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Student Blog Squad

Making the most of student discounts

Hi, I’m Raida, and today, I will be your thrifty bestie with my guide to the power of Student Discounts – your secret weapon for saving money during your uni days (pun intended; read on, and you’ll see).

As a student, life can be a whirlwind of lectures, assignments, and social activities. But amidst the chaos, budgeting can elude us. But don’t worry, student discounts can help save you some serious cash! Let's dive into the world of student deals and discover how you can make the most of them in Leeds.

Can I Get a Student Single Please?

First Bus App: If you're an avid bus commuter in Leeds, the First Bus app is your best friend where you can pre-purchase single or multiple journey tickets for the day, week, month or all term. Besides the app, by showing your Student ID Card (Campus Card) to the driver on some lines including the Headingley line (Buses 1, 6, 8, 28, 27 and 52), you can access discounted fares like the Under-19 or Student Single tickets. This can significantly reduce your transportation costs and make getting around Leeds a breeze.

All Aboard the Train with a Railcard

Railcard Discounts: Traveling by train is a great way to explore the UK, but it can be expensive. As a student, you can save on train travel by purchasing a Railcard which gives you an instant 1/3 discount on fares across trains to all destinations in the UK. A popular Railcard choice for students is the 16-25 and Mature Full-time Student Railcard. Choose from a 1-year or 3-year option. With a Railcard, you can make the most of your student life and explore Britain without breaking the bank. 

Shop 'Til You Drop (on a Budget)

Unidays and Totum: Remember the earlier pun? These student discount platforms are like treasure troves for savvy shoppers. With Unidays and Totum, you can unlock exclusive discounts and cashbacks on a wide range of food, drink and lifestyle goods, from fashion and electronics to stationery and tech gadgets. Make sure to sign up on these platforms with your Leeds Beckett email ID for them to verify your student status.

A special shoutout to Totum for the additional benefits of a Totum Card. Many brands such as Megabus have student discounts which you can access with a valid virtual Totum Card on your phone – I love using this feature when I travel to different cities on Megabus.

So, whenever you want some retail therapy, these platforms have you covered!

Fuel Your Studies (and Hunger) with Student Deals

Food and Drink Discounts: Many restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Leeds offer student discounts to help you fuel your studies without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for student specials, happy hours, and meal deals. A great way to do this is to check the social media or webpages of the places you like or just ask at the counter. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a cozy dinner, there's a student-friendly option waiting for you – remember to show your Campus Card!

Discover Hidden Gems: Other Student Discounts in Leeds

Museums and Galleries: Leeds is home to a variety of museums and galleries that offer free and discounted admission to students for special exhibitions. From art to history, there's something for everyone to explore – and most of them are free.

Gyms and Fitness Centres: Staying active is important for both your physical and mental health. Many gyms and fitness centers in Leeds offer discounted memberships to students, making it easier to stay fit and healthy on a budget. Have a look at these popular fitness names for starters: Pure Gym, The Gym Group, JD Gyms. There might also be independent fitness or meditation studios in your neighbourhood with offers.

Entertainment and Events: From concerts and festivals to theatre performances and comedy shows, Leeds has a vibrant entertainment scene. Keep an eye out for student discounts on tickets to your favourite events. Start with following Visit Leeds on social media, I found that they always signpost towards student and family deals. 

So, there you have it! Student discounts can be a game-changer when it comes to saving money in Leeds. Carry your Campus Card and take advantage of these deals to enjoy a more affordable lifestyle while making the most of uni!

Watch this space for more exciting tips and tricks :)

Raida

Hi, I’m Raida. I’m an international student from Bangladesh, studying MSc Management and Marketing at Leeds Beckett Business School. I am an ambivert passionate about reading, walks, photography, a little yoga, playing some pool and a lot of travelling.

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