50 good student deals in Toulouse: enjoy the Pink City without breaking the bank
Studying in Toulouse means living in the heart of one of France's most dynamic, festive and friendly cities. But between rent, transport, outings and shopping, the student budget is often put to the test. The good news is that the Ville Rose is full of tips, tricks and initiatives to help you make the most of your student experience without breaking the bank. From culture and accommodation to food, sport and leisure activities, discover our comprehensive guide to the best student deals in Toulouse.
Eating well at a low price
1. Crous and its €1 meals
Unbeatable for students on grants (or in precarious situations), meals in Restos U are only €1, compared with €3.30 for others. Starter, main course, dessert… all in one of the many catering outlets spread across the city.
2. ESOPE grocery store (Toulouse 1 University)
Reserved for students, this grocery store offers food and hygiene products at 70% – 90% less than in conventional stores. On request.
3. Phénix anti-waste baskets
With this application, you can pick up baskets of unsold food from bakeries, supermarkets, cheese shops, caterers… at knock-down prices. Filters allow you to adapt your choices (vegetarian, halal…).
4. Linkee food aid
With no income requirement, you can receive a 5-7 kg food parcel (from unsold produce) simply by showing your student card. Not to be missed.
5. Art Tea Shop
A cosy place between the Capitole and Saint-Sernin where you can eat for €8 (soup of the day + home-made sweets) on weekdays. Sunday brunch leftovers are €8.
6. Brunching on a budget
Student spots like Le Poussin Bleu and Le Café Cerise offer gourmet brunch formulas from €12. Ideal for treating yourself after a week of exams.
7. Bobby, chic and practical second-hand furniture
This Toulouse-based startup finds quality second-hand furniture and delivers it to you. -20% off for students with code etud24.
8. The Cartoucherie library of objects
For €5 a year, borrow kitchen equipment, a sound system, a drill or even tennis rackets. Ecological and economical.
9. Siam Compagnie: cool moving
This Toulouse-based company offers services tailored to students’ budgets. The idea? You carry the boxes, they take care of the rest.
10. Instal’toit interest-free loan
Toulouse city council offers a €100 to €500 interest-free and insurance-free loan to help you move into your first home.
11. Housing in Toulouse
UXCO offers two residences suitable for students, young workers or short-term stays.
UXCO Student Atlas, right in the city center with modern studios and shared spaces, and UXCO Student Thalès, ideally located close to university campuses, offering well-equipped accommodation in a friendly setting.
Culture for free (or almost)
12. Free museums on the first Sunday of the month
Museum de Toulouse, Musée des Augustins, Saint-Raymond, Labit, Paul-Dupuy… a great opportunity to stroll through a cultural space in Toulouse.
13. MuséeLibre card
Available to students living in Toulouse: gives free access all year round to several municipal museums.
14. Theater for €6.50 with Pleins Feux
With Carnets Pleins Feux, 3 theater tickets in partner theaters (Théâtre du Grand Rond, Cave Poésie…) for less than €20.
15. Opera and shows for €10
With the Pass Jeunes du Capitole: 4 shows for €20, or €10 for a last-minute seat in any category.
16. Quai des Savoirs
An exhibition on crowds? An immersive experience on artificial intelligence? This cultural center combining science and society is a Toulouse nugget.
17. Pass Culture (for 15-18 year-olds)
Up to €300 to buy books, go to the theater or a concert, via a 100% free app.
Entertainment without breaking the bank
18. Cinema at €4.5
The ABC cinema and the American Cosmograph offer €4.5 screenings on certain mornings and evenings (Wednesday mornings, Thursday evenings, etc.).
19. Escape game with student discount
Tactisens or Virtual Room offer a 10% to 15% discount on presentation of a student card. Collaborative experience guaranteed.
20. All-you-can-eat board games at Baraka Jeux
500 free-access games for just €1.80 admission (excluding drinks). Perfect for rainy Sundays.
21. FastPass No Souci Pyrénées
Ski for less with the No Souci card: up to 30% off ski passes and free days. Compatible with Pass Culture.
Sport, well-being and nature
22. Swimming pool + ice rink for €25/year
Toulouse city council offers an annual subscription at this ultra-competitive price for under-25s.
