Studying abroad can be an expensive endeavor for international students. Luckily, there are many student discounts available to help reduce costs on everything from transportation to entertainment. There are a plethora of discount offers available that can help students lower their daily costs and improve their quality of life drastically. Taking advantage of these deals allows international students to make the most of their overseas university experience. This article explores student discounts available in popular study destinations like the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US. Read on!
Student Discounts in the UK
The UK is home to over 500,000 international students each year. These students can take advantage of the following discounts:
- Transportation – Students can purchase a 16-25 Railcard for £30 per year, giving 1/3 off train fares across the UK. Most local buses also offer discounted rates for students.
- Museums & Galleries – Many museums like the Natural History Museum and National Gallery offer discounted entry for students. The same goes for historic sites like Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, etc.
- Restaurants – Sign up for student discount programs like TOTUM to receive 10% off or free food at places like Pizza Express, Krispy Kreme, and more. Moreover, hunt for discount offers that are available across various food applications.
- Entertainment – Students get special rates for entertainment like West End shows. Most cinemas also offer reduced-price movie tickets during the week.
- Shopping – Present a valid student ID for 10% off at stores like ASOS and Topshop. There are also always student deals available for tech like laptops.
Student Discounts in Australia
With over 200,000 international students, Australia has plenty of student discounts on offer including:
- Public Transport – A student ID will give discounts on public transport like trains, buses, ferries, and trams ranging from 20-50% off.Â
- Attractions – Many zoos, aquariums, and museums like the National Gallery offer reduced student rates. Most cinemas also offer discounted movie tickets.
- Clothing & Technology – Stores like General Pants Co. and Cotton On provide 10% off for students. Apple and Dell also offer special student pricing on laptops and tech accessories, especially during the July and November intake.
- Food – Sign up for student discount programs to receive offers like 25% off at Mad Mex restaurants or free food from Tacobell. Moreover, be on the lookout for offers on food delivery applications as well as social media platforms.
Student Discounts in Canada
Canada boats one of the largest communities of international students. Some top student discounts that can alleviate your expenses are:
- Movies & Entertainment – Cineplex and Landmark cinemas offer reduced student movie tickets during the week. Most concert venues also offer discounts at the door upon showing a student ID.
- Travel – Students can get 25% off VIA Rail tickets by verifying their status. Rental cars and hotels also provide discounts for students. Moreover, many students use the sky train for their daily commute.
- Software – Students are eligible for free or discounted software like Microsoft Office 365 through their university. Apart from this, many software like Photoshop and Grammarly offer student discounts. If you are into music streaming, search for student discounts on Spotify as well.Â
- Clothing РBrands like Le Ch̢teau, Old Navy, and Urban Outfitters offer 10-15% off with a student card. Canada also has many discounted stores that sell high-quality items at massive discounts.
- Telecoms – Phone companies like Bell, Rogers, and Fido have student mobile plans with reduced rates.
Student Discounts in the US
With over 1 million international students, the US has widespread student discounts such as:
- Amazon Prime – Students get 6 months free and 50% off afterward. Prime includes free 2-day shipping, Prime Video, and more.
- Transportation – Amtrak and Greyhound offer 15% off tickets when students verify their status. Most local transport like buses and subways also offer student fares.
- Entertainment – Large chains like AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas offer student movie ticket discounts. Moreover, no matter where you find yourself in the States, many museums are free to visit. Explore monuments like the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, etc. with your friends!
- Clothing – Popular stores like Madewell, J.Crew, and Banana Republic offer 10-15% discounts for students.
- Software – Students can get free or low-cost software like Microsoft Office 365 through their university. Apple also offers special pricing on MacBooks and iPads. Apart from this, streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu offer special student prices.
Conclusion
International students have the opportunity to save a significant amount of money by making use of various discounts available to them for transportation, dining, entertainment, and more. It is highly recommended that students research both local and national discount programs to fully capitalize on potential savings. For instance, programs such as TOTUM and Unidays in the UK, and Student Advantage in North America, offer free sign-up and provide access to thousands of deals across multiple categories. All in all, the availability of student discounts eases the lives of many international students, and this is why you should always be on the lookout for attractive deals when abroad.Â
FAQ
What are some tips for getting student discounts?
– Always carry your student ID card and be ready to show it. Some discounts require showing ID in-store while others can be used by signing up for free using your university email address.
– Check your university website as they often list local student discounts and deals.
– Don’t be shy to ask – some stores don’t heavily advertise student rates so it never hurts to ask!
– Look out for student discount days where stores offer one-day special rates.
Are student discounts available internationally?
Yes – while specific offers vary by country, most have common student discounts available for things like transportation, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. Programs like the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) provide access to discounts globally.
What’s the best way to find student discounts?Â
Signing up for free student discount programs like Student Beans, UNiDAYS and Student Advantage can be the easiest way to find and access deals worldwide. You can also search “[your city] student discounts” and check individual store websites.
Do I need to be a citizen for student discounts?
Most student discounts are available for any student, regardless of citizenship, as long as you have a valid student ID or enrollment verification from an accredited university. Some localized public transport discounts may only apply to citizens.
How much can I save with student discounts?
Savings vary, but most discounts range from 10-50% off and they can add up over time. For example, using student rates whenever possible could easily save over $1,000 a year.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
