Money Moral Dilemma: Is it 'morally wrong' to use student discounts aged 55?

MSE_Sarah

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

I'm a 55-year-old mature student doing a continuing education course at a university, which is about two hours a week, plus reading, studying etc. As such, I have a university email address, which means I'm eligible for all manner of student discounts. My 20-year-old son, who is also a student, is appalled that I can do this and says it's "morally wrong" as I'm "not a proper student". Is it wrong for me to take advantage of these offers? 

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Billy_B_North

No, it’s not morally wrong, as long as you aren’t misrepresenting your status.

notonthehighst

I'm curious about why your son would even question that. The criteria is student. You are one. 

JoC13

I am appalled that they are viewing this the way they are, frankly I was shocked. You are a student therefore you can receive student discounts, age has no bearing on it at all.

LittleJohn1

No of course it is not. You are studying at university so therefore you are a student, you age is irrelevant. I went back to university to study for an MA when I was older than you currently are. The student fees were quite expensive, so I  had no qualms about taking advantage of student discounts. I benefited from student discounts on books, on theatre and cinema visits as well as at restaurants. Despite my age no one ever questioned my right to such discounts. Businesses simply will not care about your age in fact in the current pandemic they will simply be glad that you want to spend money with them. Ignore your son he is talking rubbish. 

purpoise

What's the problem? You are studying and the discount is for people who are studying. I used my night-school pottery classes student card sometimes for a 'student' discount.

If you are studying/using your brain, supposedly you are staving off the onset of Alzheimers/Dementia. This could save the NHS some money. The businesses who offer a discount obviously can afford it and take your money gladly, otherwise they wouldn't offer it.

Don't bother with moral mental gymnastics, just show your card. If quizzed, ask the server if they have stopped trying to improve themself.

Torry_Quine

You're a student so of course you're entitled. I don't understand why anyone would think otherwise.

GM_Bournemouth

If you are otherwise earning a living, then it is morally wrong to benefit from a scheme designed to help students who do not earn a living.

Flipflop13

GM_Bournemouth said:

If you are otherwise earning a living, then it is morally wrong to benefit from a scheme designed to help students who do not earn a living.

I think I genuinely had more surplus cash at Uni than I do now. Nice part time job, limited outgoings and regular student loan deposits. No kids, no mortgage... 

J3T

I’m a student. One day a week & I’m 53 & I use my nus extra card almost daily. 

If we’re entitled to it then why not? 

‘You’re son got an ‘ology in rudeness?🤷‍♀️

hannerrbabes

Oh for god's sake. You're a student, therefore you get student discount.