Canberra is one of Australia’s most popular student cities, attracting people from across the country and the world. A thriving cultural and arts scene, plenty of great food, and unlimited natural beauty make it easy to fall in love with Australia’s capital.

With so many international students around, you’ll find loads of deals and discounts on offer. To get you started, we’ve created this guide to some of the best ways to have fun and save money in Canberra. 

Eat well (for cheap)

When you’re on a budget, cooking at home is often a cheap and healthy way to go.

You can find all your fresh, local produce at the Capital Region Farmers Market, or the Haig Park Village Market, both held every Saturday.

The market means you can buy cheap, seasonal produce from local sellers and support small businesses. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are typically great value, and stalls will often offer bargains at closing time. While you’re there, grab a morning coffee or hot breakfast from one of the stalls and take in the buzzing atmosphere.

If you don’t feel like cooking, there are still lots of ways to enjoy the incredible local food scene on a budget. As a vibrant, multicultural city, Canberra has loads of fantastic dining options and international cuisines to explore.

Check out the CBD Dumpling House, which is packed every night of the week due to its amazing meals that cost less than $20 per person. Brodburger is another popular spot where you can have a cosy meal next to the outdoor fireplace for under $20. Ms Ba Cô does delicious Vietnamese food, and you can pick up a freshly made bánh mi for only $9. Thip’s Thai is only a 10 minutes’ walk from UC, perfect for grabbing a $12 meal between classes.

Use your student ID

When you head out the door, don’t forget to bring your student ID card! Your ID can help you access special offers, discounted tickets and concession prices at lots of venues and stores.

For example, you can enjoy a cheap night out at local cinemas, such as the Palace Electric, which has $8.50 student tickets available every Wednesday. Also, don’t miss your chance to explore Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, for just $17.50 with your student ID card.

Some stores offer deals when you provide a university email or ID number. For example, companies like Apple and HP allow you to purchase products at a reduced price during your degree.

Plus, with apps like Student Edge or UNiDAYS, you can access a range of exclusive student discounts, just by registering with your UC email.

Find your favourite student discounts

Special discounts are your budget’s best friend, and there are plenty of venues that offer deals during the semester.

As a UC student, you can get exclusive access to events, exhibitions, and restaurants with the UC Cultural Pass. The pass is only $15 and allows you to access $350 worth of benefits across participating institutions.

Throughout the year, your UC Cultural Pass will give you special entry to events hosted by some of Australia’s most famous institutions, such as the National Gallery, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia, to name just a few.