7 best cheap stores in the UK every int’l student should know

If there’s one thing every international student in the UK has in common, it’s that they’d jump at any chance they’d get for the best deals. If you’re one of them, chances are, you’re constantly on the lookout for the best cheap stores in the UK, including for cheap eats, getting the most out of student deals, and stocking up on necessities during clearance sales. 

The UK is — after all — an expensive study abroad destination. University fees, utility bills, and accommodation, among others, are costly. And let’s not forget budgeting for meals, shopping, and other necessities. 

Having said that, living on a student budget in the UK might not be as difficult as one might think if you know where to look, from keeping an eye out for time-specific meal deals to shopping in cheap stores in the UK.

In fact, the UK is home to some of the best bargain stores in the world. They typically offer unbeatable prices for goods, tools, necessities and clothes that you likely won’t be able to find back in your home country. All you need to do is know where to look. 

We’ve scoured the web to list the best cheap stores in the UK that are worth checking out, especially if you’re looking to stock up on household goods for your dormitory. The best part? These brands have outlets across the country. 

Cheap stores in the UK for household items, clothes, health products and more

Wilko 

If you’ve not heard of Wilko, you’re missing out. It’s a homeware retail chain that offers all kinds of affordable home, storage, kitchen and dining, cleaning and stationery products. Whether you need containers, cutlery, cleaning tools, bedsheets or cooking tools, Wilko has it all. 

If you’re an environmental advocate, you’ll love this — Wilko sells a wide range of eco-friendly products, from plastic-free wipes to vegan-friendly laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids. 

British Heart Foundation 

British Heart Foundation is a cardiovascular research charity in the UK that runs high-street charity shops across the country. 

Its charity shops offer high-quality yet affordable second-hand goods, from homeware items to clothing and books. 

Every proceed earned from their charity shops are used to fund research for cardiovascular disease. Simply put, British Heart Foundation is a great place to get your supplies while supporting a good cause.  

Poundland

Poundland sells almost everything for approximately one pound each. If that sounds like a shopping haven to you, we think so too. 

The best part about the store is that many of their items are from big brands, so this lets you save big time. 

Primark 

For affordable fast-fashion clothing, Primark is your best bet. The store offers an extensive range of clothes (and even homeware goods!) at unbeatable prices. 

Whether you’re looking for affordable formalwear, sports attire, undergarments, winter clothing or loungewear, you can undoubtedly find your fit at Primark. Little wonder it’s one of the country’s leading clothing brands. 

Savers 

Savers offers the best bargains 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 medicines and vitamins. 

T.K. Maxx 

At T.K. Maxx, you’ll discover some of the most amazing prices for high-end and designer brands, including Calvin Klein, Oakley, Asics, Adidas, Jimmy Choo, and Tommy Hilfiger. 

While T.K. Maxx is not the ultimate budget store, it’s still worth a visit if you’re looking for the most competitive prices for high-end and designer products. 

Poundstretcher 

As its name suggests, Poundstretcher offers stretched-priced goods — some items are priced as low as £0.99! 

Most of these goods are everyday big brand items such as food, toiletries, and household goods. The variety discount store also offers a great range of seasonal goods you usually can’t find elsewhere. 

Poundstretcher is a great alternative to Wilko or Poundland if either of those is not near you.