Top 10 Must-Have Discount Apps for University Students

Top 10 Must-Have Discount Apps for University Students

Check out our top 10 picks for the best student discount apps. These will give you a wide range of available genuine discounts all through the year and save you some money.

 

UNiDAYS: UNiDAYS provides discounts for students on a vast range of products and services, including fashion, beauty, technology, and more. To get access to these discounts, you need to verify your student status using your university email address.

Student Beans: Student Beans is a popular app that provides discounts on fashion, food, technology, and more. Similar to UNiDAYS, students must verify their status to get discounts. A great way for students to save money on everyday expenses.

Too Good to Go: Too Good to Go is a free app that enables food outlets to sell excess food products at significantly reduced prices instead of throwing them away.

TOTUM: As the official student discount card of the National Union of Students, TOTUM (formerly NUS Extra) provides discounts on a range of products and services, both in-store and online.

VoucherCodes: VoucherCodes often has discounts specifically for students, but not exclusively. Discounts are available on products and services like fashion, restaurants, travel, and more.

mTicket App: This app provides discounted bus rates across National Express West Midlands and National Express Coventry.

Student Hut: Student Hut is a platform that offers discounts, deals, and student advice. It provides discounts on various products and services for students in the UK.

Amazon Student: You will receive a free 6-month trial of Amazon Student when you sign up. After the trial period, you will get a 50% discount on the subscription. Enjoy access to a wide range of Amazon Prime products like free delivery, music, movies, and more!

Dusk: Dusk is an app that offers one complimentary drink every night. They provide a range of discounts, so you won't have to worry about your finances while enjoying a night out. You'll only need to worry about your hangover the next day.

Student Railcards: Student Railcards offer discounts for students to travel on trains across the UK. You'll be able to travel at reduced costs to most of your desired destinations across the UK.

All these apps will help you as a student to save money on purchases ranging from clothing and electronics to food and entertainment. It's worth checking them regularly for updated deals and discounts.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

Tips to Help You Navigate the Increasing Cost of Living as a University Student

Tips to Help You Navigate the Increasing Cost of Living as a University Student

We understand that for many students, finances can be tight and the increasing cost of living is not helping either, with the essential costs such as food, clothing and transport having become much more expensive. Students are finding it much more difficult to have enough money left over after essentials, to spend on hobbies, time with friends and going out.

But we are here to help! With careful planning and budgeting, students can live a balanced life of work and play. Here are a few tips we’ve put together to help you navigate the increasing cost of living as a university student.

Have a Budget:

You can do this by writing down all your monthly income and spending. Allocate expenditures based on priority. You might find yourself with items on your list that may not be necessary to purchase right now. You must stick to your budget if you want to see results.

Embrace Cooking: 

It is so easy to fall into the trap of eating out, but in reality, this becomes expensive when frequented. There are plenty of budget-friendly meal ideas that you can cook from home. Have a menu to follow. Not only will this be a healthy lifestyle for you, but it will also save money to spend on other essentials.  

Find a Part-time Job:

Most university study hours are flexible enough for students to take on part-time jobs. If your schedule allows, consider getting yourself a part-time job, and where possible, look for one you can learn from.

Utilise Student Discounts:

Actively look out for student discounts. They are usually available from many shops, restaurants, ticketed events, leisure and shopping platforms such as Amazon. Having your student ID with you will come in handy since this will act as proof of your status.

Walk, Cycle or Use Public Transport: 

Transport is one of those expenses that drain money from your monthly budget. Utilise the train and bus services in your area, where possible, walk or cycle. These methods are not only financially better, they are environmentally friendly and will provide many health benefits.

Find Affordable Accommodation:

Find accommodation that fits within your budget. Consider factors such as the location of the accommodation from your university, how far you are from amenities and whether the rent includes utility costs when deciding. At Unihousing, all our properties are in Selly Oak, a short journey from the University of Birmingham and utility bills are included in the rent.

