Best Student Discount Offers

Starting university and want to make the most of your budget? There’s no better way to save than getting stuck into the world of student discounts. After all, being a student can feel like a full-time job, so a discount is definitely deserved!

For the best student deals and student saving tips, dive into Now Student Living’s guide on the best student discount offers in the UK.

Introduction: Why Student Discounts Matter

Balancing your degree, social life, food shop, and managing your budget can feel overwhelming at times, so it’s no surprise that student discount offers provide a bit of financial relief. 

With student living costs continuing to rise in recent years, student discounts can help stretch your budget even further across both essentials and the things you love. From your weekly groceries to that pair of trainers you’ve been eyeing up, you can treat yourself knowing you’ve got a great deal.

So, let’s jump in and discover the top student discount offers! 

How Student Discounts Work

Student discount offers let students buy products or services for less. If you’re a verified student, you can access these discounts both online and in-store.

Often, you’ll have to present a valid student ID or register through a student savings app to prove you attend a recognised school, college, or university. These apps let you access hundreds of deals that take the pressure off that maintenance loan!

Companies provide student discount offers as students have less disposable income, but by letting you save, they’re also building brand loyalty with a large demographic. It’s a win-win that suits everyone. 

Student Discount Apps

Downloading student discount apps makes it easy to check for saving opportunities. You can simply search store names to scout for deals as you go, or plan your day around your student savings! By carrying around student discounts in your pocket, you not only save money but also your time, too. Here are our top three apps to help you find the best student deals in the UK.

UNiDAYS 

UNiDAYS is one of the most popular free student discount apps, offering student deals across over 800 brands. From fashion and tech to food and so much more, there are so many student savings to be made. Simply verify your student status and start browsing student deals in the UK. 

Student Beans

Another free student discount app is Student Beans, which also grants access to thousands of student discount offers across food, fashion, technology, health, and more. Student Beans is thought to offer more exclusive deals than other apps and offer discounts on big brands like Gymshark and student favourite, Domino’s. 

TOTUM

TOTUM is free to download and grants access to over 800 student discount offers across 400+ top brands. With the standard TOTUM membership, you can explore discounts on food, travel, beauty, and more. Treat yourself to days out at theme parks, cinemas, and shopping sprees for a much-needed break from studying!

In-Store vs Online Discounts

In-store student discounts work differently from online discounts, as students typically have to present a valid student ID to a member of staff to access them. Many local shops and eateries offer student discounts; if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

You can access online discounts by signing up for a student savings app or platform, which allows access to thousands of deals across various stores. You’ll have to verify your student status, and you’ll get access to discount codes to use at checkout.

Verifying Your Student Status

Verifying your student status for student discount apps is a smooth process, as you just need your student ID, your university credentials, or access to your student email. This verification process prevents non-students from sneaking in to grab those deals!

With UNiDAYS, you can sign up using your university credentials (considered the fastest method) or by uploading a picture of your student ID card, though the latter option takes longer to verify.

Then, it’s just a matter of exploring those student discount offers! Speaking of which, we’ve listed the best student deals in the UK below across food, fashion, travel, and leisure for you to explore. 

Food and Drink Discounts

It can be hard enough deciding what to eat and where to order from without the stress of rising food costs. Luckily, hundreds of eateries offer student discounts in the UK, letting you treat yourself a little more often.  We’ve listed the top deals on food and delivery below to satisfy the most popular cravings. Get stuck in!

Restaurants, Pubs and Cafe Discounts

Here are the top student discount offers on food and drink*! 

Domino’s Pizza 

Grabbing a pizza for a slice of the price makes it taste even better! With UNiDAYS or Student Beans, you can get up to 35-50% off when you spend £25 or more online. Simply use the discount code at checkout. T&Cs apply.

Papa Johns

You can get up to 50% off with Student Beans when you spend over £15 online. You’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout, but be aware that this discount is not to be used alongside other offers. Make sure to check your app for T&Cs like store participation. For more exclusive discounts,  you can also sign up for Papa John’s ‘Papa Rewards’ for exclusive points, which can then be converted into discounts! 

