One of the greatest things about being a student, other than educating yourself, of course, is that you are eligible for lots of great student discounts. After all, you’ve got to save those pennies when you’re stretching out that student loan.
But did you know that these discounts aren’t just specific to your local area?
There are loads of great ways you can make the most of student discounts as you travel around the world.
Are Student Discounts Available Worldwide?
Student discounts vary in availability and scope, depending on the country and region. While many countries offer student discounts in various sectors, such as transportation, entertainment, food, and shopping, the extent and specifics of these discounts can differ significantly.
Some countries have well-established student discount programmes, such as the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which is recognised in over 130 countries worldwide and offers discounts on a wide range of products and services. Other countries may have national or regional student discount schemes, while in some areas, discounts may be more sporadic and dependent on individual businesses or institutions.
In general, student discounts are more prevalent in areas with a large student population, such as university towns or cities with numerous educational institutions. However, it’s always a good idea for students to inquire about available discounts wherever they go, as many businesses may offer special rates for students even if they’re not widely advertised.
Overall, while student discounts may not be universally available worldwide, they are common in many countries and can be a valuable resource for students looking to save money during their academic pursuits.
So, whether you’re moving abroad, planning a long summer of backpacking or just getting away for the weekend, these discounts can still be applied.
BUT before you jet off on your next trip, it’s a good idea to get to grips with the student discounts available to you and how to use them. That way, you can save money at every opportunity and possibly even travel further, for longer.
In the guide below, we’ll teach you how to make the most of student discounts around the world.
Look for well-known brands
Seeking out well-known brands while travelling can often yield great student discounts. Many international brands and chains have student discount programmes that apply globally, allowing students to access savings across different countries and regions.
Here are a few types of well-known brands and establishments where students might find discounts while travelling:
Clothing Retailers – Popular clothing brands often offer student discounts both in-store and online. Brands like Adidas, Nike, H&M, and Levi’s frequently have student discount programmes.
Tech Companies – Technology companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Adobe often provide student discounts on software, hardware, and services. These discounts can be particularly useful for students studying fields related to technology or design.
Fast Food Chains – Many fast food chains offer student discounts or special deals. Examples include McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, and Pizza Hut. These discounts can help students save money on meals while travelling.
Coffee Shops – Coffee chains like Starbucks and Costa Coffee sometimes offer student discounts or loyalty programmes that provide savings on beverages and snacks.
Entertainment Venues – Major entertainment venues like cinemas, theatres, and amusement parks may offer student discounts on tickets or admission fees. Check for discounts at well-known venues like Universal Studios, Disney parks, or IMAX theatres.
Transportation Services – International transportation companies like airlines and train services may offer student fares or special promotions. Always inquire about student discounts when booking flights, trains, or other forms of transportation.
Bookstores and Publishers – Bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, as well as online retailers like Amazon, often have student discount programmes. These discounts can apply to textbooks, novels, and other reading materials.
Accommodation Chains – International hotel chains and hostel networks sometimes offer student discounts or special rates. Examples include Hilton, Marriott, Hostelling International, and YHA.
While these are just a few examples, it’s always worth asking about student discounts at any well-known brand or establishment while travelling. Even if discounts aren’t advertised, presenting a valid student ID card or inquiring at the checkout may lead to unexpected savings.
Choose the best student cards and companies
There are several great companies and dedicated apps you can use that offer a huge range of discounts, across a variety of services. Some popular examples include UNiDAYS and the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
By downloading these apps to your smartphone, you’ll have access to them no matter where you are. This can be particularly useful when you’re travelling, as it means you don’t have to carry anything extra with you, it’s all on your phone.
It’s not just about going shopping
So far, we’ve mostly covered big-name brands and the discounts you can get from restaurants and retailers. However, there are loads of other great ways you can make the most of discounts around the world. Some of the other ways you can save money include:
Travel discounts
Whether it’s trains, buses, bike hire, or other modes of transport, there are lots of ways you can save on physical travel when you’re abroad. For example, there are some really beneficial student discounts that can help you to save on multiple journeys, such as the Eurail Pass.
However, it’s not just the act of travelling, and you can also make the most of discounts on transport essentials like student shipping services. This can be very helpful if you’re moving to study abroad and you need to ship larger boxes and bags of your belongings.
So always do your research to see what is available to you in the travel sector.
Cheap accommodation
If you’re off on a trip or perhaps you’ve taken several months over the summer to explore, you can enjoy cheaper accommodation along the way.
Lots of popular destinations will have student-friendly accommodation at a discounted rate, in particular, lots of hostels will lower their prices for students. some hotels will also do the same and perhaps even rentals if you’re looking for somewhere to live long term.
It’s always worth asking.
Experiences and education
Sure, travelling as a student means lots of social occasions, making new friends and enjoying a drink or two, but there are also loads of educational experiences to be had as well.
In most places, there will be free museums, galleries and landmarks you can visit, but for lots of other activities, you may be expected to pay.
The good news is that brands like Virgin Experience Days and Contiki offer student discounts on tours, local guides, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and more.
That said, if you’re ever unsure when you visit somewhere that charges for entry, always look for a student rate or concession and if you can’t see one, ask the staff.
This way, you can have the adventure of a lifetime, see some hugely impressive sites and experience different cultures, all whilst saving money at every opportunity.
Accessing these student discounts while you’re away
So far, we’ve looked at lots of ways that student discounts can be applied around the world, but how do you access these discounts? Well, in this final section of the guide, we’ll help you to get discounted rates wherever possible.
Do your research
First and foremost, it’s a good idea to do some research about your chosen destination. Take a look at if any local businesses offer student discounts or if there are any student cards or apps you can download.
To do this, it might be helpful to join relevant student groups and forums online. Alternatively, speak to student ambassadors or staff at your university to see if they can offer any more information on what’s available.
Make sure you have the right documentation
Of course, not many places are just going to take your word for it that you’re a student unless it’s glaringly obvious, so you need to be able to prove your status.
This requires you to have the right documentation, such as your student ID. In some cases, letters from the university that show your position might also be enough. Plus, International Student Identity Cards (ISIC) are widely accepted for securing international student benefits.
Download the apps
Websites such as UNiDAYS and Student Bean will have their own dedicated apps that you can download to your smartphone.
When you sign up for these platforms, you’ll have to prove your student status. So, as long as your account is live and you have the apps to prove it, lots of places will accept them and give you a discount.
Subscribe to relevant newsletters
Last but not least, we suggest that you subscribe to newsletters or app notifications from student discount websites. That way, you can stay up to date on all the latest deals.
But whatever happens, never be afraid to speak with locals or providers to see if they offer any sort of concession to students. You never know where you might get a bargain!
As you can see, Student discounts can be incredibly beneficial for students, offering them opportunities to save money on various expenses and experiences. Whether it’s discounts on transportation, entertainment, food, or shopping, these offers can significantly lighten the financial burden on students who are often managing tight budgets. Moreover, these discounts can enhance the overall student experience, allowing students to explore more of their surroundings, engage in cultural activities, and access resources that might otherwise be out of reach financially. Thus, student discounts not only provide financial savings but also contribute to a more enriching and enjoyable student life.
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