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Discover the best student discounts in the UK: Guide to stay on a budget!
Your guide to the best student discounts in UK, including travel, museums, shopping and more to help you save while studying abroad.
Being a student in the UK is an adventure. You’re in a new country (maybe even a new continent), you’re figuring out how to balance studies, friends, travel, and late-night takeaways. And at the same time, you’re probably staring at your bank account wondering how it empties so quickly. Between tuition, rent, groceries, and that one “I’ll just grab a coffee” habit, costs pile up fast.
But here’s a little secret: students in the UK get some of the best discounts around. From exploring museums and traveling by trains to grabbing discounts on online shopping, your student ID is basically a golden ticket to savings. And if you’re an international student, these discounts are even more of a lifesaver.
This guide has 10 of the best student discounts in the UK, covering costs, how to claim them, and what ID you’ll need.
1. The British Museum
Home to over 8 million artifacts, the British Museum’s like walking through the entire history of humanity, art, and culture, in one building. The best part? Entry is free for everyone. But students get additional perks like discounts on special exhibitions and guided tours at a reduced price.
Cost: Special exhibition tickets cost around £8-£20 ($11-27 USD) for students with a valid student ID.
How to claim: Show your student card when buying tickets at the museum, or choose online booking and show your ID at the counter.
2. National Rail Railcard
Traveling across the UK, including England, Scotland, and Wales, can be pricey. But the 16-25 Railcard is a game-changer. It’s one of the best student travel discounts, giving you 1/3 off most train fares. Perfect for students, recent graduates, and young professionals looking to explore more for less.
Cost: £35 ($47 USD) for one year, £80 ($107 USD) for three years.
How to claim: Buy online at thetrainline.com.
3. London Tube
If you’re studying in London, you know that travelling by the tube is a huge part of life. A ticket generally costs £7 ($9 USD) for traveling between any 2 stations. With the Student Oyster photocard, you can get discounted travel if you’re 18 or over, a student, and living in a London borough. With this card, your journey between 2 stations can cost you as little as £3 ($4.03 USD). You also get 30% off on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.
How to claim: Applications for the Student Oyster photocard open on 1 September each year. You need to set up a photocard web account to get started.
Eligibility: You must be enrolled for a full-time course with at least 15 tuition-led or structured learning hours a week. You must attend classes Monday to Friday only (not including evening classes) that span a minimum of 14 weeks on the same course.
4. UNiDAYS
The UNiDAYS app is like having all the best student discounts in one place. From ASOS and Nike to laptops, tablets and even learning and wellbeing tools, UNiDAYS has you covered.
Cost: Free.
How to claim: Download the app, verify student status, and start saving.
5. Alton Towers
Spread across 500 acres of stunning Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers isn’t just a theme park, it’s a full-on adventure getaway! It’s got over 40 thrilling rides and attractions, including the legendary Smiler, and the Toxicator. Plus with 3 uniquely themed hotels, cozy Stargazing Pods, and the magical Enchanted Village, you’ll have plenty of ways to stay, play, and explore.
Cost: £21 ($28 USD) for access to the 40 rides.
How to claim: Claim by verifying your student status through Student Beans or UNiDAYS.
6. Madame Tussauds London
Step into Madame Tussauds London and get up close with over 150 incredibly lifelike celebrity figures spread across 3 floors and 8 themed zones. Explore 4 fully immersive experiences, hop on the Spirit of London ride to journey through the city’s history, or brave the eerie Chamber of Horrors to uncover some of London’s darkest secrets. Don’t forget the Marvel Universe 4D cinema, where wind, water, and jaw-dropping effects make you feel like you’re part of the action.
Cost: Student tickets start from £15 ($20 USD)
How to claim: To grab your discount, start by creating a free Student Beans account. Then, verify your student status, and get access to this discount.
7. Tate Modern
If you’re into modern, thought-provoking art from around the world, the Tate Modern is your place to be. Entry to the main galleries is always free, but ticketed exhibitions are where discounts kick in. Anyone aged 16-25 can join the art gallery’s Tate Collective for access to £5 ($7 USD) exhibition tickets + exclusive events and offers. You can explore more art with less damage to your wallet.
Cost: Free entry. Exhibition tickets are £5 ($7 USD) with Tate Collective for ages 16-25.
How to claim: Sign up online for free with the Tate Collective membership.
8. Supermarket discounts
Groceries are where money disappears fast. Worry not though. Supermarkets like Tesco, Co-op, and Iceland often have student-friendly pricing, especially with loyalty cards like Tesco Clubcard.
Cost: Free to join.
How to claim: Apply online or in-store. Always carry your student card.
Bonus – Holafly Plans
For international students, staying connected is just as important as saving on trains or groceries. With Holafly Plans, you get monthly global data starting at $49.90, giving you unlimited internet access anywhere, anytime. No contracts, no hidden fees, and you can cancel anytime. Whether you’re navigating the London Underground, planning a weekend trip across Europe, or keeping in touch with family back home, Holafly Plans let you travel unlimited and stay connected everywhere without the stress of roaming charges.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
How to stretch every pound further
Student discounts aren’t just about saving a few pounds, they’re about creating room in your budget for experiences. The train ride to Scotland, the museum tour in London, the coffee before class, or the movie night with friends, they all add up.
Here’s the golden rule: always ask if there’s a student discount. You’d be surprised at how many places offer them, even if they’re not advertised. Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans make it easy to stay on top of the best student discounts in the UK, but your student ID is your ultimate ticket to savings.
Because let’s face it: money saved today means more adventures tomorrow.
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