Student Discount Platforms

UNiDAYS

UNiDAYS is the most widely used student discount platform in the UK, offering verified discounts at hundreds of retailers. It is completely free to join and verifies your student status through your university email address. Discounts range from 10-25% at major brands including ASOS, Apple, Samsung, Nike, and Adidas. UNiDAYS works both online (via discount codes or direct links) and in-store (via the app).

Student Beans

Student Beans is a similar platform with a slightly different retailer mix. It is also free and verifies your student status. Student Beans tends to have strong offers on food delivery services (Deliveroo, Just Eat), fashion retailers, and subscription services. Some retailers offer discounts exclusively through Student Beans rather than UNiDAYS, so having both is recommended.

TOTUM (formerly NUS Extra)

TOTUM is the official student discount card from the National Union of Students. Unlike UNiDAYS and Student Beans, TOTUM costs £14.99 per year (or £24.99 for three years). It offers discounts at over 350 UK brands and is particularly strong for in-store discounts at high street shops, restaurants, and the Co-op (10% off). The TOTUM card also serves as a recognised proof of student status.

Best Student Discounts by Category

Travel Discounts for UK Students

16-25 Railcard

The 16-25 Railcard costs £30 per year and gives you a third off most rail fares across the UK. If you commute to university by train, this pays for itself within a few journeys. The railcard can also be loaded onto an Oyster card in London for a third off Tube and bus fares during off-peak hours. Students aged 26-30 can get a similar discount with the 26-30 Railcard.

Student Coach Travel

National Express offers a Young Persons Coachcard (£12.50/year) for a third off coach fares. Megabus often has £1 fares without needing a discount card. For longer journeys between university cities, coaches are typically the cheapest option.

Student Bank Account Benefits

Most UK student bank accounts include a free 16-25 Railcard or equivalent travel perks. Santander student accounts offer a free 4-year 16-25 Railcard worth £120. HSBC student accounts sometimes include a £100 Amazon gift card. Compare student bank account perks before freshers week, as the welcome offers change each year.

Free Software and Subscriptions for Students

Microsoft 365: Free for all UK students through their university. Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and 1TB OneDrive storage. Sign up at office.com with your university email.

GitHub Student Developer Pack: Free access to developer tools, cloud credits, and premium features. Includes GitHub Copilot, DigitalOcean credits, and JetBrains IDEs.

Adobe Creative Cloud: Available at heavily discounted student pricing (typically 60%+ off) through most UK universities. Some universities include it free with enrollment.

Amazon Prime Student: Half-price Prime membership at £4.49/month, including free next-day delivery, Prime Video, and Prime Music. Includes a free 6-month trial.

Spotify Premium Student: Half-price at £5.99/month, often bundled with Hulu and Showtime (US content available via VPN).

Apple Music Student: Half-price at £5.99/month, including access to Apple TV+ at no extra cost.