Benefits for Students in the UK – Complete Guide
Published: 14 Jan 2026
Introduction
Are you a student in the UK?
Do you want to save money every day?
Do you want support with study and living costs?
But the good news is this.
The UK offers many benefits for students.
These benefits help students live better.
These benefits help students save more.
This guide explains all student benefits in the UK.
This guide uses simple words.
This guide gives real examples.
This guide gives easy tips.
You will learn:
- What student benefits are
- Who can get them
- How to apply
- How to save more money
Let us start.
What Are Student Benefits in the UK?
Student benefits are support programs for students.
These programs help students pay for study and life.
These programs reduce daily costs.
These programs improve student life.
Student benefits come from:
- The UK government
- Universities
- Local councils
- Private companies
Student benefits include:
- Education support
- Living cost help
- Travel discounts
- Shopping discounts
- Health support
Simple Meaning
Student benefits help students live with less stress.
They help students focus on study.
They help students save money every month.
Real-Life Example
Ali studies in London.
He pays rent every month.
He buys food every week.
He uses a bus every day.
Ali uses a student travel card.
Ali saves money on train tickets.
Ali uses a student discount app.
Ali gets cheap food and clothes.
Ali saves over £100 every month.
Why Are Student Benefits Important?
Student life is expensive.
Many students feel pressure.
Many students worry about money.
Student benefits reduce this pressure.
Student benefits give peace of mind.
Student benefits make life easier.
Benefits help with:
- Tuition fees
- Rent
- Food
- Transport
- Health care
Example
Sara studies nursing in Manchester.
She gets a maintenance loan.
She uses this loan for rent.
She uses a railcard for travel.
She uses student discounts for shopping.
Sara manages her money well.
She enjoys her student life.
Types of Student Benefits in the UK
The UK offers many types of benefits.
Each benefit helps in a different way.
Let us look at them one by one.
1. Education Benefits
Education costs a lot.
Tuition fees are high.
Books cost money.
Online tools cost money.
The UK gives support for education.
Education Benefits Include:
- Tuition fee loans
- Grants
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
Tuition Fee Loans
A tuition fee loan pays your course fee.
The government pays your university.
You repay later after your studies.
Example
Usman studies computer science.
His course fee is £9,250 per year.
Student Finance England pays the fee.
Usman starts repayment after graduation.
Grants and Bursaries
A grant is free money.
A bursary is free money.
You do not repay them.
Universities give bursaries.
Charities give grants.
Example
Ayesha studies medicine.
Her university gives her a £1,500 bursary.
She uses it for books and tools.
2. Living Cost Support
Living costs are high in the UK.
Rent is expensive.
Food is costly.
Bills are rising.
The government offers living support.
Living Support Includes:
- Maintenance loan
- Housing support
- Cost of living payments
Maintenance Loan
A maintenance loan helps with daily costs.
You use it for rent and food.
You repay later after graduation.
Example
Bilal lives in Birmingham.
He gets £9,000 per year maintenance loan.
He pays rent and food with this money.
Housing Support
Some students get help with housing.
Some students get council housing.
Some students get rent discounts.
Quote 1“Study helps you think better, choose better, and live better.”Quote 2“Education gives knowledge, and knowledge builds a strong future.”Quote 3“Learning improves your skills and grows your confidence.”Quote 4“Study opens doors to new opportunities.”Quote 5“Education turns effort into success.”M Amir
3. Travel Benefits
Travel costs add up.
Buses cost money.
Trains cost money.
Daily travel is expensive.
Student travel benefits reduce travel cost.
Travel Benefits Include:
- 16–25 Railcard
- Student Oyster card
- Local bus passes
16–25 Railcard
This card gives 1/3 off train tickets.
It costs a small yearly fee.
It saves a lot of money.
Example
Hassan travels home every weekend.
He uses a railcard.
He saves £10 per trip.
That saves £40 every month.
Student Oyster Card
London students get travel discounts.
The Oyster card gives cheap travel.
It works on buses and trains.
4. Food and Shopping Discounts
Food costs rise every year.
Clothes cost money.
Electronics cost money.
Student discounts reduce these costs.
