The pursuit of free products, samples, and discounts is a common endeavour for many consumers, particularly students navigating the financial pressures of higher education. While the term "mature student" often refers to individuals typically over the age of 21 who are returning to education, the provided source material focuses on student discounts and freebies in general, with some specific age-related offers. This article consolidates information from available sources on freebies, discounts, and promotional offers accessible to students, with a particular focus on those that may also be relevant to older or mature students, such as senior-focused programmes and student discounts that do not strictly require a traditional university age.
It is important to note that the source material does not provide specific, verified programmes exclusively for "mature students" in the UK. However, it does detail a range of student discounts, free trials, and senior-specific offers that may overlap in eligibility. The following information is compiled from the provided context documents, which include general student discount lists and senior-focused freebie programmes.
Student Discounts and Freebies
Numerous brands offer discounts and freebies to students, often requiring a valid student ID or verification through a student discount platform. The provided sources list a variety of such offers across different categories.
Clothing and Beauty
Several clothing and beauty brands offer percentage-based discounts to students. These offers are typically available online and may require a student verification service. Examples from the source material include: * Adidas: Offers a 15% discount plus free shipping. * Aerie: Provides a 20% discount to students. * Aeropostale: Gives a one-time 15% discount to U.S. students. * Alex and Ani: Offers a 15% discount on select accessories. * Allen Edmonds: Provides a 15% discount on regular-price products. * Alternative Apparel: Offers a 20% discount. * Ann Taylor: Provided a 60% discount with a specific code, which has since expired (Ends 5/24). * American Eagle: Offers a 20% discount. * Amy&Rose: Provides an 11% discount on select online purchases with a student code. * Ardene: Offers a 10% discount. * ASOS: Provides a 10% discount on full-priced purchases. * ASTR the Label: Offered a 30% discount with a specific code, which has expired (Ends 5/25). * Atom Retro: Offers 15% on select online orders. * AUrate: Provides a 15% discount. * Azalea: Offers a 15% discount. * Babyonlinedress.com: Provides a 12% discount on formal dresses. * Baggallini: Offers a 10% discount. * Banana Moon: Provides a 10% discount. * Banana Republic: Offers a 15% student discount on full-priced purchases. * Barbell Apparel: Provides a 15% discount on clothing and accessories. * BB Dakota: Offers a 20% discount. * BCBGeneration: Provides a 30% discount. * Bebe: Offers a 20% discount. * Bella Dahl: Provided a 60% off sale styles and 30% off orders over £250 with specific codes, which have expired (Ends 5/26). * Bluebella: Students who sign up for a Student Beans account can save 15% online. * Boohoo: Offers free shipping for students who sign up for the Boohoo Student Premier program. * BoohooMAN: Provides free premier shipping when registered using a school email address. * Boutiquefeel: Offers a 13% discount on select online purchases. * Boxy Charm: Offered a £25 box with a £300 value (Note: This is a subscription box, not a free sample). * Young & Reckless: Offers a 10% discount. * YP Threads: Offers 10% off orders over £50. * Zaful: Provided a 24% discount with a specific code.
Food and Drink
Several food and beverage chains offer student discounts, typically requiring a valid student ID at the point of purchase. Some brands also run specific promotional events for graduates. * Chipotle: Previously offered a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Entree coupon for graduates, valid through July 8, 2021. * Yogurtland: On June 21, 2021, recent graduates could get a free 8oz cup of yogurt by wearing a cap and gown or showing proof of being a 2021 graduate. * Arby’s: Offers a 10% discount to students with a valid ID. * Applebee’s: Provides a 10% discount with a valid school ID. * Buffalo Wild Wings: College students from select universities can get a free shareable meal for every £10 minimum purchase. * Chick-fil-A: Offers a 10% discount on select orders. * Dairy Queen: Provides a 10% off discount at participating locations. * Dog Haus: Offers a £5 discount on orders of £15. * Freshly: Provided a 15% student discount code for the first 4 orders only. * Harry & David: Offers a 20% discount. * Home Chef: Provided a 50% discount. * Krispy Kreme: Offers a 20% discount with a valid school ID. * McDonald’s: Provides a 10% discount on select orders at participating restaurants. * Pizza Hut: Offers 10-20% on select orders to students who can show a valid ID. * Shipt: Provided a 50% discount on their first same-day grocery shipping, plus a free 2-week trial. * SmartSweets: Offered a 10% discount on orders over £30 with a specific code.
