Student discounts worth checking before you buy

Ask first, pay second. Many companies offer a student price, but they rarely shout about it. A two-minute check can save real money on things you already planned to buy.

Where to look

• Software and subscriptions. Study tools, cloud storage and some entertainment services often have student plans. Check the official site, not a search ad.
• Tech. Some laptop and tablet makers list education pricing on their own website.
• Transport. Many cities offer student cards for buses and trains. Ask the transport authority or your school.
• Shops and food. Some stores give a student rate if you show a valid ID. It is fine to ask politely at the till.
• Your school. The student office may already have deals, such as free software or discounted printing.

How to check an offer is real

• Go to the company's official website by typing the address yourself.
• Use your school email or student ID, but only on the official page.
• Be careful of any page that asks for card details just to verify you are a student. Real student checks do not need your payment information.
• If an offer looks too good, assume it is a scam and ask your school.

One reason to be careful

A student price is still a price. Do not buy something just because it is cheaper. Use the question from the 30-wear test: will you use it often enough to be worth it? And for bigger buys like a laptop, see how to choose a laptop for college.

One exception

Discounts often end when you graduate, or need renewing each year. Put a reminder in your calendar a month before a subscription renews, so it does not charge full price without you noticing.

Add it to the plan

Note what you saved in your term plan. The budget planner works better when real prices go in.