As a student, managing finances can be tricky. One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money is by taking advantage of the benefits your National Union of Students (NUS) card offers. I’ve used my NUS card for years, and through trial and error, I’ve discovered several ways to maximize its value. If you’re new to using an NUS card or haven’t fully explored its benefits, let me share 10 simple, actionable ways you can save money.
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1. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
The NUS card gives you access to a variety of discounts across different sectors. Whether you’re buying food, clothing, or tech, there’s likely a discount available. Retailers like ASOS, Amazon, and Superdrug offer significant student discounts. For instance, you might get 10% off on a pair of jeans at ASOS or a 5% discount on your online shopping at Amazon.
For example, imagine you’re shopping for a laptop that costs £500. With an NUS card, you may get a 10% discount, which will save you £50, making your laptop only £450. Over time, these savings add up, especially on big-ticket items.
2. Save on Food and Drink
Food expenses can add up quickly, but with an NUS card, you can get discounts at various restaurants, cafes, and even grocery stores. Many chains like Domino’s, Starbucks, and Subway offer exclusive student offers. If you’re someone who likes to grab a coffee or sandwich on the go, these discounts can save you a lot over the course of a semester.
For example, if you visit Starbucks and use your NUS card for a 10% discount, a £3.50 coffee becomes £3.15. While it might not seem like much for one cup, let’s say you go there 3 times a week. That’s a savings of £54 over the span of 6 months, just for buying coffee!
3. Access to Travel Discounts
Getting around as a student can be expensive, but your NUS card can help reduce your travel costs. Many public transport systems and companies, including National Express, offer discounts for students. You can save on bus fares, train tickets, and even plane tickets if you’re booking travel.
Let’s say you’re planning a weekend getaway to a nearby city, and a train ticket costs £40 without a discount. With an NUS card, you might save 20%, reducing the ticket price to £32. That’s £8 saved per ticket. If you travel multiple times a semester, this can amount to significant savings.
4. Use Your NUS Card for Entertainment Savings
One of the most enjoyable ways to save money with an NUS card is through discounts on entertainment. Whether it’s movies, events, or even theme parks, you can often access discounted tickets. For example, Cineworld and Odeon cinemas offer discounted student tickets, typically reducing the price from £12 to around £8.
Imagine going to the movies once a week. Over the course of a month, you could save £16 if you use your NUS card. That’s £192 saved in a year just by enjoying some entertainment!
5. Shop for Books and Study Materials
As a student, you’ll inevitably need books, study materials, or software for your coursework. With an NUS card, you can save on academic resources. Sites like Blackwell’s and Waterstones offer student discounts, and even major academic publishers like Oxford University Press provide reduced rates for students.
Let’s say you’re buying a textbook for £50. If the NUS card provides a 10% discount, you save £5. If you need to buy multiple textbooks throughout the year, the savings will increase. Over the course of your degree, those savings could add up to a significant amount.
6. Get Better Deals on Clothing
Clothing is another category where the NUS card shines. Whether you’re buying new clothes for the semester or looking to refresh your wardrobe, many retailers offer discounts for students. Stores like Topshop, Urban Outfitters, and H&M have regular sales for NUS cardholders.
For example, if you purchase a jacket for £100, you may get a 10% discount. That means you save £10 right away. If you were planning to buy multiple items for the season, these savings can really add up.
7. Leverage Technology Discounts
If you’re in need of a new phone, laptop, or any tech equipment, the NUS card can help. Many tech retailers offer student discounts on their products. Apple, for instance, often provides student discounts on their products, and you can combine that with NUS extra savings to get even better deals.
For example, if you buy a new laptop worth £600, you might receive a 5% student discount, saving you £30. These discounts can be especially helpful for students who rely on technology for their studies.
8. Look for Discounted Gym Memberships
A healthy lifestyle is important, and staying fit while at university is something I personally value. The NUS card offers discounts on gym memberships at various fitness centers, making it easier for students to access affordable workout options.
If a local gym charges £30 a month for a membership, you may get a discount to reduce the price to £25 per month. This doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the course of a year, that’s a savings of £60.
9. Enjoy Better Mobile Deals
Mobile phone contracts and data plans can be costly, but NUS cardholders often have access to discounted mobile deals. Providers like Three, O2, and Vodafone have student plans that offer better data allowances and lower rates than the standard plans.
For instance, if your phone contract typically costs £40 a month, you might be able to reduce it to £35 with a student discount. Over the course of a year, that £5 a month savings can accumulate to £60, which can be used for other essentials.
10. Use Your NUS Card for Free Trials and Exclusive Offers
Lastly, many companies offer free trials or exclusive offers for students with NUS cards. This can be incredibly helpful for accessing premium services without committing to full payment upfront. Whether it’s a free month of Spotify, free access to online learning platforms, or discounts on subscription services like Netflix, these offers can save you money while giving you access to useful resources.
For instance, Spotify often offers a 50% discount for students, reducing the usual £9.99 per month to just £4.99. If you’re someone who listens to music every day, this is a substantial saving.
Final Thoughts
Having an NUS card offers students a wealth of money-saving opportunities. From travel discounts to entertainment deals, food savings, and more, it’s clear that the benefits of this card far outweigh the small investment. I’ve found that by being mindful of how I use my NUS card, I can easily save hundreds of pounds each year, which helps me stretch my student budget further. If you haven’t made the most of your NUS card yet, now is the perfect time to start exploring these discounts and making the most of your student life.
Summary Table of Common NUS Card Savings:
| Category | Example Savings | Potential Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Drink | 10% off at Starbucks | £50-£100 |
| Clothing | 10% off at ASOS | £50-£200 |
| Travel | 20% off train tickets | £50-£150 |
| Entertainment | £4 discount at cinemas | £50-£200 |
| Books & Study Materials | 10% off textbooks | £20-£100 |
| Technology | 5% off Apple products | £30-£100 |
| Gym Memberships | £5 off monthly fee | £60-£120 |
| Mobile Plans | £5 off monthly fee | £60-£120 |
| Free Trials & Offers | 50% off Spotify | £30-£60 |
By incorporating these 10 strategies, you’ll find that your NUS card is much more than just a piece of plastic – it’s a tool that can help you manage your finances and make your student life much more affordable.
