Being a student brings many benefits – access to high quality learning, the chance to meet new people, cheap beer and, most importantly, tonnes of discounts.

Bluewater, Bexleyheath Broadway and intu Bromley shopping centres are hosting special student nights with late opening, up to 30 per cent off at big-name stores and other fun.

Bluewater’s Student Lock In is from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, October 2, and aside from great discounts, a huge range of restaurants and a cinema, there will be activities including DJ trucks and giveaways.

Bexleyheath Broadway Shopping Centre’s Student Lock In is on Thursday, October 16.

Register in advance at studentlockin.com

Intu Bromley’s student night is a inbetween the other two, on October 9. Find out more at intu.co.uk/Bromley

To help this year’s fresher’s, here’s News Shopper’s top 10 list of student essentials.

A laptop or a tablet

News Shopper: Using a tablet computer abroad could lead to costly data charges, a report has warned

Having somewhere to store all of your work is a necessity, and maybe even more importantly, back it up!

Hoodies

News Shopper: The youths were wearing grey hoodies. Pic: Grubby Mits, flikr.com

For when you’re relaxing watching a film or popping to the supermarket.

Kitchen utensils

News Shopper: FRYING PAN: The controversial German sausage stand operating in the city over Christmas.

This frying pan may be a touch on the large side...

Frying pans, saucepans, knives and forks are all essential to survival.

Headphones

News Shopper: Bose noise cancelling headphones - Christmas music gift guide

For when you need to block out your housemates and get your work done

Trainers

News Shopper: Trainers at Bluewater

Because you'll no doubt end up running to the odd lecture having overslept. 

Posters

News Shopper: Quantum of Solace poster

These are a great way to jazz up a dull university room/hide scuffs, stains and holes.

A backpack or messenger bag

News Shopper: Mens bag fromFrench Connection - Christmas Gift Guide

Great for transporting books and folders to and from University

Portable iPod speakers

News Shopper: speakers

These are perfect for your University room and easily transportable.

A laundry bin

News Shopper: kingston-laundry-bags-f.jpg

Look tidy without actually doing any washing.

Stationery

News Shopper: Crayola Pens

You’ll never have enough pens.