Save money

If you’re on a further education or A2/AS level course your school or college should give you a National Union of Students (NUS) card. Otherwise, you can buy an International Youth Travel Card (IYIC). Both of these cards entitle you to discounts on tickets, eating out, shopping and travel.

Full-time students over 16 and young people on benefits may qualify for discounts at council sports centres in Oxford City, South Oxfordshire and Witney. Just ask at the centre.

Fun for free

In Oxfordshire in general, and especially in Oxford, lots of public events, museums and galleries are absolutely free. Keep an eye out on local entertainment websites and in free papers for details.

Look below for suggestions from local young people about things to do on the cheap or for free, as well as some ways to treat yourself.

Absolutely Free

• Sight-seeing and tourist stuff in Oxford - Sophie, 16, Oxford
• Flying kites on the White Horse Hill - Tim, 17, East Hagbourne
• Making cakes at home - Ben, 17, Abingdon
• University Parks & Christ Church Meadow and other parks - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
• Have blogs with friends - Ben, 17, Abingdon
• Complain about having nothing to do – anywhere - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
• Dancing to random street musicians – Oxford City Centre - Calli, 15, Abingdon
• Picnic, music, frisbees at "The Wreck" (common land) - Hannah, 16, Thame
• Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford - Calli, 15, Abingdon

Cheap and discounted

• Skating and leisure centres in Oxford, cheaper with a slice card - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
• Swimming in Woodstock open air pool (or Chippy Lido) - Sophie, 16, Oxford
• Ice skating on Oxpens Road - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
• Brown’s Café – excellent greasy spoon in Oxford's Covered Market - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
• The Mish Pub – non-alcholic "pub" for under 18s on St Clements - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
• Games Workshop – New Inn Hall Street, Oxford - Calli, 15, Abingdon
• Swimming at Spiceball Park - Caroline, 16, Banbury
• Fishing – Dorchester Lake - Calli, 15, Abingdon
• Pool & Snooker at Rileys in Cowley Centre - Nathan, 17, Cowley

Treat Yourself

• Golfing at Drayton Golf Course - Ben, 17, Abingdon
• See local bands at the (former) Zodiac on Cowley Road (many gigs are 14+) - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
• Rowing from the boathouse at Magdalen Bridge - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
• Going to festivals – watch for posters - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
• Laser Quest – Gloucester Green, Oxford - Calli, 15, Abingdon
• Swimming – Didcot Wave - Calli, 15, Abingdon
• Clubbing for under 18s Oxford Town Hall - Natalie & Amy, 14, Oxford