23. Garonne golf course for €10
The discovery pack includes two buckets of balls + one club. A great way to try out golf in a green setting, 10 minutes from the center of town.
24. Yoga for €9 at Chotika
Special student rates at this Toulouse yoga school renowned for its caring, relaxing classes.
25. Base verte de Pech-David
An outdoor sports paradise with trails, fields, swimming pool and breathtaking views of Toulouse and the Pyrenees.
26. Bike tours of the city
Rent an electric or classic bike, follow a signposted route or take a guided tour… Cycle paths run along the Garonne and the Canal du Midi.
Bars and student parties
27. Le Café Populaire
100% student atmosphere, double deck (bar + dance floor), affordable beers and a killer playlist.
28. Le Snapper Rock
Australian bar with dance basement, neon lights, happy hour and chill vibe.
39. Le Bar Basque
Central, legendary bar with 80s music, electro and low prices: a must for student Thursdays.
30. L’O Club and Opium
Two of Toulouse’s leading nightclubs, with free or reduced entry for students, depending on the evening.
31. Le Clubbing Bus
A club in a real articulated bus. Unusual experience guaranteed.
32. Happy Hours everywhere with MisterGoodBeer
The app geolocates you and finds the best pints for under €5 in Toulouse.
Festivals and events not to be missed
33. Rio Loco Festival (June)
Free or low-cost concerts in a festive, multicultural atmosphere on the banks of the Garonne.
34. Bricks Festival
Open-air electro and house festival, partly free, very popular with students.
35. Piano aux Jacobins (September)
Classical music festival in Toulouse’s finest venues: Saint-Sernin basilica, Jacobins cloister…
36. Quiz evenings and blind tests
Every Monday at London Town or Wednesday at The Danu. Free entry, affordable beers, guaranteed atmosphere.
Help for your future
37. Wilbi: discover your future career
The app plunges you into the day-to-day lives of engineers, cooks, lawyers and more, with comprehensive job descriptions.
38. 1jeune1solution.gouv.fr
1jeune1solution: internships, work-study programs, volunteer work and permanent contracts for students. CVs can be created directly on the platform.
39. Vacation departure assistance (Départ 18:25)
Up to €250 to help 18-25 year-olds finance a holiday in France or Europe. Little known, but invaluable.
Looking good without breaking the bank
40. Académie Coiffure
Haircuts from €9, coloring and highlights supervised by instructors. Perfect for trying out a new look at a low price.
41. Thrift shops in Esquirol
Vintage, luxury, kilo… it’s all possible in the city center’s thrift shops. Follow our events on Insta to make sure you don’t miss a dress sale.
Free outings and nature
42. A stroll through the Japanese garden
Soothing surroundings, cherry blossoms, Zen inspiration… a true bubble of calm in the heart of the city.
43. Jardin des Plantes
Very popular in summer, open until 11pm in case of heatwave. Perfect for a picnic or reading break.
44. Les bords de Garonne
Skate, rollerblade, aperitif, sunset… the quays are the students’ HQ when the sun shines.
45. Jolimont Observatory
Free lectures and telescope-watching evenings, for learning and daydreaming.
Unusual places to visit
46. Cité de l’Espace
Life-size Ariane rocket, simulators, planetarium… Perfect for science fans (reduced student rate).
47. Musée des Abattoirs
A former slaughterhouse converted into a museum of contemporary art, with cutting-edge exhibits that are often free.
48. Stade Ernest-Wallon
19,000 seats to watch Stade Toulousain. Atmosphere guaranteed, even at low prices.
49. Le Grand Café du Stade
Rugby’s cult venue, with Top 14 tapas and match broadcasts on a giant screen.
50. CROUS events
From salsa to photography to theater: every year, CROUS organizes dozens of free workshops for students.
In a nutshell
In Toulouse, it’s perfectly possible to live student life to the full on a small budget. Thanks to assistance, practical apps, alternative locations and reduced rates, you can enjoy culture, leisure activities, meals, accommodation and even your pets without depriving yourself. So, whether you’re new to Toulouse or a long-standing student, explore these great deals and make your student years unforgettable.
