Students UK
From the best student bank accounts and exclusive freebies to travel discounts and everyday money-saving tips, this guide helps you make the most of your student budget without missing out.
Student Bank Accounts:
Choosing the right student bank account can make a big difference to your finances. Many accounts come with perks like interest-free overdrafts, cashback rewards, and discounts on shopping or travel. `Different bank accounts will offer different things from £100 free cash to a free 4 year railcard.
Here is a list of the top student accounts you can open so you can find the one that suits your lifestyle and helps you stretch your budget further.
Student Freebies:
As a student, there are loads of freebies and discounts available, especially during freshers’ week. From free food and drinks to software and exclusive student deals, there is so much stuff to get your hands on without spending a penny. Here are some of the best freebies that students can get below.
For example, you can get free student delivery with Deliveroo for a year, a free Microsoft 365 package, and plenty of free food to claim at your favourite takeaways.
FAQ’s
-
After purchasing your digital railcard on Trip.com, you must buy a train ticket within 180 days to activate it. If you don’t have a journey planned, you can pick up a super-cheap “activation” fare—e.g. the £0.66 St Ives → Carbis Bay advance ticket—and then use your railcard on your real journey afterward.
-
Yes—there are often promotions offering free railcards. For example, Santander regularly gives student current-account holders a free 16-25 Railcard, and right now anyone aged 20–25 can claim one too. Check back here for the latest free Railcard deals.
-
You can stack cashback in a few ways: pay with a cashback-enabled debit card, buy your railcard via a gift-card reseller, and use rewards portals. Check out our full cashback-stacking guide here. Right now, linking a Zilch / iFast account could earn you up to 4% back on your purchase.
-
Yes—there’s a Disabled Persons Railcard priced at £20/year or £54/3 years. Eligibility runs across multiple conditions; see full details here.
-
You can purchase up until the day before your 31st birthday. Once activated, your card remains valid for one year—so you could still be using it just before you turn 32.
-
Not all railcards offer a 3-year option. Currently only the 16–25, Senior, and Family & Friends cards are available for three-year purchase; the rest are sold one-year only.
-
16–25 Railcard (aka Student/Young Person) is for ages 16–25 (and mature students), gives 1/3 off most fares nationwide.
Network Railcard is for travellers in London & South East, gives 1/3 off adult fares plus 60% off child fares when travelling together.
-
Avanti free hot drink - join Club Avanti here & you’ll get a free hot drink of your choice (simply scan the QR code emailed to you).