Pizza Express

Fancy a mid-week treat? From Sunday to Friday, you can dine out and get 25% off your bill at Pizza Express by signing up to Student Beans or UNiDAYS. Or if you’re ordering online, this deal runs all week! Usually, a £15 minimum spend applies when ordering online. See each separate student discount app for their T&Cs.

KFC

Did someone say free chicken? Students can get a free popcorn snackbox when they spend £5 or more in a single transaction! To access this tasty treat, you’ll need to  download the KFC app and enter your Student Beans ID. Verification can take up to 24 hours, so don’t leave it until the last minute! Check your student discount apps for T&Cs.

McDonalds

Sign up to MyMcDonald’s Rewards and earn 1,000 points on your first order! For every penny spent, you earn a point, which can then be converted into money off. Whether it’s a few pounds off your next meal or you stack your points to get your full order for free, it’s well worth signing up as a student. See McDonald’s website for T&Cs. It’s always worth checking your UNiDAYS or Student Beans apps too, as McDonald’s holds exclusive student discount offers from time to time.

Costa 

Snatch free items and a birthday treat with the Costa Club app! New members get a free ‘Bean’ upon signing up, and you get a free drink once you’ve purchased ten drinks. Regularly check your student discount apps, as Costa and various cafes occasionally hold student promotions.

Greene King Pubs

Show your valid student ID at the bar and get a 20% Off Student Card! You just need to show this Student Card to get 20% off food and drinks all year-round. Have Student Beans downloaded? With a verified account you can snatch the 20% student savings by showing your Student Beans ID at the bar. T&Cs apply.

*Terms and conditions apply. Make sure you check your student discount apps or ask in-store for details.

Supermarkets and Food Delivery

Treating yourself after a long day in the library? Food shops and takeaways just got cheaper. Let’s see what’s available on your student discount apps…

Southern Co-Op Groceries

With the Student Beans app, you can enjoy student savings of up to 20% off with a valid Southern Co-Op barcode! This offer is valid only in in-person shops and certain stores, so make sure to check before you visit. 

Deliveroo 

With UNiDAYS, you can get 50% off your first order! Discover free delivery on eligible orders and further offers with student discount apps. And why not sign up for more? As a student you can get a free Deliveroo Plus Silver, a subscription granting free delivery on orders over £15 at restaurants and over £25 at shops. With Plus Silver, you can discover even more offers and rewards. 

UberEats 

Grab 10% off your first two Uber Eats orders, as well as £10 off your first grocery order, just for being a student! Check out the range of student discount offers and T&Cs with UNiDays and Student Beans.

Meal Box Services

Both Gousto and HelloFresh offer 50% off your first box, and it doesn’t stop there; with Gousto, you can get 40% off your second order and 20% off your third order, while HelloFresh offers free delivery for new customers when ordered before noon, and you can enjoy a free treat with every order for three months! T&Cs apply.

Fashion and Retail Discounts

Everyone needs some retail therapy now and again, and a student discount only sweetens the deal. We’ve researched the top student deals across fashion and retail below so you don’t have to; here’s what we found…

Clothing and Footwear Brands

From outfits and accessories to trainers and coats, build your dream wardrobe for less using these student discounts…

Marks & Spencer

Grab student savings of 15% off M&S’ own brands with Student Beans! Shop online across Menswear, Womenswear, Lingerie and Home. Simply use the Student Beans discount code at checkout. T&Cs apply.

Hollister

You can get up to 10% off your purchase at Hollister with verified accounts on UNiDAYS or Student Beans. Use the discount code at checkout, and the offer will be applied to all eligible items!

River Island

Need a new fit for your big night out? Get up to 20% off with UNiDAYS and Student Beans! Keep an eye on your apps for further student discount offers and T&Cs.

Office

Whatever label you love, shop the latest trainers for less. With 10% off with UNiDAYS and Student Beans, you can shop and save to your heart’s content! Simply verify yourself on one of these student discount apps and use your student discount code at checkout.

