Live it up for less – budgeting your night out

Living the sesh life is not always the cheapest. Factor in travel, entry passes, plenty of bevs and those late-night munchies, and the cost of a good night out can rise quicker than your bank balance post-SFE payment. Thankfully we’ve got you covered. By breaking down a typical night out in Leam, you’ll know what dollar you’ll need to be packing beforehand, so all you need to do is worry about having a good time.

Allow yourself a good £15 pre-drinks but don’t get too precious about price…

Naturally your night is beginning with pre’s in the flat, but a word of warning; you don’t want to cane it too hard from the off. You’ve a long night ahead of you and more importantly, won’t be getting anywhere near a bus seat off your face. This being said, Tesco’s at Canon Park always has a few bargain bevs, from vodka and mixers on the cheap, to a 12-pack of beer usually around £10. Going to Rootes Grocery is a big no-no if you’re on a budget – only enter if last minute necessity demands it. Allow yourself a good £15 pre-drinks but don’t get too precious about price.

You’re (hopefully) not going to down a whole bottle of spirit in one sitting and the communal style kitchen drinking means sharing is caring so you needn’t guard your booze too closely as no doubt you’ll be reimbursed tenfold.

The group saver with National Express (blue boys) costs a mere £5 for 5 people after 6pm…

Time to head out and you’ve two options; the bus or the taxi. Naturally buses are far cheaper, and you can sometimes band together to buy group tickets. A return with Stagecoach (the red ones) will set you back £3.90, but the group saver with National Express (blue boys) costs a mere £5 for 5 people after 6pm. Worth bearing in mind is that National Express buses don’t run as frequently and don’t do change, so make sure to count your pennies twice. (Whilst we’re talking buses, look up the drinking game ‘On The Bus’, an essential pre-drinks ritual).

Otherwise, it’s taxi time. Whilst these are more expensive they’re both quicker and less busy. Club together with friends and you’re looking at about £20-30, so the more the merrier (and cheaper). It’s also worth having a nose at booking in advance so again your budget is sorted beforehand. We’d recommend getting the bus in and a cab back so there’s no hassle with timings or that cold wait outside Vialli’s at 2am. Naturally though, sweet sweet cheddar will dictate which route you take.

£1.50 is the magic number…

So you’ve made it to Leam, where are you headed? Smack and Neon are the two big clubs but on the door entry and queues can be an issue – to combat this get prepared beforehand and nab a q-jump. The Uni Express offer some dirty deals combining entry and travel at £12 a ticket for both Smack and Neon, and once inside you’re looking at £1.50 a bev. Shots, beers, jaegerbombs, £1.50 is the magic number. Work out your usual liquid intake and multiply that baby by 1.5 and bingo, there’s your booze budget.

If you’re headed to the other various bars (Clink, Moo, The Duke, etc.) prices will vary but still be around the ballpark of £1.50- £3 a drink. How much wonga you wangle is more personal here and will depend on how much you consume. Always allow a bit more on what you think though, you do not want to be caught short or sobering up in the sweatbox that is Smack…

You should allow at least £5 for your intoxicated counterpart…

It’s getting towards the end of the night and everyone is staggering around looking for any type of food – the greasier the better. Leam’s got you covered in the form of Vialli’s. Cheap and cheerful here you can pick up chips, burgers, and other sebaceous-slapping goodness for a bargain. If you’re coming out of Neon it’s an essential stopping point. Sober you should allow at least £5 for your intoxicated counterpart and whilst it sounds dodgy now, it’s oh-so-good then. Once you’re back by whatever means, neck some water (it’s free), and get off to bed; you’ll thank yourself the next morning.

That pretty much wraps it up, and whilst there’s no definitive figure, you should now have a rough idea of the dough you’ll need to be packing. The onus is on a bit of planning; ten minutes online can save plenty of p and leave you with leftover lolly for your next night out. You’re always better taking finite cash rather than the oh-so dangerous contactless and you needn’t (and after a few definitely won’t) be rigid with your budget. Get a rough idea, line your pockets (and stomach), then crack a bev and be on your way. Cheeeeeers.