Lovers of indie flicks, cult classics and documentaries, rejoice: both Edinburgh and Glasgow boast a great selection of independent cinemas, many of which offer too-good-to-resist student discounts.

In the capital, the Filmhouse is a haven for independent film fanatics. As well as hosting the Edinburgh International Film Festival every June, the Lothian Road venue screens arthouse flicks and retrospectives, as well as panel discussions and Q&As throughout the year. Prices vary, with student tickets sitting around £6–£8, but if you're feeling thrifty, nab yourself a £5 annual membership, which provides a £1.50 discount on ticket purchases, 10% off food and drinks and priority booking for EIFF events.

On Home Street, the Cameo, which Quentin Tarantino once declared to be one of his favourite cinemas, offers strands covering forgotten classics, riveting documentaries, and movies-so-bad-they're-good. Student tickets range from £8.50–£9.50. Those who opt for an annual student membership for £15, however, get two free tickets, up to £2 discount on film tickets, 10% off food and drinks and membership of E4's Slackers Club, which offers free monthly previews. Plus, students in full-time education can get two tickets to Screen Arts shows for £10, so you can catch world-class theatre productions for just a fiver.

While it doesn't showcase much in the way of arthouse film, Morningside's Dominion Theatre provides far more intimate screenings of the latest blockbusters than your average Cineworld. Tickets cost £9.50.

In Glasgow, Rose Street's Glasgow Film Theatre dominates the independent film scene. Home of the Glasgow Film Festival, the city-centre venue is known for its programme of world cinema classics and modern arthouse productions. Prices vary but student tickets are around £8. Those aged between 15 and 21 can also apply for a Youth Card to get £4.50 tickets and earn points which can be redeemed against future purchases.

Nestled among the bars and restaurants of Ashton Lane sits the Grosvenor Cinema. While you'll find all the big films of the month on show, the quirky venue also dabbles in live streams of opera, dance and theatre productions, and is known for great one-off events throughout the year, including a horror movie marathon on Hallowe'en. Student tickets for film screenings are priced at £6–£7.

Glasgow's CCA on Sauchiehall Street, which regularly hosts exhibitions and live music, also houses a cinema, showcasing thought-provoking films. This venue is ideal for those who have reached the end of their student loans, as screenings are often free during film fests.

It's also worth checking out the various university film societies (such as Edinburgh's FilmSoc and Glasgow's Screens), many of which organise screenings in various venues throughout the year.