Being a student comes with plenty of discounts and they can really help stretch your budget. But it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful, especially with online deals. Here’s what’s available and how to make the most of it.
What discounts can I get as a student?
You can access lots of discounts just by showing your Exeter Uni ID card or signing up to free student discount platforms. It’s easy to get tempted. Only use it for things you were already planning to buy.
What are the best student discount apps?
- UNiDAYS: Free and open to students in university, college or sixth form. It mainly offers discounts on clothes, tech, food and eating out. You can register for UNiDAYS on their website.
- Student Beans: Very similar to UNiDAYS, Student Beans is also free and offers discounts on a range of online purchases. You can register for Student Beans on their website.
- TOTUM: Formerly NUS Extra, Totum is a paid discount card which can give you extra discounts and be used as an ID in some shops and restaurants. You can find costs and find out how to buy on their website.
How can I save money on travel?
- Railcards: If you travel by train regularly, a railcard can save you up to 1/3 off fares. It typically costs around £30 for one year or £70 for three years. You can purchase one on their website.
- Split ticketing: You can sometimes save money by splitting a journey into smaller tickets. This can be cheaper than buying one full journey ticket. You will need to check that your train stops at the right stations and that you’re following the correct route. Trainline, Split My Fare and TrainSplit are good apps to try.
Are student bus passes worth it?
If you use the bus a lot, a pass could save you money. In Exeter, most services are run by Stagecoach. Explore term passes (Termrider) prices and how to purchase on Stagecoach’s website. Think about how often you travel before buying, it’s only worth it if you’ll use it regularly.
Can I save money on food shopping?
Yes. Supermarket loyalty cards are a simple way to save. They are usually free and can give you access to lower prices and let you build points to spend later. You can see a breakdown of supermarket loyalty cards on Which’s website.
How can I avoid overspending?
Discounts can help, but only if you use them wisely. Try to avoid buying things just because they’re “on offer”, check if you actually need it and compare prices before buying.
Check out our Budgeting Support Guide for further tips.
Can the Guild help me?
If you’re trying to manage your money, we can help you make a plan that works for you. We can:
- help you budget
- talk through ways to reduce spending
- support you if money is becoming a worry
Email advice@exeterguild.com or complete our enquiry form.
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