Maximising student discounts

Hi, my name is Zuzana and I am here to share with you some tips on how to get the most out of your student discount! Grab your student ID and get ready to maximise your discounts. Now is the time to turn your status as a student into a superpower for saving.

@uniofbrighton

Discover Brighton’s best student discounts with Zuzana! 🌟🛍️ You can find more #Brighton tips and advice on our student blog in bio ☺️ #brighton #brightonuk #brightonuni #student #studentdiscount #studentlife #fyp

♬ original sound – University of Brighton

Always ask

You would be surprised how many places offer student discounts. Many independent stores in Brighton may not advertise them or be on student apps however, they do offer them. That is why it is important to always ask before making a purchase or paying in a cafe or restaurant.

Always carry your student ID with you

In addition to the first tip, always bring your student ID, which may seem obvious, but crucial. A valid student ID is usually required at the time of purchase in most stores. Making sure you have your student ID always available can help you avoid missing out on potential savings. Some shops also require you to have certain apps that verify student status.

Utilise the student apps

Student discount apps are your best friend, my favourites are Student Beans and UniDays as these are free, and are the best way of keeping track of all of the discounts available across 100’s of shops. There is also TOTUM, which costs around £15 per year but does offer some exclusive discounts that are not on other apps, so check it out to see if you think it is worth the spend. If you commute to university or use the train often, you need a TOTUM card to buy a Unizone ticket. A Unizone ticket is a heavily discounted student ticket, which gives you unlimited train travel in a certain area, if you commute it is defiantly worth checking out.

Take advantage of university activities and facilities

Many of the services and resources offered by the University of Brighton are free or heavily discounted for students, such as the Sport Brighton gym membership which is around £15 per month and also gives you access to fitness classes too. You can also access the gym on any campus, so you can make the most of the new facilities on Falmer and Moulsecoomb Campus – a much cheaper alternative to paying Brighton prices. The Brighton Students’ Union also offer loads of free ‘Give it a Go’ activities throughout the year and free memberships to societies.

Price comparison tools

Comparing prices across retailers is a good idea before making a purchase.  You can easily identify whether a retailer offers a discount for students or if another store offers a cheaper price for the same item by doing a quick search. I like using PriceRunner where you can compare prices but also research reviews.

Timing

Don’t rush into buying something without checking for discounts first. Being strategic about the timing of your purchases is key to maximising your student discount savings. Look out for seasonal sales, special promotions, or even specific days of the week when retailers offer additional student discounts. Often there are bigger student discounts offered at the start of a new term, so keep checking the apps for the best deals.

Budget wisely

While student discounts can save you money, it’s still critical to stick to a budget. Avoid being tempted to overspend because of discounts.

Being a student often means juggling tight budgets and limited resources, however, it doesn’t mean missing out on savings. Making intentional choices and taking advantage of the resources available to you not only helps you save money but also builds valuable habits that will last you a lifetime. With these tips, you’re armed to make the most of every penny. Your wallet will thank you!