Maximise Your Savings: The Complete Guide to Student Discounts in the UK

Being a student in the UK offers more than just an exciting academic journey—it also comes with some fantastic perks! If you're a student living in the UK or moving here soon, this guide will show you how to take full advantage of the student discount programs available.

This will help you stretch your budget and maximize your student life for the 2024/2025 Academic Year!

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Why should you use Student Discounts in 2025?

As a student, every penny counts. Whether you need a new laptop for your studies, a meal out with friends, or just some new clothes, student discounts can make all the difference. Many UK brands, retailers, and services offer significant savings when you show proof of your student status.

Here's how to unlock these savings and where to find the best deals.

1. UNiDAYS: Instant access to discounts across major brands

UNiDAYS is one of the most popular platforms for student discounts in the UK. With a free account, you gain access to discounts across a range of sectors, including fashion, technology, health & fitness, and entertainment.

Top deals on UNiDAYS:

• Apple: Save up to 10% on Macs and iPads.
• ASOS: Get up to 10% off your orders.
• Nike: Enjoy up to 20% off the latest trends in footwear and sportswear.

To access these offers, simply sign up with your university email, verify your student status, and start saving instantly!

2. Student Beans: Your gateway to discounts on food, travel, and more

Student Beans offers a wide range of discounts for UK students, especially if you're looking for deals on food, fashion, and tech. The platform partners with both international and local brands, making it a great tool for finding discounts specific to your city or region.

Top deals on Student Beans:

• Deliveroo: Save up to 25% on food deliveries.
• O2: Get exclusive mobile phone plans with student pricing.
• Boohoo: Score up to 30% off fashion items.

The platform Student Beans also offers regular competitions and giveaways, so you might score a freebie now and then too!

3. TOTUM: The ultimate student discount card

TOTUM (formerly known as the NUS Extra card) is the official student discount card backed by the National Union of Students (NUS). While the TOTUM card comes with a small fee, it offers a wide range of exclusive discounts both online and in-store, including travel, dining, and retail offers.

Top deals on TOTUM:

• Co-op: 10% off groceries.
• National Express: Save on travel across the UK.
• Domino’s: Enjoy up to 35% off pizza orders.

TOTUM also has an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) option, which can unlock discounts worldwide if you plan to travel.

4. Save the Student: A hub of money-saving tips and discount alerts

If you're new to student discounts, Save the Student is a great resource for learning how to maximize your savings. The website features up-to-date discount listings, guides on budgeting, and money-saving hacks specifically tailored for students.

Key categories for Savings:

• Retail: Tips on grabbing the best deals during major sales events.
• Entertainment: How to access cheap cinema tickets and student subscriptions to streaming services.
• Travel: Find affordable student travel cards and coach discounts.

Save the Student also has a weekly newsletter, so you can stay informed about the latest offers and financial tips directly in your inbox.

5. NUS: Exclusive Deals and Offers from the National Union of Students

NUS is known for advocating for students, but it also has a dedicated section on discounts. While many of its discounts are now available through the TOTUM card, NUS remains a valuable resource for those who want to stay informed about exclusive student offers, scholarships, and financial advice.

Top NUS Student Discounts:

• Amazon Prime Student: 6 months of Prime membership for free, followed by a 50% discount.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Up to 65% off on the entire suite of Adobe products, perfect for design or media students.
• Spotify: Get Spotify Premium for just £5.99 a month.

NUS also works closely with other organizations to provide additional perks, such as mental health support services and affordable student housing advice.

How to make the most of your student discounts

• Always Have Your Student ID: Whether it's a physical card or digital verification through platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans, always carry proof of your student status to secure discounts.
• Check Eligibility Regularly: Some discounts are available for a limited time or have specific terms and conditions, so make sure to read the fine print.
• Sign Up for Newsletters: Subscribe to the email updates of discount platforms to receive real-time offers and promotions.
• Follow Brands on Social Media: Many companies run student-exclusive promotions on their social media channels. Following them could land you some unexpected savings!

Ready to save? Your student discount journey starts now

As a student in the UK, there’s no reason to pay full price for most of your everyday expenses. From essential tech and fashion to travel and food, student discounts are everywhere if you know where to look. Take advantage of platforms like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, TOTUM, and Save the Student to make your money go further.

At Hallbookers, we’re dedicated to helping students find affordable and comfortable accommodation in the UK. Visit our website to explore student housing options, and stay tuned for more helpful guides on how to live your best student life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I prove my student status for discounts?

A: You can sign up with your university email through platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans, or use a TOTUM card for in-store purchases.

Q: Can international students get these discounts too?

A: Yes! As long as you're enrolled in a UK institution, you can access the discounts available to all students, regardless of nationality.

Q: Are student discounts available for part-time students?

A: In most cases, yes. As long as you're officially enrolled in a course at a recognized institution, you should qualify for discounts.

Q: Can mature students qualify for discounts?

A: Yes! If you're a mature student enrolled in a recognized institution, you are eligible for the same discounts as any other student, regardless of your age.

Q: Do student discounts apply to online shopping?

A: Absolutely! Most student discount platforms, like UNiDAYS and Student Beans, offer discount codes that you can use during online checkout. Just make sure to enter the code before completing your purchase.

Q: How long do student discounts last?

A: Most student discounts are valid as long as you're enrolled in a university or college. Some discounts, like those on Adobe Creative Cloud or Apple products, might continue for a short period after graduation, but typically you’ll lose access to these deals once your student status expires.

Q: Do I need to renew my student status to keep using discounts?

A: Yes, some platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans require you to verify your student status each academic year. This ensures that only current students have access to the discounts.

Q: What’s the difference between UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM?

A: UNiDAYS and Student Beans are free online platforms that provide instant access to a wide variety of student discounts. TOTUM, on the other hand, is a paid student discount card (previously NUS Extra) that offers both online and in-store discounts, along with other perks like international discounts with the ISIC option.

Q: Can I use student discounts outside the UK?

A: Yes, with an ISIC card (available through TOTUM), you can access student discounts in over 130 countries worldwide. It's a great option for students who travel or plan to study abroad.

By staying informed and connected to these platforms, you can save money while enjoying your student life in the UK. Make sure to check out Hallbookers other tips to make your experience even better!

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