Christmas shopping is no doubt a stressful experience. Trying to find the perfect present for a loved one is already difficult enough. Add in a sprinkle of overheating in crowded shops, paired with those awful Christmas song covers, a scarce bank account and it’s a recipe for a full-on horror show.
If this article can make even one person’s Christmas shopping a little easier, then it will have succeeded in its purpose. Here is a list of shops and websites with student discounts.
The Filling Station
Located on Abbeygate Street, The Filling Station is a small business. The store pride themselves in offering minimal waste food and household products. They also offer natural skincare and cosmetics along with reusable water bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, reusable nappies and period products, candles and haircare.
We could all do with being a little kinder to our environment, so The Filling Station is a great company to support!
Lifestyle Sports
With convenient locations in both Corbett Court and Headford Road Retail Park, Lifestyle Sports offers a 10% student discount.
With perfect gifts, from trendy footwear to fashionable athleisure and accessories such as hats and smart watches, Lifestyle is a perfect stop on your Christmas shopping journey for the sports or exercise lover in your life.
New Look
With two floors of fashion in both Corbett Court and Knocknacarra, New Look offers a 10% discount to third-level students. Why not pick up a cozy set of pyjamas or slippers? Their gift corner truly has something for everyone, from cocktail shakers to mini quizzes and even Christmas jumpers for your furry friends!
Schuh
Avail of a 10% student discount at Schuh on Shop Street. Although small, Schuh has some really cool shoes and accessories including (drumroll) Crocs in a plethora of colours. Their friendly staff are on hand to help with any queries you may have, and the handy discount also helps the experience too.
Boots
Although you need an Advantage Card for this one, Boots also offer a (you guessed it) 10% student discount. With locations on Shop Street, Knocknacarra, Wellpark and Galway Shopping Centre, there is no shortage of Boots stores across the city.
From handy gift sets to perfumes, makeup, hairstyling tools and photo-printing services, Boots is truly a Galway staple when it comes to Christmas shopping, and is definitely one not to be missed.
Emma van Oosterhout is the Editor-in-Chief of Student Independent News for 2025/26. She is studying MA Journalism at University of Galway, and graduated in 2025 with a BA in Global Media and History. She is from Corofin, Co. Galway. Emma was previously a News Editor for the year 2023/24. She has written for SIN since 2023.