JD Sports

As a student, you can get up to 10% off on full-price fashion and footwear with UNiDAYS or Student Beans. Get exploring and grab a student discount code for the checkout!

Gymshark

Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just starting out, Gymshark offers stylish sportswear at discounted prices for students. Student Beans offers plenty of student deals in the UK! Students can shop 15% off across the UK Gymshark site. This offer can’t be combined with any other promo codes or offers.

Nike

Save up to 10% off footwear, fashion, and accessories with UNiDAYS at Nike. You need to have a Nike Membership for this offer to apply, and this discount only applies to certain items.

Online Shopping Platforms

Still thinking about buying that outfit that’s been sitting in your cart for the past month? Well, now you can with these online student discounts!

ASOS

Students can shop up to 10% off full-price and sale items with UNiDays and Student Beans! Some exclusions may apply; for example, not all sale items will be included, and Student Beans’ maximum spend for this deal is £500.

boohoo

Sign up to Student Beans and UNiDAYS for 25% off at boohoo. And the best part? Unlike other retailers, this offer also includes sale items! See T&Cs and further student discount offers on Student Beans and UNiDAYS. 

SHEIN

Want to save on your next SHEIN haul? Enjoy 15% off men’s and women’s clothing, plus-size wear, and home and living with UNiDAYS and Student Beans. Some brand exclusions may apply, so see your apps for student discount offers’ T&Cs.

Travel and Transport Discounts

For when the travel plans make it out of the group chat, a student deal on transport is a must! Here’s a round-up of the best student discount offers on travel and transport.

Railcards and Local Travel

Another handy addition to your phone is a digital railcard! Snatch those student savings as you travel by train.

Trains

Students can get a third off most train fares using a 16-25 railcard. For those over 25, the 26-30 railcard works the same! This railcard applies to trains in Great Britain only.

TrainPal and Trainline

Get 15% off a 16-17 saver railcard with UNiDAYS! Find further student discount offers on train fares with UNiDAYS and Student Beans.

Coach and Flight Discounts

Time for an adventure? Treat yourselves to a discounted coach or flight using a student discount. Let those savings go towards your next beach day or city break.

National Express

Get up to 25% off coach travel from Monday to Thursday and 15% off from Friday to Sunday with Student Beans, UNiDAYS, TOTUM, and Prime!

Trip.com

Student Beans offers plenty of student discount offers across coach travel, trains, railcards, flights, and more. Get up to 30% off on flights and up 10% off car rentals. T&Cs apply, so be sure to check your app before booking those trips.

Airlines

Gift cards and discounts are available across various airlines with Student Beans. Save up to 25% on Jet2holidays, get £40 off TUI flights, and much more! See your student discount app for details.

Fitness, Health and Wellbeing Discounts

Self-care and fitness shouldn’t have to drain the bank account, so we’ve compiled the best gym and wellbeing deals to make your university journey feel both healthier and happier. After all, a workout does wonders for alleviating stress and renewing your focus, that’s why a lot of our residences have their own onsite gyms!

Gym Memberships and Fitness Apps

Plenty of gyms are making it easier for students to access their memberships for less. Here are all of the top gym and fitness deals so you can work out on a budget.

PureGym

Get up to 30% off your first six months and a £0 joining fee! Register and verify your account with UNiDAYS to get your discounted membership.

The Gym Group

The Gym Group offers 25% off 12-month saver memberships when you use their code at checkout. You can find these discount codes on their website as well as your nearest gym. Why not sign up to flex those student savings?

Nuffield Health

By signing up to UNiDAYS, you can get 15% off both monthly and annual memberships at Nuffield Health. See your app or Nuffield Health’s website for more information.

Strava 

Fitness-tracking app Strava offers 30 days free and then 50% off your subscription with the Student Plan! This applies to eligible users who have not previously used the Strava trial under any plan. If you are eligible for the free 30-day trial, this will be visible at checkout. See further details on Strava’s Student Plan ‘FAQs’ section.

Wellbeing and Lifestyle Offers

From professional eyecare to incredible experiences, we’ve rounded up the best student deals on all of the things that make life fulfilling.

