We get it- being a student in Belfast is an expensive experience! With so many fun and tasty things to be indulging in, it can feel like your bank account is constantly crying. But don’t worry- Belfast has student discounts hidden everywhere…if you know where to look. So we’ve rounded up the best student-friendly deals across fashion, cafés, bars and fitness to help you live your best life whilst also sticking to your weekly budget!
UNiDAYS, TOTUM and Student Beans
These three fantastic platforms are designed to help students save big by offering exclusive discounts from a wide range of brands. You simply have to sign up, verify your student status and start enjoying the perks!
UNiDAYS
They offer discounts on:
- Fashion: Crocs – 25% off, Adidas – 15% off shoes, Ray-Bans – £30 off
- Food: Pizza Express – 25% off (Sun-Fri), Domino’s – 50% off pizza, Just Eat – £10 off your first order
- Technology: Samsung – 20% off home appliances, Ninja – 9% off
TOTUM
They offer discounts on:
- Entertainment: Audible – 3 months for 99p, Legoland – up to 57% off, Thorpe Park – up to 45% off
- Health: GP Nutrition – 10% off, iHerb – 20% off for new customers
- Fashion: Levi’s – Up to 10% off, EGO – 40% off, New Look – 10% off
- Sustainability: Chilly’s – 10% off, Wild – 15% off first subscription & refills
Student Beans
They offer discounts on:
- Beauty: Superdrug – 10% off, Charlotte Tilbury – 15% off, The Fragrance Shop – 18% off
- Travel: TripAdvisor – 11% off experiences, Ryanair – 10% off, BOLT – 15% off
- Food: KFC – Free Popcorn Snack Box, Bulk – 45% off, Tortilla – 10% off
- Tech: EE Store – 10% off, Apple – £50 off the new iPad Air, JBL – 20% off
As you can see, platforms like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM offer fantastic discounts across big brands. But the savings don’t stop there! Belfast is filled with local discounts just waiting to be discovered, and we’re here to help point you in the right direction. Various places throughout the city offer both occasional and permanent student discounts to make student living a little easier—all you have to do is ask!
We know it can feel daunting to inquire about discounts, but trust us when we say you could save BIG! While some discounts may not always be available, most establishments are happy to inform you about upcoming deals or promotions. Plus, many places offer free loyalty cards that can lead to additional savings.
We have compiled a list of local and worldwide businesses that provide occasional and permanent discounts for students to give you an idea of what’s available. Keep in mind that discounts may vary by location and time, so it’s always worth checking before you shop!
Transport
We know that getting around Belfast can seem like expensive experience but it doesn’t have to be. Translink offers discounts on bus and train travel for students of all ages:
- Y-Link – if you’re lucky enough to be between 16-23 you can apply for a FREE Y-link card and can enjoy a massive 50% off travel off all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland.
- 24+ Student Railcard – All students over the age of 24 can enjoy a third off rail travel within Northern Ireland.
Cafés
Looking for a cozy café to study in or pick up a sweet treat in between classes? The cafés in Belfast have got you covered with plenty of discounts so you don’t have to empty your wallet whilst trying to fuel your study sessions. Here are just some of the cafés offering discounts:
- Café Nero
- Hope Café
- Costa
- Juice Jar
Restaurants
Tired of cooking and want to treat yourself to some good food? There’s an abundance of fantastic restaurants around the city that offer delicious food and great discounts, so you won’t have to worry about the bill at the end of the night. Here are just a few of them:
- 2Taps
- Pizza Punks
- Nando’s
- Zizzi
- Pizza Express
- Little Wings
Bars
Bars in Belfast are great at serving delicious drinks at affordable prices, allowing you to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. Here are just some of the great spots for discounted drinks:
- The Botanic Inn
- The Posthouse
- The Points
- The Dirty Onion
Fashion
Keeping up with fashion trends can be tough as a student- they change as quickly as the clock. But fear not, many clothing , jewelry and shoe shops offer discounts to make your shopping spree more affordable. Here are just a few we’ve located:
- Urban Outfitters
- Schuh
- JD Sports
- Accessorize
- ASOS
- House of Frazer
Shopping
Doing your weekly grocery shop can seem like a burden, but it doesn’t have to be! Many grocery stores have regular offers and discounts on items, so your shopping trips won’t cost you a fortune. Here are just a few:
- Sainsbury’s
- Tesco
- SPAR
- Lidl
Fitness
Staying on top of your fitness doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag! There are plenty of gyms that offer student-friendly memberships with discounts and packages. . Here are a few options:
- The PEC
- Better Gym
- David Lloyd Gyms
Entertainment
Belfast has plenty of entertainment options that offer student discounts too, so solo or accompanied date nights don’t cost you every penny in your purse. Enjoy savings at:
- Streamvale
- The Lyric
- Airtastic
- Let’s Go Hydro
- Belfast Giants Hockey
Tech
Finally, in a world where tech is thriving we want to highlight that students can still enjoy all that the tech world has to offer without worrying about the cost. Here are some platforms and services that offer discounts for student:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Amazon Prime
- Curry’s
- Microsoft 365: As a student at Queen’s, you automatically get assigned a Microsoft License, and this license gives you full access to a whole suite of Microsoft Applications. Access the Microsoft Portal for email and other apps. Read more about Microsoft 365 @ Queen’s.
On Campus
As well as all these amazing student offers around the city, you’ll be happy to know that just on your campus doorstep, there are plenty of discounts and student-friendly services to make your student life as affordable as possible. From coffees to clothes, quick gym sessions to tasty lunches, there’s no shortage of student perks right here at Queen’s! Here is what’s available:
- The Pantry – A free refill station in the Students’ Union, stocked with items like cereals, pasta, herbs and household item… and as of last week you can also get free fruit and veg as well on a Wednesday!
- SU Swap Shop – Swap pre-loved clothing and items to refresh your wardrobe.
- The Union Bar – The local campus bar with amazing student friendly prices on food and drinks.
- Wee Barista – Delicious coffee at a student-friendly price located in the Wee Bar Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, grab a coffee and mini donut for just £3.50 plus get your syrups completely free!
- Queen’s Film Theatre– Enjoy discounted film screenings in the QFT!
- The PEC – An affordable Gym located on Campus with student membership available.
Being a student in Belfast doesn’t have to put a dent in your wallet! With amazing discounts available through UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM, plus a range of local saves, you can enjoy all that the city has to offer without straying too far from your budget!
Don’t forget to follow your favourite shops, restaurants and cafés on social media for the latest deals and promotions, as discounts can pop up when you least expect them. A little advise from us to close things up- keep your eyes peeled, ask about student offers, and make the most of your time in this vibrant city—happy saving!
*Discounts Correct as of Oct 2024*