Discounts, discounts, discounts

We're here to help out with where to start, as well as where to go to keep up to date with the latest deals.

Managing your money as a student can sometimes be a bit tough, but there are a lot of perks when it comes to being a student, not to mention all the discounts on offer.

To help you find what’s out there, we’ve compiled this list of the deals on offer just by virtue of being a student.

TOTUM and TOTUM+

Probably the most well-known student discount scheme out there - albeit with a changing name - apprenticeship, college and university students can apply for TOTUM and TOTUM+ – a magical card which offers deals and discounts you won’t want to miss.

There are a lot of benefits with this card, including 10% off at the Co-op and ASOS, as well as cinema discounts and deals at your favourite chain restaurants (and we’re only just scratching the surface).

The card costs £14.99 for a year, £24.99 for two years or three years (bargain!), and you'll definitely make that back in discounts!

What’s more, and for no extra cost, you can also take advantage of TOTUM ID – a PASS approved identity card. This could come in handy if you don’t currently have any other form of ID.

Find out more about the Totum Card

UNiDaYS

A favourite among students, UNiDAYS is a must. You don’t need to pay anything to access the discounts that this platform offers, just have a university email to sign in with.

With a handy app and website, UNiDAYS is bursting with discounts and offers, from 10% off in New Look and Apple to money off meals at restaurants like Bill’s.

Find out more about UNiDAYS

Travel

If you’re living away from home, it’s worth investing in either a 16-25 Railcard or a Young Person’s Coachcard. Both offer you a third off fares, either on trains or with National Express coaches. While they both reference age, mature students are also eligible.

The railcard costs £30 for a year, or £70 for three years. The coach card is £15 for a year, or £35 for three years. Don’t forget: Some student bank accounts will offer a coach or railcard as an incentive for opening an account with them.

While the coachcard is valid for all standard and fully flexible fares, be careful with the railcard. For peak journeys (classed as between 4.30-10am Monday to Friday, except public holidays, July and August), a £12 minimum fare applies.

Find out more about the 16-25 Railcard

Find out more about the Young Persons Coachcard

And that's not all...

There are a whole host of websites out there dedicated to keeping you up to date with the latest discounts, so we’ll do everyone a favour and just give you the links – they’re on the right-hand side of the page.

A decadent day of discounts

Okay, let’s say you’re in Southampton for the weekend, you’ve got money to blow but don’t want to pay full whack. What can you do to really make the most of your discounts?

• 10am: Let’s assume you don’t live in Southampton. Having a railcard or coach card has netted you a third off the fare.
• 11am: Once you’re here, head to the shops! New Look, Office and Accessorize all offer you 10% off. And you'll find regular discounts and offers at places like River Island, Urban Outfitters, Schuh, and Hollister with either your NUS Extra TOTUM card or UNiDAYS app.
• 1pm: Starting to feel a bit hungry? There are SO many places to eat in Southampton and SO many discounts too.
• 3pm: In the afternoon, you’ll be able to get a student discount at either the Mayflower Theatre, Showcase Cinema, or Hollywood Bowl.
• 6pm: If you're still peckish after lunch, check out the discounts available for other places you can eat. Or even just use the 10% off at the Co-op with an NUS TOTUM discount card! Then you can grab a sandwich.
• 8pm: There are quite a few bars and pubs in Southampton which cater to students and often offer deals on drinks. You can find out more on our going out page.
• Then you can get your train home whenever! Or if you need somewhere to stay, you can use your UNiDAYS discount and get up to 40% off Hotels.com. Sorted!