Let's be honest, student life is expensive enough without paying full price for everything. Between food shops, coffee runs, nights out, new clothes and the occasional “I deserve a little treat” purchase, your money can disappear faster than a free pizza at a society event.
But here's the thing: being a student comes with perks, and student discounts are one of them. You just need to know where to look.
Whether you're a discount pro or someone who's been paying full price this whole time (no judgement), here's how to make your student status work a little harder for your bank balance.
1. Meet your new besties: UNiDAYS and Student Beans 👀
If you haven't signed up for student discount platforms yet, consider this your sign.
UNiDAYS and Student Beans are free platforms that give eligible students access to discounts across fashion, technology, food, travel, fitness and more. You'll usually need to verify your student status, and once you're in, you can browse offers and grab discount codes to use when shopping.
Think of them as your personal discount detectives, finding deals you might never have spotted otherwise.
Here's what to do:
- Sign up to both. Different platforms offer different deals, so checking both gives you more options.
- Search before you shop. Looking for trainers, a new laptop or your next takeaway? Check for a student deal first.
- Use the apps. Some offers let you show a digital student ID in-store, while others give you a code to enter online.
- Keep checking. Offers change, and some are only available for a limited time.
You can get started at UNiDAYS myunidays.com/GB/en-GB and Student Beans studentbeans.com/.
2. Ask at the checkout. Seriously. 🛍️
Here's a little secret: not every student discount comes with a giant sign shouting about it.
Some shops, cafés, restaurants and independent businesses offer student discounts without making them particularly obvious. So, before you tap your card, ask the question.
Try something as simple as: "Hi, do you offer a student discount?”
That's it. No awkward speech, no elaborate explanation of your financial situation. Just ask.
The worst they can usually say is no, and the best-case scenario is that your coffee, lunch or shopping trip costs a little less.
Keep your student ID handy, just in case they need proof. And if a discount isn't advertised, don't assume it doesn't exist.
3. Check before you click “Pay” 💻
Online shopping makes it very easy to spend money. One minute you're browsing, and the next you've somehow got £65 worth of things in your basket that you absolutely did not plan to buy.
Before checking out, take a minute to look for a student offer.
Here's your pre-payment checklist:
- Search the brand on UNiDAYS and Student Beans.
- Check the retailer's own website for student or education pricing.
- Look for a promotional code before completing your order.
- Check whether delivery costs or minimum spends affect the deal.
- Compare the final price, not just the percentage discount.
That last one matters. A discount isn't automatically a bargain if you're buying something you don't need or spending more just to qualify for an offer.
The goal is to spend less on things you already wanted, not find new reasons to spend. Your bank balance will thank you.
4. Food, coffee and nights out deserve a discount too 🍕☕
Student discounts aren't just for clothes and tech. They can also help you save on the everyday things that make student life a little more enjoyable.
Keep an eye out for deals on:
- Food and takeaways: Check for student offers before ordering in or eating out.
- Coffee and cafés: Some chains and independent cafés offer student discounts or special deals.
- Cinema and entertainment: Look for reduced student tickets, memberships and event offers.
- Travel: Check student offers on coach journeys, railcards and other transport options.
- Fitness: Gyms and fitness memberships may have student rates.
- Subscriptions: Streaming, music, software and other services may offer discounted student plans.
The offers available will vary, so always check the current terms before making a purchase.
And don't forget to check what your own campus has going on, too. Union events, society activities and student offers can give you opportunities to socialise without spending a fortune.
5. Your student ID is more useful than you think 🎓
Your university ID isn't just there for getting into buildings or proving you're actually a student. It can also be useful when looking for discounts.
Some businesses accept a physical student card, while others require a digital ID or verification through a discount platform.
Make sure you know where yours is, and keep it accessible when you're shopping, eating out or travelling.
One important thing to remember: being eligible for a discount doesn't mean every business will offer one. Policies vary, so check before you buy.
6. Check whether your university already covers it 👀
Before paying for software, subscriptions or study tools, check what you can access through your university.
You may already have access to certain software, online resources or services as part of your studies.
That means you could be paying for something you can already use for free.
Before subscribing, check your university email, student portal or IT pages. If you're unsure, ask the relevant university team.
It's a particularly useful tip for anyone looking at software for assignments, design work, presentations or research.
7. Don't let a discount trick you into spending more 🫣
We need to talk about this one.
A 20% discount sounds amazing, but if you spend £50 on something you didn't need, you've still spent £50. The discount doesn't magically turn an unnecessary purchase into a money-saving masterclass.
A few rules worth keeping in mind:
- Check whether you genuinely need the item.
- Compare prices across different retailers.
- Read the terms, including exclusions and minimum spends.
- Watch out for subscriptions that become more expensive after a free trial.
- Never buy something purely because the offer is about to expire.
And if a discount doesn't apply to something you wanted, that's okay. Saving money sometimes means walking away from a deal altogether.
Your student discount challenge 💸
Here's your mission for the week:
☑️ Sign up to UNiDAYS and Student Beans.
☑️ Check for a discount before your next online purchase.
☑️ Ask one shop or café whether they offer student prices.
☑️ Check whether you're paying for software or subscriptions you could access through university.
☑️ Share your favourite money-saving tip with a friend.
Small savings can add up over time, and you don't need to miss out on the things you enjoy making your money go further.
Being a student has its perks. Make sure you're using them. 💛