London The West End

Shopping in the West End is more student-oriented than most areas in London. Filled with cool independent stores, most of them selling books, CDs, vinyls and more vintage clothes than the Motown stars ever wore, the West End is a fun shopping district that tends to emphasize the cheap. Break out the chucks, Ray-Bans and tight black jeans—your wallet must lighten.

Sister Ray, 34-35 Berwick St. (020 7734 3297; www.sisterray.co.uk) An old school record shop of the best kind, Sister Ray has every sort of genre, from constant chart-toppers to one-hit wonders. The stellar staff is adept at creating musical matches-made-in-Heaven, directing listeners to artists. Hip, cheap books about music line the check-out counter, and listening stations are throughout the store. Tottenham Court Rd., left on Oxford St. left on Wardour St., left on Berwick St. Wheelchair access at the top of the store, ramp available on request. Open M-Sa 10am-8pm, Su noon-6pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

The Schott Music Shop, 48 Great Marlborough St. ( 020 7292 6090; www.schottmusic.co.uk) "This quiet and spacious shop is one of the oldest sheet music shops in London. Open since 1857, The Schott Music Shop sells everything from the Beatles to Bartok and Muse to Mendelssohn. Especially of note to musical travelers are the three practice rooms beneath the shop which are available for 1hr. rehearsal times. There you'll find two baby grand Boston pianos and one Steinway, all of which are tuned every two months. They also hold recitals for young performers (£8-10). Oxford Circus. Left on Regent St., left on Great Marlborough St. Students get 10% discount on print music. Upstairs only wheelchair-accessible. £10 per hr. before noon, £12 per hr. noon-6pm, £15per hr. after 6pm. Open M-F 10am-6:30pm, Sa 10am-6pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

BM Soho Music, 25 D'Arblay St. (020 7437 0478; www.bm-soho.com) A favorite for many local DJs, BM (known to those in the know as Black Market) has all things House and drum and bass. Most striking is just how many sub-genres of house there are. DJ gear like slip mats and cases for records are on sale in the back, and regular customers get discounts (£1-3), but you have to ask for it. Check the website for the occasional in-store appearance of a famous DJ who'll jam out while patrons enjoy free cider. Tottenham Court Rd., left on Oxford St. left on Wardour St., left on Berwick St., right on D'Arblay. You have to ask a clerk to take records down for you. Most records £5-10. Open M-W 11am-7pm, Th-F 11am-8pm, Sa 11am-7pm, Su noon-6pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.