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Cheap Places To Eat In Nottingham For Students

  • Writer: Nicole So
    Nicole So
  • Mar 17
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 23

People enjoying a Vietnamese meal at a wooden table, featuring pho, spring rolls, salad, and drinks. Bright, colorful, and lively setting.

Written by Nicole So


Nottingham is a great city for food — but if you’re not careful, it’s also very easy to overspend.


One minute it’s a quick lunch, the next you’ve spent £15 on something that didn’t even feel worth it.


The good news is that there are plenty of places where you can get a proper, filling meal without spending much — you just need to know where to look.


Here’s a guide to the cheap eats Nottingham students actually rely on, plus how to make eating out work on a student budget.


Jump to


Quick cheap eats (under £10)


A foil-wrapped burrito cut in half, filled with guacamole, rice, and veggies, on a wooden plate. Hand holding plate, colorful and appetizing.

These are the places you’ll end up going to regularly — fast, affordable, and easy to fit into your day.


  • Greggs – the go-to for something cheap and quick

  • Barburrito – filling and customisable meals

  • German Doner Kebab – good portions for the price

  • Local cafés – especially for breakfast deals


These spots aren’t about experience — they’re about convenience and value. Perfect for busy days when you just need something that does the job.


Best value sit-down meals


Korean dishes on a wooden table, featuring bibimbap with egg yolk and assorted side dishes, chopsticks and spoon placed neatly.

If you want something more substantial, Nottingham has a lot of places where you can sit down and still stay within budget — especially during lunch hours.


Some popular student picks include:



The key here is timing. Going earlier in the day often means you get the same quality food for significantly less.


Hidden gems students swear by


Some of the best-value food in Nottingham isn’t from big chains — it’s the places you hear about through other students.


A few that come up repeatedly:


  • Indian Community Centre – home-style meals for around £5

  • Baked potato spots like HIPO – big portions, low price

  • Local chip shops – early deals that are surprisingly cheap



These places might not look like much at first, but they’re known for one thing: value for money.


Where to use student discounts


If you’re planning to eat somewhere slightly nicer, this is where you can save the most.


Checking Student Beans before you go can help you cut the cost of meals without changing your plans.


You’ll find discounts at places like:


This works best when you use it intentionally — not randomly, but when you’re already planning to eat out.


How to keep food spending low


Eating out doesn’t have to wreck your budget — but you do need to be a bit intentional.


A few things that actually make a difference:


  • Choose lunch over dinner for better deals

  • Stick to a few reliable cheap spots

  • Balance eating out with cooking at home

  • Check for discounts before you pay

  • Avoid impulse takeaways when you’re tired or hungry


Most overspending comes from unplanned meals — not the ones you actually think about.


Final thoughts


Nottingham is one of the easier cities to eat well on a student budget.


You’ve got a mix of cheap everyday options, good-value sit-down spots, and hidden gems that offer more for your money than you’d expect.


Once you figure out where to go — and when — eating out becomes something you can enjoy without constantly worrying about the cost.



Unlock even more with Student Beans


All your favourite brands at your fingertips, from fashion and beauty to food and drink, available to college and uni students aged 16 and over. Dive into our blog to find tips and advice to help you navigate student life, from applying to uni to life after graduation.


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