Cut the cost A GOOD NIGHT OUT

of Too many wild nights out are impossible on a student loan - especially in London. But there are ways to make your cash stretch further.

Elizabeth Murphy reports

WHETHER you're heading for the University of Life, or to one of London's colleges, the capital isn't the cheapest place to live. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on all it has to offer.

There's plenty of entertainment for even those on a tight budget.

All it takes is a bit of homework to find the best deals.

Galleries

The National Gallery and Tate Modern have always been free, but some of London's top art galleries and museums have only recently dropped charges.

You can visit the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum free.

The bad news is that you may have to pay extra to see the best exhibitions, although you can get concessionary rates with a student card (see box on facing page for details).

It is also worth checking out some of the smaller galleries, which have some unusual exhibitions. The Photographers Gallery, 5-8 Great Newport Street (020 7831 1772), is free, while the Design Museum, Butler's Wharf, 28 Shad Thames, SE1 (020 7940 8790), is pounds 4 for concessions.

Sports facilities

Keeping fit in London needn't mean paying a fortune to join an exclusive gym; there are plenty of council-run leisure centres that offer good deals for students or those on a low income. Most offer a leisure card that costs up to pounds 40 a year and offers discounts on fitness classes, use of gym equipment and swimming. Some boroughs offer better deals than others. Ealing's leisure pass costs pounds 3 and gives a 50 per cent discount at all its centres for those on a low income (see www.ealing.gov.uk). Hackney's leisure card (see www.hackney.gov.uk) costs pounds 2.50 and entitles you to a discount at some of its centres. Some of London's universities, such as Imperial College (020 7594 8964) and Brunel University (01895 203 305) open their sports centres and swimming pools to the public and students of other universities.

Restaurants

Getting a cheap eat in London isn't impossible and, with so many cultural influences, there is a world of culinary delights.

Buena Sera, 22 Northcote Road, SW11 (020 7228 9925).

For huge pizzas, delicious pasta and real Italian dishes, it's worth making a trip to Clapham Junction for this lively, budget bistro (around pounds 6 main course).

Caf Emm, 17 Frith Street (020 7437 0723).

In this popular bohemian eatery you'll find delicious, large portions and at a reasonable price (main courses pounds 6-pounds 8), varied menu. They don't take reservations, so there may be a queue for a table.

Gallipoli Again, 120 Upper Street, N1 (020 7359 1578).

All the delights of Turkish cuisine in this cosy atmospheric restaurant, where the staff are super-friendly. You can get a good feed, with wine, for under pounds 20, and it is a great place for a celebration.

Fujiyama, 5-7 Vining Street, SW9 (020 7737 2369).

Take your shoes off and slip into the way of Japanese life in one of London's best-kept secrets. This intimate canteen-style noodle bar has great quality (pounds 5-pounds 6.50) and good value for money.

Booze

One of the best ways to see if student life is for you is by checking out the entertainment on offer.

Student unions often have club nights and comedy nights, and there's always cheap booze in their bars. Some are open to non- students, while others require that you be signed in as a guest of a student. Call to check out what's going on.

Stage and Screen

Most West End theatres offer standby tickets for students and under-26s.

Turn up about an hour before the performance and you can pick up returned or unsold tickets for a fraction of the original price. Alternatively, some venues, such as the Royal Opera house and Shakespeare's Globe, offer standing tickets. You may get leg-ache, but at least you've got a bargain. Fringe venues are great value for money and will offer concessionary rates or paywhatyou-can evenings (usually Mondays or Tuesdays).

Get the timing right and you can also find yourself cheap seats at the cinema. Most West End cinemas offer cheaper rates before 5.30pm or on Mondays or Tuesdays. Tickets at The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Place, WC2 (0901 2727 007), start at pounds 1.50 for members. With four different films a day, including recent and more arty flicks, it's great value.

LSE Union, East Building, Houghton Street, WC2 (020 7955 7136).

King's College Union, Macadam Building, Surrey Street, WC2 (020 7836 7136).

Goldsmiths Union, Lewisham Way, SE14 (020 8692 1406).

University College London Union, Malet Street, WC1 (020 7387 3611).

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