Eldon Square Student Event Returns With Free Food and Deals

Students in Newcastle will be able to take advantage of discounts of up to 50%, free food, prizes and entertainment when a popular shopping event returns to Eldon Square this September.

The Student Takeover will bring together fashion, footwear, food and lifestyle offers aimed at both new arrivals and returning university students. The free event is scheduled for Monday, September 28, with students required to register for an e-ticket and bring valid student identification to access participating offers.

Among the headline deals announced are discounts of 50% at Smash Burger and Chit N Chaat, 40% at Chaophraya and 25% at Levi's. Schuh, Hollister and River Island are also set to offer 20% discounts during the event.

Free food and prizes up for grabs.

It will not just be discounted shopping drawing students into Newcastle city centre. Free Wingstop chicken, Greggs vouchers, matcha, popcorn and candy floss are expected to be available while stocks last.

Games including Crack the Safe and Spin the Wheel will give visitors another opportunity to win prizes, including an Eldon Square Gift Card worth £100.

Students who register for a free ticket before midnight on September 28 and attend will also be entered into a draw for a £500 Eldon Square Gift Card.

The offers could prove particularly attractive as students continue to face pressure on their finances. NatWest's 2025 Student Living Index found average student rent across the UK had reached £562.67 per month, while Newcastle upon Tyne was among the cheapest cities surveyed for rent at £492.27 per month. Students were also spending an average £146.76 on groceries each month.

Separate 2026 figures cited by the House of Commons Library put average UK student rent at £575 per month, with 61% of surveyed students saying they struggled with rental costs.

Newcastle's student population returns for autumn.

September traditionally brings thousands of students back into Newcastle, giving city centre businesses a major boost as the new academic year begins. Newcastle University alone recorded 25,777 students at its Newcastle campus during the 2025-26 academic year, including more than 20,000 undergraduates.

Jet2 is sponsoring this year's Student Takeover alongside its Newcastle Airport partnership. Visitors will be able to pick up merchandise and learn more about the airline during the event.

For students watching every pound, one-night discounts may offer an opportunity to pick up clothing, footwear or food for less. Eldon Square also operates student discounts throughout the year, with participating retailers offering reductions on presentation of valid student identification or services such as Student Beans and UNiDAYS.

Students planning to attend should register for their free ticket in advance and check individual retailer terms, availability and event timings before travelling.

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