The time you spend at university will be some of the most fun and outgoing years of your life, providing you with plenty of advantages and opportunities to live the real student dream.
Student life can be the doorway to receiving discounts in your favourite shops, restaurants and online retailers alongside the perfect financial situation of interest-free overdrafts and not having to pay tax. There are plenty of perks to being a student, and you will be surprised how many establishments that you may not have known about actually offer a student discount.
So, here are just a few examples of the best offers for you to take full advantage of, and enjoy living the student dream!
Student Discount Cards
One of the most popular discount cards is UNiDAYS, with brands offering savings such as: adidas, Nike, Shein, Oh Polly, Hollister (extra 10% discount), Aerie (extra 20% off), American Eagle (20% off), ASOS, Urban Outfitters, Apple, Samsung, and many more. Discounts range from 10% – up to 50% and the service is completely FREE! Sign yourself up today at the UNiDAYS website, all you need is your uni email address to confirm your place of study.
Additional discount platforms worth exploring include Student Beans, which offers free access to hundreds of discounts from brands like Gymshark, ASOS, Domino’s and Boots. TOTUM (formerly NUS Extra) provides access to thousands of deals for a small annual fee, while the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) extends benefits globally with discounts in over 130 countries, perfect for international students or those planning to travel abroad.
We also have an exclusive City Block student discount card for any of our residents, which includes Lancaster business specific discounts!
Student Bank Accounts
The world would be a very happy place if all bank accounts came with the idyllic advantages of a student account. Banks love enticing students to open bank accounts, offering a range of various freebies in order to compete with the competition.
Apart from the ever-tempting interest-free overdraft that will also allow you an extra year of 0% interest after you complete your studies, some banks offer useful freebies including a free rail card, Tastecard membership or cash welcome bonuses, make sure to check Money Saving Expert to find the best current student bank offerings.
A top tip for choosing the right bank for you is to consider the largest 0% overdraft you can receive, unless the huge freebies beat it. Be aware that some banks offer “guaranteed” overdrafts while others offer “up to” amounts, guaranteed means you’ll definitely get the stated limit if accepted, while “up to” amounts depend on your credit record. Avoid picking a branch just because it is the closest and never go over your overdraft limit! You will be credit-scored so do your research and make sure you find the perfect account to suit your needs!
Travel and Entertainment Deals
16-25 Railcard advantages continue to provide exceptional value, offering 1/3 off most rail fares across Great Britain for £35 annually or £80 for three years. Students save an average of £208 per year, and the railcard works with London Transport for Off-Peak Oyster travel. Full-time students over 25 can also purchase this railcard with proof of study.
Entertainment and subscription savings have expanded significantly, with current offers including:
- Spotify Student: £5.99 per month for Premium subscription
- Amazon Prime Student: Six months free, then £4.49 monthly with next-day delivery and Prime Video
- Deliveroo Plus: One year free (normally £11.49 monthly) for takeaway delivery
Summer Jobs
Lancaster University gives you an extended summer break from late June until late September – that’s approximately three months of freedom to explore, work, and experience life beyond lectures!
Some music festivals offer discount ticket prices for students or pay-monthly instalment plan options to make purchasing a ticket that little bit easier! Another great way of attending the top music festivals of the year if on a budget is to volunteer with various festival companies including Oxfam, Hotbox Events, My Cause UK, and Festaff.
Summer employment opportunities have also expanded beyond traditional roles to include summer camps, theme parks, corporate internships lasting 2-12 weeks, and international programs like Camp America. Many companies now offer structured summer internship programs specifically designed for students.
If wanting to jet set around the UK, or maybe further afield, make plans with the mates you’ve met at uni and arrange to stay with them for free accommodation across your travels, just be sure to return the favour! If you haven’t got a car or a mate with a car, organise a group of friends and use public transport. Who knows where you will end up? Also, by taking camping gear with you, you can save money on accommodation costs and enjoy the outdoors in a fun and unique way!
Get your Accommodation Sorted
Whether you are soon to be enjoying your first or last year at uni, here at CityBlock, we are dedicated to providing students with quality for money and high standard student accommodation Lancaster. For more information regarding our student housing facilities please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team on 01524 541251 today!
