Money Moral Dilemma: Is it wrong for me to get a student card?

Former_MSE_Nick

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I work full time but have recently signed up to a distance learning course and study in the evenings. I've discovered I'm entitled to an NUS card which will get me discounts at loads of retailers, but is it right to do this when I can afford to pay full price? Is it any different to a student studying during the day and working in the evenings, or any other students who could afford to pay full price?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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liviboy

Of course it's fine.

It's a perk of being a student. The same as students, meeting certain criteria, regardless of age, are entitled to a 16-25 (Young Persons') Railcard.

There is no dilemma here! You are a student, enjoy the benefits.

I undertook a fully funded postgraduate course through my employer and was entitled to order a 3-year NUS Extra card which is still in date despite graduating in 2014 (although it expires in August :-( ).

Dobbibill

I agree - you are entitled to it as you are studying to improve yourself and your future - it's a perk - enjoy it!

MacMickster

MSE_Nick wrote: »

I'm entitled to an NUS card which will get me discounts at loads of retailers, but is it right to do this when I can afford to pay full price?

The retailers offering these discounts can clearly afford to sell their products at the discounted prices and still make a profit.

In fact they don't offer the discounts in order to be altruistic towards poor students. They offer the discounts to make it more likely that students will choose to spend money with their business and so increase their profits.

Fill your boots now, but when you lose entitlement to these discounts be aware that you are then being overcharged and so be prepared to haggle.

dw1

MacMickster wrote: »

The retailers offering these discounts can clearly afford to sell their products at the discounted prices and still make a profit.

MacMickster has it exactly right - these companies don't do it out of altruism, they do it because students are poorer on average than the rest of their shoppers and so more price sensitive. Think of it as a way for them to maximise their profits by selling to non-students at a 10% premium.

While you're at it you should switch any subscription services (amazon prime etc) to the cheaper student versions, if you qualify.

agrinnall

Has there ever been a real dilemma in any of these ridiculous posts made by MSE staff? Every one I have seen has been clear cut and only an idiot would think there is any question (which makes me wonder about the quality of MSE staff).

lakesider52

Yes it is right for you to get the NUS card as it will give you the entitlement to vote against that Vile, woman who currently leads the NUS.

sjcsystems

I had a card from a similar course, but quite frankly I've hardly used it. I also got the ISIC card with mine so you can use it abroad. However...when I was working in Melbourne for three months, every single offer out there (of which there are stacks of them), required a voucher to be printed off. So I agree with other comments (except the political one above which is nonsense).

iclayt

If you're entitled to it, zero dilemma. None. Zilch.

Fun fact - lots of University staff end up with one too, plenty of us queue up in the Students Union to buy a card at the start of term - we study Other at the University of Other!

For many student deals all you need is an ac.uk email address, so I also have cheap amazon prime and spotify

bshah999

Would you buy in a sale if you could afford to pay full price. Yes? Then if you are ENTITLED to a student card, you can apply for one and use it. No dilemma.

crmism

Well done you, for wanting to extend your skill-set in your own time. I just wish I had that kind of facility when I was studying for professional qualifications many years ago!

As you're entitled to a union card, you're also entitled to the benefits that go with it, irrespective of your ability to pay, so go ahead and take full advantage of the discounts and don't feel guilty about it. Remember that retailers have quite high mark-ups and that they'll still be making a profit on what they sell.

If you're still in doubt, give a moment's thought to the state pension and other benefits such as winter fuel allowance. These are awarded to everybody who reaches a certain age (65, I think) and it doesn't matter whether the pensioner lives on the breadline, or is a retired Chief Executive who doesn't really need the extra money. There's no means-testing.:)