Although there’s bound to be occasions when you’ve got your head in a book, revising for an exam, or you’re staying up late to submit your assignment – being a student has its perks.
Aside from having the magic ability to nap whenever you like, eat whatever you want, and enjoy boozy nights out mid-week, student discount is one of the biggest benefits.
Not only does that plastic card with the embarrassing photo help to save you money on items such as clothes, food, electronics, and books, but it can also get you some freebies – if you know how to use it to its full advantage.
McComb Students provide some of the best student accommodation in Ormskirk. However, we’re all about offering our students so much more than just a room. That’s why we keep our eyes peeled for the latest news, tips, and special offers, and pass them on to those staying at our accommodation.
Here we take a look at everything you need to know about student discounts – including how to qualify for them and how you can get the very best deals.
How do you get a student discount?
Most brands, retail stores, and restaurants offer a discount for students. Though some promote their discounts in their shop windows and on their websites, they’re not always well-advertised.
Therefore, to establish whether your favourite shops offer a student discount, it’s worth asking a member of staff either at the checkout or on the shop floor.
For the most part, you’ll need to show your student ID. However, some organisations have their own apps and student cards which you’ll need to download on your smartphone. Make sure you find out what’s required before you get to the till.
What are the best student discount sites?
The great thing about student discounts is that you can use them in-store and online to save yourself a few pennies.
One of the most popular websites used by university students is Save The Student. It splits all the different discounts available into categories (i.e. books and magazines, food and drink, fashion, music, TV and games, etc), making it easier for you to find the best deals.
Another one you’ve probably heard of is UNiDAYS. Using the website or free app, you can get thousands of student offers straight to your phone – whether it be for study materials, tasty food, stylish trainers, gym memberships, beauty products, or the latest tech.
Student Beans is also ideal for savvy students looking to reap the benefit of discounted prices. Similar to UNiDAYS, you can browse thousands of special offers from leading brands on the internet or via the free downloadable app. If you haven’t already, sign up today and save money on gadgets, days outs, pizza, and so much more!
If you’re travelling back and forth from our student accommodation in Ormskirk – either home at the weekend or to your uni placement throughout the week – you may consider getting a 16-25 railcard. This will allow you to save up to 33% on your rail travel, meaning you’ll have more to spend on food, clothes, nights out, and revision books.
Totum (the rebrand of the NUS extra card) offers over 200 discounts on big and small brands in the UK. Admittedly, you’ll need to pay £12 for one year, £22 for two years, or £32 for three years, but you’ll get a whole lot more in return.
How do you know whether or not you’re getting a good deal?
Sometimes, you may be offered a discount for a product that’s priced higher than it usually is. Whilst it might seem like you’re getting a good deal at the time, the reality is, you’re not actually saving that much.
So, when you’re shopping for a bargain with your student discount card in hand – either at the retail park, in town, or online at your student accommodation in Ormskirk – be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Shop around – can you get the product you’re looking for cheaper elsewhere using your student discount? Try the main retailers as well as niche online stores.
- Look closely at the price history – some retailers increase their prices just before they offer a discount, so it’s worth checking and comparing prices over time.
- Plan ahead – gadgets, such as a new laptop or mobile phone, are bound to make a dent in your student loan. Therefore, it pays to find out which shops offer student discounts. Check their prices now, and then check them again a few weeks later to see if they change.
That’s pretty much everything you need to know about student discounts. Now all that’s left to do is start using your student card and the apps and websites mentioned above.
Get in touch with the team at McComb Students for more money-saving tips. If you have any questions regarding our student accommodation in Ormskirk, we’d also be more than happy to help. Either give us a call on 01695 422 122 or drop us an email at info@mccombstudents.com, and we’ll get back to you.
