Off to university? Here’s where to find the UK’s best student discounts

Leaving home for university can be an expensive business. But there are many deals and discounts which can reduce the cost.

The best advice is to always carry your student card with you – most places accept a UNiDAYS ID, Student Beans ID or Totum card, or sometimes even an email providing proof that you are a student. And where it is not clear whether a place offers a student discount or not, don’t be shy to ask.

Some of the major retailers’ discounts include:

• Amazon Prime: available free for six months, after which it’s 50% off.

• Spotify: one month Spotify Premium free, with a subscription cost of £5.99 a month after that.

• Apple: deals on laptops and iPads which can include gift cards when you buy. Also 20% off AppleCare.

• Microsoft: 10% off laptops, Microsoft 365, and the latest version of Windows.

• Boots: with an Advantage Card, you can get a 10% discount on thousands of products.

UNiDAYS, Student Beans and Totum offer a range of discounts and are free to sign up to. To redeem the discount, generate a code and enter it at the checkout. Here are some of the best bargains:

• The Gym Group: 30% off 12-month memberships.

• Hello Fresh: 60% off the first box, 25% off the first two months, and free desserts.

• Deliveroo Students: free delivery across the university year when minimum spends are met (£10 for the first three months, £25 thereafter).

• M&S: 25% off its “food on the move” range, handy for a library packed lunch.

• Duolingo: a two-month free trial for those looking to supplement their degree with another language.

• Not on the High Street: 10% discount to help with decorating your dingy halls room.