MY MONEY CO-EDITOR RACHEL MITCHELL
STUDENT DISCOUNTS What are they and how do I get them? BY RACHEL MITCHELL One of the top student perks, I think we can all agree on, is the discounts available in the hundreds. When I was a student, the idea that I might be able to get a cheeky discount off my latest shopping spree was both a relief (because I was always broke) and it felt like you’d got a right bargain (even if 10% off equivalated to 10p). Back then, you had to look quite hard to find the discounts. You might see a little sign in a shop window saying that they accept NUS Extra Cards but mostly, you’d know because you would ask. As someone who was always a little socially awkward, I must have missed out on loads of discounts available to me, because I was too shy. Thank goodness it seems to be easier now.
It now appears as though there are several sites and schemes you can sign up to, which will give you access to student discounts. I did a quick google search, and these are the top answers.
UNIDAYS www.myunidays.com UNiDAYS appear to have overtaken NUS extra (now TOTUM) in most recent years. I think the main draw to this is because it’s a free site to access, whereas NUS extra you would pay for a physical card. On entering the UNiDAYS site, I am surprised with the calibre of brands on board and the discounts available. For example, 20% at Office and 30% off Pure Gym. A far cry from what used to be on the site, UNiDAYS operates across 7 countries with 1 in every 3 students being a UNiDAYS member. There seems to be something for everyone, and it is very handy having all the discounts in one place. This site is for sixth form, college and university students.
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