By Beds SU
Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Whether you’re a new student or returning for another year, we understand how tough managing your money can be, especially with the rising cost of living. Tips by Chidera is part of your Co-President, Chidera Umeh’s wider plan for the cost-of-living policy, a key promise in his manifesto. This initiative is all about helping you save on everything from groceries to services. If you’re on the lookout for great local deals or smart shopping tips, this article is here to make your student life more affordable and stress-free. Stay tuned and start saving with Tips by Chidera!
In this first article you will discover details on shops, especially those that offer student discounts (often subject to proof of student ID, UNiDAYScard), across Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Birmingham and London.
Luton
Luton is home to our main campus, it offers various affordable shopping options for our students, many of which provide student discounts. It is also my town of study and base as your Co-President so I have added some of my favourite places here too.
The Point Luton: Centrally located, The Point is a hub for affordable fashion, groceries, and general shopping. Stores like Primark, H&M, and New Look offer budget-friendly clothing, and students can often get a 10-20% discount with their Student ID or via UNiDAYS.
For groceries, Aldi and Iceland are affordable options without specific student discounts.
Superdrug, offers 10% off to students with a valid NUS or UNiDAYS card on various health and beauty products.
Wilko, is a low-priced hardware, household essentials store that offers low-price items and on occasion student discounts. It’s worth checking online or in-store for these deals.
Market Hall, is Luton’s indoor market, perfect for finding fresh produce, meat, and international foods at student-friendly prices. While the market doesn’t offer student discounts, the prices are competitive enough to make it a cost-effective shopping destination.
My favourites:
The Entertainer often has promotions on board games and gadgets, which are great for social events or gifts.
Stockwood Discovery Centre, if you need a break from studying, Stockwood Discovery Centre is a wonderful place to relax and explore Luton’s history, and it is free to enter! This can be a fantastic choice for students looking for budget-friendly leisure activities.
Vauxhall Park Market, on weekends, this local market offers a variety of fresh produce, street food, and affordable household goods. Although it does not have student discounts, the prices are budget-friendly, and the atmosphere is lively.
Bedford
Bedford hosts one of the University of Bedfordshire’s campuses and provides several budget shopping options with student discounts:
Bedford High Street, features discount stores like Poundland, where students can buy snacks, toiletries, and household items at low prices. Boots also offers a 10% discount on most items with an NUS card.
Aldi, located near the town centre, offers low-cost groceries, ideal for students living on a tight budget. Though Aldi doesn’t provide student discounts, it’s known for its competitive pricing.
Bedford Market, is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and known for its fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products at reasonable prices. While there are no student discounts, the market offers great value for money.
Primark, offers affordable fashion, Primark on the High Street is a go-to spot for students. While Primark doesn’t typically offer student discounts, it’s popular for its low prices.
Milton Keynes
If you are studying at our Milton Keynes you have access to a fantastic shopping centres with lots of choice.
Xscape Milton Keynes, shopping and entertainment complex houses stores including TK Maxx, where students can find discounted clothing, shoes, and accessories. Nando’s and other eateries here often offer student discounts with a valid student ID.
Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre (The Centre MK), features a variety of stores offering student discounts, such as H&M and Boots, which offer student discounts of up to 20% with an NUS or UNiDAYS card.
Morrisons and Lidl, are great supermarkets for groceries. Morrisons occasionally offers student discounts or special deals on essentials, so it’s worth keeping an eye out.
Matalan, is known for its affordable clothing and home goods, Matalan in Milton Keynes occasionally offers student discounts, especially during promotional periods.
Birmingham
Birmingham, is the UKs second city and has a wealth of stores. The city has a vibrant student population, (including UoB) and offers numerous cheap shopping venues with student discounts:
Bullring & Grand Central, This large shopping complex has plenty of stores offering student discounts, including Primark, H&M, Apple, and Urban Outfitters. Discounts usually range from 10-20% with a valid student ID or through apps like UNiDAYS.
The Fort Shopping Park, is an outdoor retail complex and includes stores such Sports Direct, Asda Living, and TK Maxx, offering a wide range of products at discounted prices.
Pizza Hut and other restaurants here often provide student discounts as well.
Aldi and Lidl, again popular supermarkets among students for their low-cost groceries. While they don’t offer specific student discounts, their prices are already very competitive.
Birmingham Markets, located near the Bullring, these markets sell fresh produce, clothing, and household goods at very competitive prices. While there aren’t specific student discounts, haggling is common, and students can often negotiate better deals.
London
London, the capital city here in UK, home to a number of universities including UoB with lots of student friendly shopping options.
Oxford Street, a major shopping destination where many stores offer student discounts. Shops like H&M and Zara, often provide 10-20% discounts with a student ID or through UNiDAYS.
The Apple Store also offers education pricing for students.
Westfield Shopping Centres, both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City have numerous stores offering student discounts, including Nike, Adidas, and Urban Outfitters. The food courts here also feature discounts at places like Wasabi and Pret A Manger.
Camden Market, popular among students for its alternative fashion and unique finds, Camden Market offers opportunities to haggle and negotiate better prices. Some stalls may offer discounts if you present a student ID.
Superdrug, can be located across London, and offers 10% off for students with a valid NUS or UNiDAYS card.
Sainsbury’s and Tesco, supermarkets offer loyalty schemes that our students can take advantage of for savings, though specific student discounts are rare.
In all these cities, it’s advisable to always ask at the checkout if student discounts are available before you pay, as many shops offer them even if they aren’t advertised.
Additionally, using apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans can help you find the latest student deals and discounts. Our website, Beds SU also showcases the latest Student offers on our Venue and Perks page, keep an eye on latest offers here.