Holland & Barrett 

Looking after your health shouldn’t cost the Earth. So, whether you’re picking up some pre-workout or those all-important vitamins, use your 15%-off student discount the next time you’re in Holland & Barrett.

Vision Express

With Student Beans and UNiDAYS, you can shop up to 20% off glasses and contact lenses. See their website for seasonal promotions!

Virgin Experience and Spa Breaks

Treat yourself to a day of relaxation, all while protecting your pocket! With up to 20% off spa and wellness experiences with UNiDAYS and up to 22% off with TOTUM, enjoy some well-deserved you-time.

Mindfulness and Meditation 

With the stress of balancing your studies, social life, deadlines, and exams, it’s important that you book out some time for yourself, too. With UNiDAYS, you can enjoy student savings of 25% off Mindfulness, packed with calming music, podcasts, meditation tools and more. Headspace is also offering 85% off for students on their website!

Entertainment and Subscriptions

Sometimes you just need to kick back and binge a whole series, and why not? With a student discount, you can do it for less!

Streaming Services

From award-winning films to unlimited music, students can experience great entertainment without the financial pressure! 

Amazon Prime Student

Grab a six-month free trial and then another 50% off! Simply click ‘Try Prime’ on Amazon’s website to sign up and get those student savings.

Spotify Premium Student

As a student, you can get Spotify Premium free for one month if you’ve not previously subscribed. And after that, it’s only £5.99 a month! Check the Spotify website for details. 

Apple Music Student and Apple TV+

Enjoy one month free on Apple Music and Apple TV+ access at no extra cost then a discounted rate after that! 

Gaming, Cinema, and Experiences

Whether you’re an avid gamer, thrill seeker, or film lover, there are student discounts to suit every taste and budget!

HP Computers

Get up to 25% off on HP products. Sign up through the HP website and explore gaming laptops, desktops, and more. HP will also deliver your items at no extra cost.

HMV

Enjoy up to 10% off on gaming and tech items at HMV with UNiDAYS! Student Beans also has some UK student deals, including 20% off your next shop online. Check your student discount apps for T&Cs.

Alton Towers Resort

Alton Towers offer student tickets from £21 when students have verified accounts on Student Beans or UNiDAYS. There’s nothing like a thrilling rollercoaster ride to reset those exam nerves!

ODEON Cinema

Sit back and relax with up to 20% off myLIMITLESS Plus monthly subscription. Simply get your discount code on Student Beans. See your app for further details. 

Student Saving Tips for All Year-Round

We all know certain times of year bring more expenses than others! Students know the struggles of budgeting for family Christmas gifts and post-exam celebrations all too well. Student discount offers can certainly help alleviate some of the stress, but it’s not always easy to find the best deals all year round. So, we’ve listed our best tips for staying in the know.

Sign Up for Multiple Student Discount Apps

The best part about student discount apps is that you’re not limited to one. Signing up for multiple means you can quickly search, find, and compare student offers.

Enable Notifications

Turn on your student discount app notifications so you don’t miss a trick! Stay updated and grab those student savings all year-round.

If In Doubt, Ask In-Store

Many stores, eateries, and leisure venues offer student discounts, so even if an offer isn’t listed anywhere, it’s definitely worth asking. It’s not being cheeky!

Stack Discounts

Discounts can often stack together. For example, your student discount offers could combine with a sale price or loyalty points so you can save even more. There’s no harm in checking!

Final Thoughts: Saving Money as a Student

Saving money as a student doesn’t mean missing out. It’s just knowing where to look and what tools to use. Downloading student discount apps like Student Beans and UNiDAYS is a super easy way to get those student deals, and the savings add up fast! 

Building the habit of checking for discounts before you shop can help make the essentials (and the not-so-essentials) feel more affordable all year-round.

At Now Student Living, we’re committed to making your student living experience as comfortable as possible. From affordable living to accommodation advice, we’re here to help. Enquire about one of our student accommodation options today to start your university journey with confidence.