Attention freshers and returning students: Victoria Centre’s annual Student Night is making a comeback, and if you like freebies, discounts, Taylor Swift and spending money you probably shouldn’t be spending, you’re going to want this in your calendar.

The shopping centre will be transformed into a student playground on Thursday, October 1 from 4pm to 8pm, with DJs, a silent disco, beauty freebies, competitions and enough discount deals to make your student loan cry.

More than 19,000 students turned up last year, and this year’s event looks set to be even bigger.

Here’s what’s actually happening

Victoria Centre isn’t just rolling out a few discount vouchers and calling it a day. Students can expect:

• DJ sets and a silent disco hosted by Unite the Scene
• Dance-offs if you’re brave enough
• A dedicated Taylor Zone complete with a Taylor Swift lookalike for photos
• Prize giveaways including H&M vouchers, LEGO sets, mystery boxes, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a Levi’s Trucker Jacket and an Argento necklace
• Loads of student-only discounts and freebies
• Beauty samples from P. Louise, Kiehl’s and No7
• Festival-style UV make-up, hair styling and grooming sessions from Nottingham College’s The Salon
• Bracelet making and paint-dipped bear keyring workshops
• A Pokémon Trading Card Swap Shop hosted by Dice Cup Café
• The It’s in Nottingham Student Village and its Gold Coin Exchange scheme

Basically, if you’ve just moved to Nottingham and want an excuse to avoid unpacking your room, this is it.

The discounts are actually decent

Let’s be honest, this is probably what most students really care about.

Among the offers available on the night are:

• 50 per cent off drinks at Bubbleology
• 25 per cent off at Skechers
• 20 per cent off at Victoria’s Secret, Levi’s, River Island, JD, Office, White Rose, Sunnamusk, Whittard, C U Nails and Boost
• 15 per cent off at KIKO Cosmetics, The Fragrance Shop and Rituals
• 10 per cent off at Boots, Menkind, Trespass and HMV
• Buy two drinks and get one free at Starbucks
• £1 off everything at Mr Pretzel

If you’re planning a freshers shopping spree anyway, it’s probably worth waiting until then.

A Nottingham student tradition

Victoria Centre Director Nigel Wheatley said Student Night is one of the biggest events in the centre’s calendar and gives new students a chance to experience what Nottingham has to offer as they settle into university life.

And with thousands expected to attend, there’s every chance you’ll bump into half your accommodation block while you’re there.

How to get tickets

The event is free, but students with a valid student ID can pre-register before 29 September for a ticket and be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Victoria Centre gift card.

Considering there are freebies, discounts, live entertainment and the possibility of leaving with doughnuts, you’d be mad not to.