Written by Tess Ezzy
Being a student isn’t just about late-night study sessions, group assignments, and surviving off instant noodles — it’s also the one time in your life when you can really milk your student status for serious discounts.
Yes, that tiny piece of plastic in your wallet (or digital ID on your phone) isn’t just for library access and exam halls — it’s a golden ticket to saving money on everything from clothing and tech to food and travel. Here’s your guide to unlocking those student discounts like a pro.
Max Your Student ID: The Ultimate Hack for Saving Money While You Study
Being a student isn’t just about essays, Zoom tutorials, group chats, and last-minute submissions. It’s also a rare golden era where flashing your student ID can save you serious money.
That little card in your wallet (or digital ID on your phone)? It’s not just your pass to libraries and lecture halls — it’s your all-access ticket to discounts on fashion, tech, food, fitness, and even travel. Here’s how to make it work for you.
Why Bother with Student Discounts?
Because student life is expensive — textbooks, rent, groceries, coffee (so much coffee). But with your student ID, you can:
- Cut down on daily costs
- Access exclusive bundles and deals
- Make your budget stretch further than your patience in Week 12
This isn’t just about being frugal — it’s about being smart. Spend less, get more, and make your money match your ambitions.
Where to Snag Student Discounts
Start here:
1. UNiDAYS
The holy grail of student deals. It’s free to join and overflowing with offers across fashion, tech, beauty, food, and more.
Some fave deals:
- Apple: Up to 10% off devices, plus free Apple Music
- ASOS: 10–20% off your order
- The Iconic: Up to 25% off select ranges
2. Student Beans
Similar to UniDays but with its own gems — think rotating promos and sneaky-good deals.
- Spotify Premium at the student rate
- Tech discounts from Samsung and others
- Fashion deals from Cotton On, Princess Polly, Boohoo
3. Charles Sturt University Student Perks
At CSU, your student ID unlocks a bunch of on-campus and off-campus goodies. Here’s what to look out for:
Public Transport Concessions
Eligible CSU students can score discounted fares across buses, trains, and light rail. You’ll need a Transport Concession Entitlement Card — check your student portal for how to apply.
Free & Discounted Software
Get your tech stack sorted without spending a cent:
- Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro — yes please)
- Azure Dev Tools for developer courses
Tech Discounts
Use your CSU email to access exclusive student pricing:
- Apple Education Store: MacBooks, iPads, accessories
- Dell: Laptops, monitors, and gear at a student-friendly price
On-Campus Eats & Shops
Fuel your brain (and your belly):
- Pulse Café and Crave Café in Bathurst
- Banjo’s in Orange
- Charlie’s Store for snacks, CSU merch, and supplies
Most take card or CSU Cards, and deals are often rotated — keep an eye out!
Fitness Facilities
Stay active on a student budget:
- Campus gyms, ovals, tennis courts, and indoor arenas
- Open daily, early till late
- Just BYO towel and good vibes
Local Business Discounts
Plenty of local cafés, barbers, and shops near CSU campuses offer student deals — you just have to ask. Your ID could be the key to your next free coffee.
Quick Tips to Maximise Your Discount Power
- Ask every time — Some discounts aren’t advertised but are 100% there.
- Stack your savings — Combine student discounts with sale prices, cashback apps, or promo codes.
- Use digital — Most platforms accept your student email or digital ID — no card juggling required.
- Think seasonal — End-of-financial-year and back-to-school promos often double your savings.
- Share the love — Let your classmates know, or better yet, team up for bulk orders and even bigger discounts.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real — being a student isn’t cheap. But with a bit of strategy, your student ID can act like a tiny, unassuming discount wand in your back pocket.
So whether you’re buying a new laptop, grabbing a bite, or refreshing your wardrobe, make sure you’re getting the student price. You’ve earned it.
Go forth and save smart.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
