Banner frame

The most powerful
day in London for
student marketing returns

The BIG Student Lock-In is London's flagship student event, bringing brands face to face with thousands of the city's most engaged students for a full day of discovery, experiences, and genuine connections.

Returning this October as the Freshers Finale, there is no better room to put your brand at the centre of student life, and build the kind of loyalty that lasts well beyond graduation.

Trusted by thousands of students' favourite brands

UCL
Qatar Airways
Pure Gym
Deloitte
Lidl
Cambridge SU
Edinburgh Napier
HobbyCraft
Amazon
Samsung
UCL
Qatar Airways
Pure Gym
Deloitte
Lidl
Cambridge SU
Edinburgh Napier
HobbyCraft
Amazon
Samsung
UCL
Qatar Airways
Pure Gym
Deloitte
Lidl
Cambridge SU
Edinburgh Napier
HobbyCraft
Amazon
Samsung

Why this moment matters

London's universities are home to half a million students who represent one of the UK's most valuable, diverse and influential youth markets. Every September, around 130,000 new students arrive from across the country and around the world, ready to explore new brands, products, and experiences.

The BIG Student Lock-In meets them where they are. Our attendees arrive with intent: to discover, try, and choose brands that feel relevant to them. 86% go on to purchase from a brand they meet here, and many form habits that last for years.

This October, the Freshers Finale arrives at the climax of the most high-energy, high-engagement period in the academic year. Show up now and you are not just part of a day - you are part of their everyday.

Hear from last year's brands in the room

“Flawless execution. Really great to chat to students and find out their pain points with finding a job and how we can help them.”

Handshake

Handshake

“Definitely recommend - a lot of students are willing to learn new things!”

Shout Out UK

Shout Out UK

“As someone who works in marketing, this is the way forward.”

PIXL

PIXL

Packages for every outcome

These aren't just students. They are Gen Z consumers who spend with intent, shape culture, and decide what comes next.

Across eight themed zones, your brand becomes part of a gamified full-day experience that students actively move through, engage with, and remember. From gallery spaces to headline sponsorships, there is a package for every objective. We’ll handle the logistics, creative, and on-the-ground support so your team can focus on what matters.

EXHIBITOR

Exhibitor

Best for: Brands wanting visibility and engagement without a large production commitment.

Space

  • 2m x 2m promotional activation

Price

  • £2,500 + VAT

ACTIVATION PARTNER

Activation Partner

Best for: Brands wanting stronger audience alignment, increased visibility, and hands-on engagement opportunities.

Space

  • 3m x 2m space + shell scheme, brand ambassador support and digital amplification
  • Level 1 Activation Activity: Ready-to-deploy, compact interactions that drive quick engagement and steady lead capture.

Price

  • £5,500 + VAT

PREMIUM ACTIVATION PARTNER

Premium Activation Partner

Best for: Brands looking to own a standout moment within a themed zone through premium placement and experiential engagement.

Space

  • Everything in Activation Partner + bespoke space up to 6m x 3m and enhanced zone presence
  • Larger format, spectacle pieces that increase dwell time and memorability.

Price

  • From £8,500 + VAT

ZONE PARTNER

Zone Partner

Best for: Brands looking to take over an entire themed zone and become synonymous with one of the festival’s hero destinations.

Space

  • Everything in Premium Activation Partner + bespoke space up to 6m x 6m, dominant zone presence, and 2 email sends to 50,000+ students
  • Headline builds with cinematic presence, content value, bespoke creative consultation and strategy.

Price

  • From £15,000 + VAT

PRESENTING PARTNER

Presenting Partner

Best for: Brands looking for category dominance, mass student reach, nationwide visibility, and deep experiential engagement at scale.

Space

  • As Full Event Sponsor, your brand becomes the headline identity throughout the entire user journey. From registration and arrival to gameplay, digital engagement and post-event communications, your brand is completely integrated into the event itself.

Price

  • £40,000 + VAT

Ready to explore The BIG Student Lock in 2026?

Download our event pack

Be in the room where it happens.
Wrap up Freshers with a BANG

The BIG Student Lock-in only happens once a year. Secure your place, connect with Gen Z where it counts, and turn influence into outcomes.

Speak with an expert