A Guide to Finding Cheap Football Tickets as a Student

20 Jul 2026

Luke M. Williams

The dust is now settling over the 2026 World Cup, and what a tournament it’s been. Despite it not quite ‘coming home’ once more, we can now look forward to the start of a new club football season. For students in the UK, the beginning of the first term at university perfectly coincides with this, and young people are among the best placed to secure cheap football tickets these days.

In this short guide, we’ll take you on a sporting tour of the UK by looking at the best value tickets you can find in some of the most popular student cities. So, whether you’re invested in the top end of the game or prefer enjoying the rough diamonds of non-league football, you’ll be sure to find a great deal after today.

A Guide to Finding Cheap Football Tickets as a Student

The Ground Rules

  • The Premier League is the hardest and most expensive route into the game. Arsenal, Manchester City, and more currently sell season tickets via waiting lists only, and memberships are often required to find tickets for less ‘high value’ matches at clubs such as Manchester United.
  • ‘Concession’ doesn’t always mean a student. Some clubs place students with youth pricing, while others band them in a 16-25 bracket.
  • Non-league is the key to cheap football tickets. You’ll find tickets here for less than £20 per match.
  • Women’s football is the best way to get to huge stadiums. Arsenal women play at the Emirates, while Everton now compete at Goodison Park.
  • Check online and with your Student Union for discounts and group trips.

London

As with most things, the capital is where you’ll face the biggest challenge when searching for discounted tickets to football matches. If you want to enjoy big games at a modern arena, then Arsenal Women are who you should be watching. All of their WSL home matches will be played at the Emirates Stadium, and there’s no membership required. London’s non-league scene is another option thanks to clubs like Dulwich Hamlet, Cray Wanderers, and more.

Manchester

Manchester City sell tickets on general sale more than their rivals across the city, and you can even secure £10 tickets to certain games via UNiDAYS (tickets can appear at random intervals, so keep an eye on this page). For guaranteed value, you can travel to Salford City to enjoy EFL League Two action and spot some Class of 92′ legends.

Birmingham

Solihull Moors (National League) are the standout pick here thanks to their 16-24 tickets costing just £12. You can secure a season ticket for 5th tier football for just £150, too. Aston Villa tickets start from around £55 and can increase on European nights.

Liverpool

These days, getting tickets to both Liverpool and Everton can be hard. This makes the lower-league options good value; both Tranmere Rovers (in Birkenhead) and Marine AFC in Crosby present great value, with the latter due to get a new stadium in the coming years.

Sheffield

Sheffield FC claims to be the oldest football club in the world and charges just £8 for adults and £5 for concessions. History and value in one trip.

Nottingham

Gone are the days of cheap Championship tickets at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest’s return to Europe has made that a difficult challenge. Notts County, however, are the oldest professional club in the world and can be enjoyed for as little as £14.

Leeds

You’re going to struggle to experience the famous Elland Road atmosphere on a budget, but concessionary tickets are available if you’re desperate to watch the boys in white.

Edinburgh

Scottish football is famously more accessible outside of Glasgow, and both Hearts and Hibernian offer student rates throughout the season. You’ll need a valid student ID to secure the discount at Tynecastle, though.

Glasgow

Partick Thistle have previously worked alongside the University of Glasgow to offer £10 tickets. Cheap tickets for an Old Firm Derby are almost impossible to find, but cup matches make Rangers and Celtic accessible.

Cardiff

The Bluebirds (Cardiff City) have fallen from grace in recent seasons, but this has made cheap tickets easy to find. 16- 21-year-old tickets start from £12 for selected fixtures. Newport County offer a cheaper option just a short train ride away.

The Full-Time Whistle

So, there you have it! Our guide to finding cheap football tickets as a student in the UK. Hopefully you get to enjoy some fantastic action this coming season. If you’re searching for the base from which to start your matchdays, then browse our fantastic range of student accommodation around the country today. 

Table of Contents