Studying with the Open University (OU) offers flexibility, accessibility, and a wide range of courses—but one of the hidden perks many students overlook is the range of student discounts available.
Even though OU students learn remotely, they are still officially recognised as university students, which means they qualify for nearly all the same discounts as learners at traditional campuses.
Whether you’re studying part-time, full-time, or taking individual modules, here’s everything you need to know.
Do Open University Students Get Student Discounts?
Yes. Open University students are eligible for most student discount schemes in the UK. Whether you’re 18 or 80, studying one module or a full degree, you can access:
- Student shopping discounts
- Technology and software deals
- Travel savings
- Entertainment and cultural discounts
- Academic resources at reduced prices
Your status as a registered learner is what counts—not whether you attend in person.
1. NUS Totum Card
The TOTUM card (formerly NUS Extra) is the most popular way for OU students to unlock discounts.
What you get:
- Discounts at hundreds of retailers (Asos, Co-op, Boots, etc.)
- Cheaper food and fashion deals
- Technology offers, including laptops and accessories
- Gym, entertainment, and subscription discounts
How to get it:
You can apply online with your OU student email and confirm your enrolled course.
2. UNiDAYS
Open University students can register for UNiDAYS, giving access to:
- Apple Education pricing
- Samsung, Lenovo & Dell discounts
- Spotify, YouTube Music & Amazon Music student plans
- Clothing and lifestyle offers
Registration requires verifying your OU email address.
3. Student Beans
Student Beans offers similar deals to UNiDAYS, including:
- Apple and tech offers
- Subscription discounts (Audible, Disney+, etc.)
- High-street fashion and food discounts
OU students can sign up using their academic email.
4. Software & Technology Savings
Many companies offer academic pricing for university students, including those studying online.
Popular savings include:
- Microsoft Office 365 – Free for most university students
- Adobe Creative Cloud – Heavily discounted student rate
- Apple Education Store – Discounts on MacBooks and iPads
- Amazon Prime Student – 6-month trial + reduced subscription
These are often the biggest money-savers for distance learners.
5. Travel Discounts
Even without a physical campus, OU students can get travel deals such as:
Railcards
- 16–25 Railcard
- 26–30 Railcard
- Mature Student Railcard (via TOTUM Pro for older learners)
- Disabled Persons Railcard (if applicable)
These railcards typically offer 1/3 off rail travel.
International travel
Student status also gives access to:
- STA Travel alternatives
- Reduced-price coach travel with National Express or Megabus via student schemes
6. OU-Specific Deals
From time to time, the Open University partners with organisations to offer:
- Discounted academic books
- Free or cheaper access to online learning tools
- Career service benefits
- Workshops and training resources
These vary by academic year but are usually advertised through the OU Student Home or Student Hub Live.
7. Cultural and Leisure Discounts
OU students can also claim student pricing at:
- Museums, art galleries, and exhibitions
- Cinemas (Odeon, Vue, Cineworld, etc.)
- Gyms and leisure centres
- Theatre and live events
Many venues simply require a student card of any kind.
Tips to Maximise Your OU Student Discounts
- Activate your OU email as soon as you enrol—it unlocks nearly everything.
- Get both UNiDAYS and Student Beans—some deals appear on one but not the other.
- Use TOTUM for official ID you can show in-store.
- Check for OU-specific perks each term.
- Keep an eye on tech deals around Black Friday or back-to-school seasons.
Final Thoughts
Being a distance learner doesn’t mean missing out on the financial perks of student life.
Open University students enjoy nearly all the same discounts as those at traditional universities—sometimes even more, thanks to flexible ID options and multiple verification services.
If you’re enrolled in the OU and not using these discounts yet, you’re almost certainly leaving money on the table.