Supporting Your Access to Course Materials
As a SU for a specialist arts institution, we understand that access to quality materials is a necessity for students’ creative practice and academic success. Findings from Arts SU’s Cost of Study Report highlighted that the cost of art supplies is often a significant barrier for students, impacting their ability to fully engage with projects and assignments.
In response, we’re continuing to develop new ways to support students in this area, from art material giveaways to other forms of direct provision designed to reduce financial pressure and promote equitable access to creative resources. Our main initiative in this area is the continuation of the Degree Show Fund, previously overseen by the Arts SU Sabbatical Officers. The fund helps reduce financial barriers for final-year UAL students and supports them to produce and showcase their work as part of the Degree Show. For more information about the Degree Show Fund and to explore work by past recipients, scroll down.
While we work to expand these initiatives, we have also compiled a list of current student discounts for art supplies and materials available across London and online. We encourage you to make the most of these offers to help stretch your budget further and access the course materials you deserve!
Degree Show Fund
The Degree Show Fund is a financial support scheme designed to help reduce the financial costs associated with producing and exhibiting work for the Degree Show. These costs can include materials, printing, and installation. The fund aims to support final-year UAL students who may otherwise face financial barriers to fully visualise and showcase their work.
The Degree Show Fund will return for the 2025–26 academic year, with applications opening early in Summer Term 2026 (date TBC). Updates on when applications open and how to apply will be shared on the Arts SU Instagram and on this webpage, so please check back regularly!
In the meantime, you can explore examples of work from previous Degree Show Fund recipients below.
Lily Grundy
Noam Dee
Yichu Li
Peerasin Hutaphaet
Student Discounts for Art Supplies & Materials
Cass Art - 10% off for students (in-store and online) on most art supplies.
How to claim: In-store: show a valid student ID and proof of enrolment in a recognised UK/ROI educational institution. Online: register via the website (student account via UNiDAYS) to receive a unique discount code.
London Graphic Centre - 15% off everything for students (fine art, graphics, stationery) via Student Beans.
How to claim: Online: register/verify via Student Beans to receive a discount code. In-store: show student ID at the till.
Jackson’s Art Supplies - 20% off Jackson’s own-brand products + 10% off most other items for students.
How to claim: Sign up for a Jackson’s account, apply for the Student Program (verification of full-time tertiary student status needed). Discount applies online and in their Dalston and Gloucester UK shops.
ARTdiscount - Students receive 10% off own-brand art materials via Student Beans.
How to claim: Register and verify via Student Beans; the code is applied at checkout online.
Hobbycraft - 10% student discount on selected art supplies via UNiDAYS.
How to claim: Register with UNiDAYS to access the deal; check in-store and online terms.
Notes: Discount applies to “selected art supplies” (not necessarily the entire art materials range). It is worth checking item eligibility for the specific items needed.