International Student Ambassador Majd shares her favourite student discounts
Stepping into university life in the UK not only opens doors to education but also to a world of opportunities and, importantly, discounts. As students navigate through academic rigours, financial responsibilities, and newfound independence, discovering the array of available discounts can significantly impact your experience. Join me on a journey as I share the various discounts and perks I use as a student in the United Kingdom to make the most of my academic years without breaking the bank.
1. Food and Groceries
When it comes to essentials like food and groceries, I like to shop at the stores listed below and using their discounts.
- Tesco: As one of the largest grocery stores in the UK, having a Clubcard unlocks numerous offers: access Clubcard Prices with exclusive deals, accumulate points for in-store purchases, exchange vouchers via their app, enjoy rewards. You can register for the Clubcard online.
- Sainsbury's: The second largest supermarket chain in the UK offers the Nectar card, earning you up to two points for every £1 spent, worth 1%. You can register for the Nectar card online.
To compare prices across different stores in the UK, I use this app: Trolley.co.uk.
2. Transportation and Travel
In Portsmouth, various public transportation options are available for students, including buses and trains.
The Unilink bus service is specifically designed for students, connecting key university locations and most importantly it’s free.
Additionally, Southwestern Railway operates train services connecting Portsmouth with surrounding areas.
Transportation discounts can greatly benefit students.
Various types of rail cards offer discounts for different age groups:
- 16-25 Railcard: Offers a third off most rail fares for individuals aged 16 to 25 or full-time students over 25.
- 26-30 Railcard: Similar to the 16-25 Railcard but available for individuals aged 26 to 30.
For international students, going back home can to see family can quickly become really expensive. But flight tickets can also be affordable for students with discounts and extra baggage allowances from airlines like Turkish Airlines, Ryanair, and Qatar Airways. Check the respective airline's website for possible student discounts.
For an easy way to compare flight ticket prices and find affordable options, I use these apps:
3. Shopping
Unlocking student discounts for shopping becomes easier with specialised apps or websites, I like to use the following:
- Student Beans: Student Beans provides discounts on various products, from clothing to electronics, food, and entertainment. I use an iPhone, so I got the app but you can also find information on their website.
- UNiDAYS: This platform offers discounts across multiple brands and services, including fashion, beauty, technology, and lifestyle products. I use the app and you can also visit their website for more information.
- TOTUM: Formerly known as the NUS Extra card, TOTUM provides discounts on various products like fashion, tech, travel, and more. You can use the app or the website.
4. Other Discounts
A lot of local places also offer discounts.
Many local museums and art galleries offer student discounts or free entry on specific days, you can usually check that online or just ask when you are getting your ticket.
Some cinemas and cinema chains provide student discounts on movie tickets. You can usually check if they do online before you visit or when you get there.
Additionally, platforms like Artpass offer discounts at cultural venues. Accessing these discounts may require a valid student ID or a specific student discount card.
I hope my guide has empowered you with knowledge about various discount opportunities available in the UK, so you can optimise your academic years while managing your finances efficiently.