Shopping

East London has something for everyone

East London is a great shopping destination where you can find household brands, vintage shops, and affordable options for everyone.

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East London has something for everyone

East London is a great shopping destination where you can find household brands, vintage shops, and affordable options for everyone.

Shopping

Living and studying at the University of East London means you’re close to some of the capital’s best shopping areas. From everyday essentials to major shopping centres and local markets, there are plenty of convenient and affordable options within easy reach of campus.

Shopping near campus

UEL’s campuses are well served by local shops where you can pick up everyday essentials. You’ll find: 

  • Supermarkets for groceries and household items - Just a quick DLR or bus ride from Docklands, Asda Beckton is ideal for weekly shops, home essentials, and budget-friendly buys.
  • Pharmacies and convenience stores
  • Cafés, takeaways and food outlets 

These local options are ideal for quick trips before or after lectures.

Stratford

Students at Stratford and USS are close to a wide choice of groceries in and around Stratford station, Westfield and East Village, including:

  •  Sainsbury’s (large store)
  • Marks & Spencer Food Hall
  • Waitrose
  • Budget-friendly shops like Lidl, plus Asian supermarkets and halal butchers nearby 

Local markets

East London’s markets are great for fresh, affordable produce:

  • Queens Market (Upton Park) – fruit, veg, fish and world foods
  • Roman Road Market – independent stalls and budget groceries
  • Chrisp Street Market (Poplar) – produce, essentials and street food

Markets are a great option for students looking for value, variety and a more local shopping experience. For more information, check out our Markets page.

Westfield Stratford City

Westfield in Stratford is a stone's throw away from our Stratford and USS campuses. Here you can go bowling, check out the latest movies in the cinema or shop from one of their 250 shops. There are 70 restaurants, children's play areas, bookstores and large department stores like Marks & Spencer and John Lewis.

Outlet Shopping at the O2

Outlet Shopping at the O2 brings together over 60 of the best fashion brands under the famous roof of the O2 Arena. This outlet offers up to 70% discounts from full retail price on brands from Adidas, Calvin Klein, Next, Nike, and more. There are also various student offers available to use at many of their shops.

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf has it all, from small boutiques to designer labels spanning beauty, fashion, fitness, homeware and more. There are over 120 stores across five malls in the area and various restaurants and bars nearby.

Vintage shops 

Vintage clothes are an excellent way to dress sustainably, save money, and wear something that truly stands out. East London is renowned for its selection of vintage clothing shops dotted throughout the area. A good chunk of these vintage shops and markets can be found in Brick Lane and scattered throughout Shoreditch and Hackney.

One of our personal favourites is Beyond Retro (Dalston), full of unique and eclectic pieces of clothing and offering a 20% student discount. Check out UEL student Uma’s visit to Beyond Retro on our location page.

Other student-friendly vintage spots include:

  • Rokit Vintage (Brick Lane) – known for carefully curated 70s–90s fashion and a strong accessories section.
  • Atika London (Shoreditch) – one of the UK’s largest vintage stores, spread over two floors with themed rooms perfect for building a unique look.
  • Paper Dress Vintage (Hackney) – part boutique, part community venue, offering high-quality vintage clothing and regular student-friendly events.

“Docklands campus is located in a very nice area with lots to do around it. Whether you want to go shopping with your friends or watch a movie at the cinema, everything is a quick bus or train away from the university.”

Kristiyan Krastev – BA Hons Games Design: Story Development - Alumni

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Student shopping tips

  • Plan your journey: Many shopping areas are easy to reach by bus, DLR, Underground or train.
  • Shop around: Prices can vary, so exploring different areas can help you save money.
  • Look for student discounts: Many retailers offer student deals online or in-store.
  • Use loyalty schemes: Supermarket and retail loyalty cards can help reduce costs over time.

  • Our location

    East London is one of the best places in the world to be a student. Our location boasts easy access to all the incredible opportunities London has to offer.

  • Browse our undergraduate courses

    Explore our undergraduate courses, organised by subject areas, then listed in alphabetical order. Most of our undergraduate courses offer a foundation year option.