Popular Discount Platforms
- UNiDAYS
- Student Beans
- TOTUM
Discounts Include
- Supermarket deals
- Restaurant deals
- Clothing offers
- Tech offers
Example
Fatima buys food from Tesco.
She uses a student app.
She gets 10% off every shop.
She saves £25 every month.
5. Health and Wellbeing Support
Health is important.
Students need care.
Students need mental support.
The UK offers strong health services.
Health Support Includes
- NHS services
- GP clinics
- Mental health support
- University clinics
Example
Ahmed feels stressed.
He visits the university counsellor.
The service is free.
He feels better.
Who Can Apply for Student Benefits?
Many students can apply.
Rules depend on the benefit.
Students Who Can Apply
- UK students
- International students
- Part-time students
- Full-time students
Example
Maria studies business.
She is an international student.
She uses UNiDAYS.
She uses travel discounts.
She saves money every month.
How to Apply for Student Benefits
Applying is simple.
You only need a few steps.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check Your Status
Confirm your student enrolment.
Get your university letter.
Step 2: Create Student Finance Account
Register online.
Use official website.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
Enter personal details.
Add course details.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload ID proof.
Upload income proof.
Step 5: Track Application
Check status online.
Read all emails.
Example
Zain applies online.
He uploads his documents.
He gets approval in two weeks.
He receives his first payment.
Best Student Discount Cards in the UK
Student cards unlock many discounts.
Top Cards
1. TOTUM Card
Gives online and store discounts.
Works with many brands.
2. UNiDAYS
Free app.
Gives daily deals.
3. Student Beans
Free platform.
Gives shopping offers.
4. 16–25 Railcard
Saves money on trains.
Tip
Use all cards.
Stack discounts.
Save more money.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Many students lose money.
They miss benefits.
Common Mistakes
- Missing deadlines
- Not checking emails
- Not using discounts
- Giving wrong details
- Forgetting renewals
Example
Omar missed his loan deadline.
His payment got delayed.
He struggled with rent.
Tips to Save More Money as a Student
Saving money is important.
Smart habits help a lot.
Money-Saving Tips
- Cook meals at home
- Buy used books
- Share housing
- Use student apps
- Use free campus services
- Walk when possible
- Use library resources
Example
Noor cooks meals at home.
She avoids eating out.
She saves £60 every month.
Real Student Budget Plan
A simple plan helps control money.
Sample Monthly Budget
- Rent: £500
- Food: £150
- Travel: £80
- Books: £40
- Phone: £20
- Fun: £50
Total: £840
Use discounts to reduce this.
Extra Support from Universities
Universities offer many services.
University Support Includes
- Hardship funds
- Free meals
- Laptop loans
- Free printing
- Career advice
Example
Hina needs a laptop.
Her university lends her one.
She saves £500.
FAQs – Benefits for Students in the UK
Q1: Can international students get benefits?
Yes. Many discounts are open for all students.
Q2: Do part-time students get benefits?
Yes. Many platforms accept part-time students.
Q3: Are student loans free money?
No. You repay after graduation.
Q4: When do repayments start?
After your income crosses a set limit.
Q5: Can I work while studying?
Yes. Many students work part-time.
Student Jobs and Extra Income
Many students work part-time.
This helps cover expenses.
Popular Student Jobs
- Retail
- Cafes
- Libraries
- Campus jobs
- Online work
Example
Hamza works 12 hours a week.
He earns £400 a month.
He uses it for food and travel.
Benefits for Disabled Students
Disabled students get extra help.
Disabled Student Support
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- Special equipment
- Study support
- Travel help
Example
A student gets a free laptop.
A student gets study software.
A student gets a helper.
Digital Tools for Students
Technology helps students save.
Useful Apps
- UNiDAYS
- Student Beans
- Too Good To Go
- Google Maps
- Trainline
Example
A student buys cheap food using an app.
He saves £20 every week.
Final Checklist for Students
Use this checklist.
- Apply for Student Finance
- Get discount cards
- Register with GP
- Join student union
- Create budget
- Track expenses
Conclusion
Student benefits make life easier.
Student benefits save money.
Student benefits reduce stress.
The UK offers strong student support.
Use every benefit you can.
Apply early.
Stay organised.
Student life is a great journey.
Smart money habits make it better.
Final Tip
Start using student benefits today.
Your future self will thank you.
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
