Get Yourself a NUS Card

The National Union of Students (NUS) represents over 5 million students across the United Kingdom who are involved in higher or further education. This makes the NUS one of the largest student organisations in the world. As it works on behalf of students, the NUS recognises that students often live on a shoe-string budget and have devised a system of membership cards that offer students a host of assets and discounts. A selection of three cards is now available for students, each offering a number of different benefits. If you are looking to save some money and access exclusive deals, find out today if the he Associate Card, Extra Card or Democracy Card is right for you.

Associate Card

There are two types of NUS Associate cards, those for students currently enrolled in year 12 or 13 at school and those for students currently studying with a select group of professional organisations. The Associate Card costs £7 for students and £10 for professionals. These cards act as a valid student ID, entitle the bearer to discounts in national chain stores and receive emails containing information on further discounts, student news and special student advice. Membership forms are available online or call the Associate Card Hotline at 0845 217 7714.

Extra Card

Current students, including those studying with the Open University, are eligible for Extra Cards. These cards cost £10 and can either be ordered online or through your specific student union. In fact, the Extra Card also now encompasses the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) (a £9 cost on its own) so it can be used both throughout the United Kingdom and abroad in over 100 other countries to help students save money and take advantage of a number of great offers and competitions. Ticketmaster, Subway, Superdrug and McDonalds are just a few of the vendors who accept Extra Cards and offer discounts to the bearers. Before using it, however, you will need to activate your Extra Card online. All instructions will be included with your new card.

Democracy Card

The Democracy Card is the only NUS card that does not entitle its bearer to special deals or discounts. Instead, the Democracy Card is intended only as a form of student ID so if you already have a college or local student union card then you don't necessarily need the Democracy Card. It is free of charge, and does allow bearers to register online to receive all NUS e-newsletters. It also acts as identification for bearers to access local student union facilities, vote in elections and take part in activities, events and conferences. However if your own student identification card already entitles you to such things then you won't need to duplicate it. Check in with a member of your student union to see what you can already access.

Cards from the National Union of Students are valid from September to September, so buying one early will help you save money throughout the academic year. If an NUS card is lost, a replacement fee may be applicable. For more information on NUS cards, visit the National Union of Students online at www.nusonline.co.uk or drop in to your own student union for further information. Enjoy!