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International student discounts

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'One of the best things about studying in the UK is the student discounts. You can live inexpensively in the UK, but your money goes a lot further when you’re an international student. You’ll find student discounts on everything from books, music and fashion to movies and eating out. '

British seaside amusements - copyright: James Glossop for the British Council NUS Extra card for international students

When you begin life in the UK as an international student, a great way to save money is with an NUS Extra card. If you are 16 or over and study at a NUS affiliated UK institution, you can purchase an NUS Extra card for £10. You’ll find student discounts on most things including:
  • Books and stationery
  • Music and DVDs
  • Clothing and fashion
  • Food and drink
  • Cinema and eating out
You can get access to a range of exclusive deals, competitions and prize draws with your NUS Extra card, including the chance win limited edition prints and even drive sports cars around a racetrack. You can also upgrade to include the International Students Identity Card (ISIC) for only £1 extra. The ISIC offer student discounts in over 140 countries worldwide, so you could use it back at home during holidays.

To find out what student discounts are available and how to apply, visit the NUS Extra website. (http://www.nus.org.uk/en/NUS-Extra/)

International student money saving tips

How much money you spend while you study in the UK depends on your lifestyle. If you go to the cinema every week, dine in expensive restaurants and make regular trips to the theatre, your student finances will soon diminish. If you take advantage of entertainment arranged by your UK institution and student societies - or if you just meet up with friends to share meals - your student budget will go further.

Most UK universities have a student cinema, nightclub, theatre and other entertainment available. The cost is usually much less than similar entertainment off-campus.

You should also take advantage of the many student discounts available in the UK. Even if it’s not advertised, it’s worth asking if there’s a discount for students at any shop, theatre, cinema, museum or gallery you go to. To take advantage of these, you will usually need to prove membership of the National Union of Students (NUS). Find out more about the NUS. (internal link to student union page)

To find details of UK student discounts and offers visit the Student Beans website. 

You can also find a top ten of things to do free in the UK on the Visit Britain website.

Useful Links
NUS Extra - (www.nus.org.uk/en/NUS-Extra)
Student Beans - (www.studentbeans.com)
Visit Britain - (www.visitbritain.co.uk)


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The London Underground

Travelling on the Underground is the quickest way to get around London. Also know as the Tube, the Underground is a metro system with stations across London and links to all mainline London train stations.

If London is your place of study you should buy an Oyster Card. This gives you discounted travel on Underground and bus services. Find out more at the TFL website.

Registering with a doctor while studying in the UK

Make sure you register with a doctor as soon as you have found somewhere to live in the UK. You can’t receive any NHS treatment until you do. If your place of study has a health centre, you may be able to register there; if not they will recommend a local doctor or GP (General Practitioner) to you.

To register you’ll need:

  • proof of your student status
  • your passport
  • evidence of your new UK home address
You will then be sent an NHS medical card with an individual identity code, which you can also use to register with a dentist.

NHS Direct for international students

When you’re studying in the UK and need quick access to health advice, you can contact NHS Direct. This is a 24-hour confidential phone line staffed by professionally-qualified nurses who will give you advice and support on self treatment. If there is an emergency or your condition is serious, the nurse will call an ambulance if needed.

You can phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (calls are charged at a local rate from the UK only). Information and advice on the most common illnesses, and a range of treatments for them is also available on the NHS Direct website.

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