If there’s one thing all international students in the UK have in common, it’s that they jump at the chance to get the best deals. If you’re one of them, chances are you’re constantly on the lookout for the best cheap shops in the UK, including cheap eats, to make the most of student deals. and to stock up on basic necessities during the sales.
The UK is – after all – an expensive study abroad destination. University fees, utility bills, and accommodation, among others, are expensive. And let’s not forget to budget for meals, groceries and other necessities.
That said, living on a student budget in the UK might not be as difficult as you might think if you know where to look, whether it’s keeping an eye out for specific meal deals or to shop in cheap stores in the UK.
In fact, the UK is home to some of the best bargain shops in the world. They usually offer unbeatable prices for goods, tools, necessities, and clothing that you are unlikely to be able to find in your home country. All you have to do is know where to look.
We’ve scoured the web to list the best cheap shops in the UK worth checking out, especially if you’re looking to stock up on household items for your dorm room. The best part? These brands have outlets across the country.
TK Maxx is worth a look if you are looking for the most competitive prices for high-end and designer products. Source: Adrian Dennis/AFP
Cheap UK stores for homewares, clothing, health products and more
wilko
If you haven’t heard of Wilko, you’re missing out. It is a household goods retail chain that offers all kinds of affordable products for home, storage, kitchen and dining, cleaning and stationery. Whether you need containers, cutlery, cleaning utensils, linens or cooking utensils, Wilko has you covered.
If you’re an environmentalist, you’ll love this – Wilko sells a wide range of eco-friendly products, from plastic-free wipes to vegan laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid.
British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation is a cardiovascular research charity in the UK which runs charity shops across the country.
Its charity shops offer high-quality yet affordable second-hand items, ranging from household items to clothing and books.
Every proceeds earned from their charity stores is used to fund cardiovascular disease research. Simply put, the British Heart Foundation is a great place to stock up while supporting a good cause.
Poundland
Poundland sells almost everything for around a pound each. If that sounds like a shopper’s paradise to you, we think so too.
The best part of the store is that many of their items are from top brands which saves you a lot of time.
Shoppers queue to enter a reopened Primark clothing store in Glasgow. Credit: Andy Buchanan/AFP
Primark
For affordable fast fashion clothing, Primark is your best bet. The store offers a wide range of clothing (and even home goods!) at unbeatable prices.
Whether you’re looking for affordable formalwear, sportswear, underwear, winterwear or loungewear, you can definitely find what you’re looking for at Primark. No wonder it is one of the leading clothing brands in the country.
Savers
Savers offers the best deals on toiletries and beauty products.
It also has a wide range of medicine cabinet staples and remedies – in other words, a fantastic place to stock up on medicine and vitamins.
TK Maxx
At TK Maxx, you’ll find some of the most amazing prices for premium and designer brands including Calvin Klein, Oakley, Asics, Adidas, Jimmy Choo and Tommy Hilfiger.
Although TK Maxx is not the ultimate budget store, it is still worth a visit if you are looking for the most competitive prices for high-end and designer products.
Litter
As the name suggests, Poundstretcher offers products at stretch prices – some items are priced as low as £0.99!
Most of these products are everyday big brand items such as food, toiletries and household items. The discount store also offers a wide variety of seasonal products that you usually won’t find elsewhere.
Poundstretcher is a great alternative to Wilko or Poundland if either isn’t near you.
