One of the many great things about going to university is having the opportunity to take advantage of some fantastic student discounts, allowing you to save money on your everyday essentials. In this guide, we’re exploring everything you need to know about student discounts, including how to get them, where you can use them, and some of our other top tips.
What are student discounts and who can get them?
Student discounts are offers exclusively available to students in the UK, which can include those studying at school, sixth form, college, or university. Typically, student discounts take a percentage off the total price of a product or service, but they can also include perks like freebies, free trials, competitions, and buy-one-get-one-free deals. In many cases, they can be applied on top of existing sale or clearance items, meaning you can enjoy some significant savings as a student.
How to get a student discount card
To qualify for student discounts, you’ll need a student card, or its digital equivalent. While some in-person retailers may accept your university student ID, online shopping generally requires you to register with a student discount provider.
When you sign up, you’ll need to upload a passport-style digital photo and proof of your student status, although your university email address is usually sufficient to verify your eligibility. Most student discount cards are now digital and can be accessed by downloading a mobile app, though physical cards may be available, sometimes incurring an additional fee. We’ve listed some of the most popular student discount providers below to help you get started.
1. Totum
Totum (formerly known as NUS Extra) provides free membership to eligible UK students aged 16 and over, studying at either sixth form, college, or university. As a Totum member, you can enjoy huge savings on shopping, eating out, travel, and more, at over 100,000 locations worldwide. For even greater savings and more exclusive student discounts, you can upgrade to Totum+ for £14.99 per year.
2. Student Beans
Student Beans is another well-known student discount provider, offering money off thousands of popular brands, both in store and online. Available to students and apprentices over 16 who are in full-time education, it’s easy to sign up with your personal institution email address or credit card style student ID. To use your discounts, simply show your ID via the app when shopping in store or use the discount codes on their website when shopping online.
3. Unidays
Unidays membership is free and open to all students, including those in sixth form, college, or university. With Unidays, you can make the most of student discounts on over 800 brands, helping you save on a wide range of products and services. Simply register online and verify your student status, then download the free app to access even more exclusive app-only offers.
4. ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
ISIC is the only internationally recognised student ID card, giving access to thousands of student discounts across a wide range of brands. Accepted in 98 countries, it’s an excellent choice for anyone studying abroad, or even for those travelling on holiday who want to save money. Available to full-time students aged 12 and over, whether at school, college, or university, the ISIC card provides great value. If you already have a Totum membership, you can apply for a free ISIC card for one year, otherwise digital membership costs £12 and a physical card £15.
Where can I get student discounts?
Hundreds of UK retailers provide student discounts and with your card, you can benefit from incredible savings on fashion, food and drink, beauty, health and fitness, travel, technology, entertainment, books, stationery, and more. Some examples of the biggest brands offering student discounts include:
- Fashion – ASOS, Adidas, New Look, Marks and Spencer, H&M, Nike, Schuh, John Lewis
- Food and drink – McDonald’s, Deliveroo, Dominos Pizza, Just Eat, Greggs, Hello Fresh, Starbucks, Uber Eats
- Beauty – Boots, MAC, The Fragrance Shop, Superdrug, Clinique, Sephora, GHD, Benefit
- Health and fitness – PureGym, JD Sports, Myprotein, The Gym Group, Vision Express, Sports Direct
- Travel – National Rail’s 16-25 railcard, Booking.com, National Express, Trainline, TUI, Hotels.com, LNER, Expedia
- Technology – Apple, Dell, EE, Currys, Samsung, HP, Vodafone, Acer
- Entertainment – Odeon, Amazon Prime, Spotify Premium, Vue, Apple Store, HMV, Disney+, Cineworld
- Books and stationery – Argos, WHSmith, Amazon, Waterstones, Ryman.
Where can I get student discounts in Sunderland?
There are lots of ways you can make the most of your student discount when you’re a student in Sunderland such as:
- The Bridges Shopping Centre – many retailers in Sunderland’s main shopping centre offer student discount all year round, with up to 20% off in many cases. They also run an exclusive event for students every September around Freshers’ Week, where you can take advantage of bigger discounts and snap up some prizes and goody bags.
- Tyne and Wear Metro – discounted Metro tickets for students mean you can explore Sunderland and the rest of the North East without breaking the bank. The Pop Blue card allows students aged 16-21 to travel for £1 on a single journey or £2.20 all day, or you can invest in a student season ticket if you’re a frequent traveller.
- Free bus travel – the Sunderland Connect 700/701 bus service and the SU campus minibus are free for students to travel on with a valid student ID
- Theatre tickets – ATG offer student rates from just £25 across the country, meaning you can enjoy selected upcoming shows at the Sunderland Empire at a fraction of the normal ticket price
- Gym membership – our gym and fitness suite at CitySpace on City Campus is only £150 for annual student membership
- The MiXR app – valid in various pubs, bars, and clubs around the UK, the MiXR app offers exclusive drinks discounts and rewards for students
- Sunderland Bowl – a standard game of bowling at Sunderland Bowl is only £6 with your student card (£10.50 for two games and £12.50 for three games).
Other useful tips
Here are some other top tips we’re sharing to help you get the most out of your student discount card:
- Look out for extra student discounts and freebies on your birthday, such as on shopping websites like ASOS, or in fast food chains like Burger King and Subway
- Always ask if somewhere offers student discount whenever you’re in a shop or food outlet, as chances are, they probably will if they’re a well-known name. Remember to do the same when shopping online too – check before checking out!
- Did you know the 16-25 railcard is available to students regardless of age? As long as you’re studying full-time (over 15 hours a week for at least 20 weeks a year) at a recognised institution, you’ll be eligible, even if you’re a mature student. The railcard costs £30 a year and will get you a third off train travel, so it’s well worth the money.
- Make sure to sign up for emails and check out websites like Save the Student and Money Saving Expert, as well as the websites of your student discount providers, so you don’t miss out on all the latest offers and discounts available to you.
For more money saving tips and advice on budgeting as a student, check out our cost of living hub.
Published: 6 December 2024