay, too, because you’ll get more for your money. Cosmo Napa Boutique Hotel in Napa super stylish and has an outdoor pool and bar, as well as a café and a restaurant. And, it’s an easy walk to all the bars and clubs or go a little further and you’ll be on the beach.
The one who signs up to all the societies…
God forbid you’re a curious babe with lots of interests, right?! You live for trying new things, meeting new people and collecting hobbies like they’re stamps. If you love joining uni societies, City Breaks are so you – they’re the perfect opp to explore different cultures and socialise with locals and other travellers. Plus, there are SO many cities to see, which means no two trips have to look the same.
Somewhere like Barcelona is pure city break material. It’s just the right size – it’s pretty walkable, but the metro is also super easy to use. The centre’s split up into different neighbourhoods, each with their own vibe. Poblenou is Barca’s hottest district rn – it’s all cool coffee spots, vintage shops and wine bars. It’s no surprise then that this is where the international crowd, young creatives and digital nomad community have set up base. The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou is your pick – its open-plan communal spaces are ideal for working and socialising, and the rooftop bar and pool serve up immaculate vibes at sunset.
Feel seen? 👀 Browse our Student holidays and book that well-deserved break babe x
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Author and pronouns: Daisy Colley (she/her)
Last updated: 06/05/2025
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