Utilise Free Resources:

Take advantage of free resources offered by your university, such as library books, study materials, fitness facilities, and student support services. Borrow textbooks from the library or buy second-hand copies instead of purchasing new ones.

Seek Financial Assistance:

When completely stuck, don't hesitate to reach out to family or close friends for financial assistance. This can be in the form of a relief loan. Some universities have financial offices dedicated to helping you if you are experiencing financial hardship.

These tips should help you stay on top of your finances, leaving you less stressed and with more time to focus on your academics.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!

What To Consider When Viewing a Property for Your University Accommodation

What To Consider When Viewing a Property for Your University Accommodation

Although finding student accommodation can seem daunting at first, the process can be exciting when you go in feeling prepared and knowing what you are looking for. When viewing properties for your university accommodation, it's important to consider various factors to ensure that they meet your needs and preferences. Here are some things to look for and the right questions to ask.

Location:

Find out if the property is conveniently located near your university, and how close it is to public transportation. This will help give you an idea of how long it would usually take to get to your lectures and other places you would need to go. Look out for grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential amenities that you may need during your stay.

Budget:

Check if the rent advertised fits within your budget. Confirm with your landlord to know if there are any additional costs, such as a security deposit or agency fees that you would have to pay on top of your rent. Knowing your budget will give you more confidence when viewing properties and will also make the final decision much easier.

Condition of the property:

Book plenty of viewings! Seeing a property in person will ensure that you can properly assess whether the space is well-maintained and in good condition. Check for any signs of dampness, leaks, damage or repairs needed in the kitchen, bathroom and common areas.

Room Size and Layout:

Make sure the room size and layout are adequate for your needs. Our accommodation at Unihousing is spacious and comes fully furnished with a double bed, a study desk and chair, and plenty of storage throughout, giving you all the essentials you will need during your time at university.

Amenities and Utilities:

Before signing any tenancy agreement, check with the landlord/lettings agent to find out what utilities are included in the rent (e.g., water, electricity, internet). Many of our student properties come with utility bills and 100Mb broadband included in the price of rent! Our properties also have heating, laminated flooring throughout and laundry facilities available on-site. Whether you have a shared or private kitchen, we ensure that all of our properties are also fully fitted with low-noise white goods and modern appliances.

Safety and Security:

Always check and test to see if the doors and windows have working locks and secure fittings. Look out for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire alarms too. You will also want to ask whether there is a secure entrance system in place. At Unihousing, all of our properties have secure locks throughout, and many also have gated security and CCTV around the building.

Housemates and Shared Spaces:

If you intend on sharing with others, it’s crucial that you meet your potential housemates in person before you start viewing properties. Make sure you discuss shared responsibilities, expectations, location and budget. Whenever you go to a viewing, take time whether alone or together as housemates, to inspect common areas like the kitchen, living room and bathroom for cleanliness and functionality.

Read the Rent Contract:

Review the rent agreement carefully, including terms, duration and notice requirements. Be sure to ask your landlord or letting agent about how flexible the rent contract is in case you need to leave early or extend your stay beyond the agreed time.

Transportation:

Check the availability and frequency of public transportation or parking options if you have a car. Think about the convenience of your commute to the university and other places you might need to go to. Our Unihousing properties are located in Selly Oak, which is only a short walk away from the train station which links to the University and into the City Centre.

Internet and Connectivity:

Always test the Wi-Fi connection to ensure it meets your academic and personal needs. Our properties at Unihousing come with 100Mb super-fast mobile broadband.

Landlord or Property Management:

Inquire with your landlord about the process for reporting maintenance issues and how quickly they are typically resolved. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your maintenance issues will always be attended to, should you ever need them. Unihousing has a dedicated maintenance team readily available to attend to any issues that may arise.

Read References:

If possible, talk to previous tenants or read online reviews to get a sense of the property's history and reputation.

Remember that finding the right university accommodation is an important decision, and it's essential to take your time, ask questions and carefully assess your options to ensure they meet your needs and expectations before you make that big decision.

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!