The Best Student Discounts in the UK
Start with the discounts that save you the most over a year: travel, banking and the subscriptions you already pay for.
Travel: the biggest savings
| Card | Price | Saving | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-25 Railcard | £35 a year (£80 for 3) | 1/3 off rail fares | Ages 16–25 and mature students |
| Young Persons Coachcard | £30 a year + £3 postage | 1/3 off Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares | Ages 16–26 and full-time students |
From the official sites, checked 9 October 2026.
If you go home by train or coach a few times a term, one of these cards pays for itself quickly. See 16-25 Railcard and Young Persons Coachcard.
Banking
UK student accounts have no monthly fee and an interest-free overdraft that grows each year, up to £3,000–£3,250 depending on the bank. Compare NatWest, HSBC and Nationwide in UK student bank accounts.
Subscriptions
| Service | UK student price |
|---|---|
| Spotify Premium Student | £5.99 a month |
| Apple Music Student | £5.99 a month |
Regular price £11.99–£12.99. See the brand pages for the rules.
Shopping
- Boots: 10% off in store and online with a Boots Advantage Card. See Boots.
- ASOS: 10% student discount, sometimes more at term start. See ASOS.
- Sephora UK: 15% online with Student Beans at our latest check. See Sephora.
- Apple: education pricing in the UK too, for example a MacBook Air at £1,199 instead of £1,299. See Apple.
Discount cards and apps
TOTUM is free as an app, with TOTUM+ from £14.99 a year. UNiDAYS and Student Beans are free and are how many brands check your status. See TOTUM, Student Beans and verification services.
A freshers checklist
- Open a student bank account before you need the overdraft. Sign-up perks change often and usually have deadlines, so compare them before you choose a bank.
- Buy a travel card before your first trip home, not at the station on the day.
- Switch your music subscription to the student plan and set a reminder to re-verify every year.
- Sign up to UNiDAYS and Student Beans with your university email while you have it, so verification is instant later.
- Check what your university already gives you for free, such as Microsoft 365. See free stuff for students.
Students also ask
What is the best student discount in the UK?
For most students, a travel card (16-25 Railcard or Young Persons Coachcard), because 1/3 off every trip adds up fastest.
Do I need TOTUM to get UK student discounts?
No. Many brands use free services like UNiDAYS or Student Beans. TOTUM is an extra option.
Can international students get UK student discounts?
Usually yes for shopping and travel cards. UK student bank accounts usually ask for three years of UK residence.
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