Student discounts

How do student discounts work?

Most UK retailers don't publish a student code. Instead, you prove you're a student through a verification service. Once you're approved, the service gives you a code or sends you to the retailer with the discount already applied.

UNiDAYS and Student Beans

Both are free to join. You sign up with your university or college email address, or upload proof of enrolment. Retailers choose which service they use, so it helps to have an account with each.

TOTUM

TOTUM, which grew out of the NUS card, has a free digital version and a paid card with extra benefits. It covers students in further education as well as university.

Direct verification

A few retailers check your .ac.uk email address themselves. You'll usually find the option on their student discount page.

What do student discounts usually leave out?

Sale items are the most common exclusion. Gift cards, some premium brands and other promotions are often left out too. Most retailers also won't let you use a student code alongside another code.

How to get more from a student discount

• Set up your verification accounts before you shop, as approval can take a few minutes.
• Compare the student offer with any public code, since one is sometimes better than the other.
• Check whether free delivery still applies once the student discount is taken off.

Our full guide to saving money as a student covers more. NHS staff and key workers have their own schemes, covered on our NHS discounts page.