Student Discounts: How to Save Money as a UK Student
Being a student in the UK can be financially challenging, especially with rising costs of tuition, accommodation, food, and transport. Thankfully, there are thousands of discounts and offers available exclusively to students, covering everything from fashion to food, tech to travel.
This guide breaks down the best UK student discounts available today, how to access them, and tips to maximise your savings while you study.
How to Get Access to Student Discounts
Most UK student discounts are available only to those with verified student status. You can prove this through:
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A university email address ending in
.ac.uk -
A student ID card
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Registering with a student discount platform
Popular Student Discount Platforms
| Platform | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| UNiDAYS | Free access to fashion, tech, food, and more | Free |
| TOTUM (NUS Extra) | In-store and online discounts, ID card option | From £14.99/year |
| Student Beans | Instant student verification, exclusive codes | Free |
| ISIC (International) | Global student ID and travel discounts | From £12/year |
Sign up on these platforms with your student email and you’ll be verified quickly, usually within minutes.
Top Fashion & Clothing Student Discounts
Many clothing brands offer ongoing student discounts that can be used online and sometimes in-store. These usually range between 10–25% and occasionally increase during student events or seasonal sales.
| Brand | Discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASOS | 10% – 20% | Via UNiDAYS or Student Beans |
| Nike | 10% | Register and verify on their site |
| H&M | 10% | App sign-up required |
| Boohoo | 20% | Often stacks with sale |
| PrettyLittleThing | 15% – 25% | Frequent limited-time boosts |
| New Look | 10% | Valid with student ID in-store too |
Always apply discount codes at checkout and double-check whether the offer stacks with sale items.
Technology & Electronics Discounts for Students
Tech purchases are often the biggest expenses for students. Fortunately, major brands offer deep student discounts on laptops, tablets, software, and accessories.
| Retailer/Brand | Discount | Key Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Up to 10% off + free gifts | Apple Education Store |
| Microsoft | Up to 10% on devices | Microsoft Store for Education |
| Samsung | Up to 25% with Student Beans | Includes tablets and phones |
| Dell | Up to 20% | Student Store login required |
| Adobe | Up to 65% off Creative Cloud | Annual commitment needed |
| Spotify + Hulu + Showtime | £5.99/month bundle | For verified students via Spotify Student |
Apple’s Back to School deal often includes free AirPods or gift cards—check the Apple UK Education Store for current offers.
Food & Grocery Student Savings
Saving money on food is a top priority for most students. From eating out to grabbing a quick snack, discounts can quickly add up.
| Outlet | Discount | Access |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Free item with purchase | Use TOTUM or Student Beans |
| Greggs | Free sausage roll or drink with app | Requires in-app signup |
| Domino’s | Up to 50% off | Through Student Beans or UNiDAYS |
| Co-op | 10% off groceries | With TOTUM card |
| Deliveroo | Free delivery (via Plus) | 1-year student trial |
| HelloFresh | 50% off first box + 25% for 2 months | For new users with .ac.uk email |
Loyalty apps can also lead to free items or exclusive deals.
Student Travel Discounts
Whether you’re commuting to uni or heading home for the holidays, student travel cards and discounts can significantly reduce transport costs.
| Card/Provider | Discount Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 16–25 Railcard | 1/3 off rail fares | £30/year or £70 for 3 years |
| National Express Coachcard | 1/3 off coach travel | £12.50/year |
| Student Oyster Card | 30% off adult-rate Travelcards | For London students |
| Stagecoach | Local bus student tickets | Discounted fares with ID |
| Santander Railcard Offer | Free Railcard with student account | Open a Santander student bank account |
Apply early in the academic year to make the most of your savings throughout term time and holidays.
Gym, Fitness & Lifestyle Discounts
Staying active doesn’t have to break the bank. Many gyms, health apps, and wellness platforms offer lower rates for students.
| Service | Student Offer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PureGym | Up to 30% off | Student Beans access |
| The Gym Group | £0 joining fee + discounted plans | Some sites offer local student deals |
| Headspace | 85% off yearly plan | Mindfulness & meditation app |
| Calm | 50% off annual plan | Through Student Beans or email verify |
Also check your university gym—many offer term passes at a fraction of commercial prices.
Banking and Finance Student Perks
Opening the right student bank account can get you extras like free travel cards, interest-free overdrafts, and cashback on spending.
| Bank | Perk | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Santander | Free 4-year Railcard + £2000 overdraft | Widely considered best value |
| HSBC | £100 welcome bonus + £3000 overdraft | High overdraft but lower perks |
| NatWest | Free Tastecard + £100 | Frequent food discounts |
| Nationwide | £100 bonus | Smaller overdraft allowance |
Extra Tips to Maximise Student Discounts
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Stack offers when possible – e.g., student discount + sale + cashback
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Use cashback websites – sites like TopCashback offer extra returns on top of student deals
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Join university societies – many come with discount cards or exclusive partner offers
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Watch for student events – UNiDAYS and TOTUM host flash sale events several times a year
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Use browser extensions – like Honey or Pouch to auto-apply discount codes
Final Thoughts
Student discounts are a valuable lifeline when you’re living on a tight budget. From laptops to late-night takeaways, the potential savings are massive if you know where to look. The key is to sign up to the right platforms, verify your student status, and always search for a deal before making a purchase.
By combining student discounts with smart shopping habits, you can stretch your money further and make university life more affordable—without missing out on the essentials or the fun.