Services and Trials
- Amazon Prime Student: Offers six months of Prime for free. After the trial period, it costs $6.49 per month (Note: Pricing and availability may differ in the UK).
- Shipt: As mentioned above, offered a 50% discount on first shipping and a free 2-week trial.
Freebies and Discounts for Seniors
While not exclusively for students, the provided sources detail several freebies and discounts available to senior citizens, which may be relevant to mature students who also qualify based on age. These programmes are separate from standard student offers.
Organisational Memberships
- AARP: Membership grants access to exclusive discounts, programmes, and services from brands. New members can choose a free gift, such as an Insulated Trunk Organizer or a 6-Port Power and USB Charging Donut. The source notes that you do not need to be an AARP member to use some of their services. AARP also maintains lists of universities offering free or discounted courses for seniors and a list of free online games.
- AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens): A membership organisation for people aged 50 and over that provides discounts and deals.
- The Seniors Club: A free-to-join club focusing on senior needs, offering benefits and discounts on items like medical equipment, home security, gifts, and dining.
Retail and Restaurant Offers
- Whataburger: Offers a free small coffee or drink when ordering a meal at select locations.
- A&W: In honour of their 105th birthday, A&W offered free root beer floats for life to anyone aged 100 or older (ID may be required). This promotion appears to be a specific, time-limited event.
- Arby’s: Those aged 55 and older can get a free drink at restaurants, with no purchase necessary.
- Burger King: AARP members can get a free cup of coffee at Burger King locations.
Educational Opportunities
- Colleges and Universities: Many institutions offer free or discounted courses for individuals as young as 50. AARP provides a list of these institutions by state. Some allow seniors to audit classes, meaning they can attend lectures without taking exams or paying full tuition.
- Public Libraries: Offer free access to e-books, audiobooks, and videos.
Other Free Services
- Wheelchair Ramps: A programme by "Ramp Access Made Possible by Students" installs free wheelchair and handicapped ramps for qualified seniors and the disabled.
- Apps and Online Games: AARP offers a list of free online games designed to boost cognitive skills or provide entertainment.
Travel Discounts
- Amtrak: Offers a 10% discount on most rail fares for travellers aged 65 and over.
- Greyhound: Provides a 5% discount on passenger fares for riders aged 62 and older.
- Cruises and Hotels: Major brands like Marriott and Hilton offer special senior rates. AARP members are advised to mention their membership when booking to unlock the best deals.
Important Considerations for UK Consumers
The source material provided is primarily focused on U.S.-based offers and programmes (e.g., AARP, Whataburger, Amtrak). For UK-based consumers, mature students, or seniors seeking similar benefits, the following points are critical:
- Geographic Restrictions: Most of the specific brand discounts and freebies listed (e.g., for Arby's, Burger King, Whataburger) are likely only valid in the United States and may not be available in the UK. UK consumers should seek out equivalent programmes from UK-based retailers and service providers.
- Verification and Eligibility: Student discounts often require verification through platforms like Student Beans or UNiDAYS, or a valid student ID. Senior discounts may require proof of age (e.g., a driving licence or senior railcard). The eligibility criteria for specific offers must be checked directly with the provider.
- Timeliness of Offers: Many promotional codes and specific freebie offers have expiration dates (as noted with Ann Taylor, ASTR the Label, Bella Dahl, etc.). Offers can change frequently, and what is valid today may not be valid tomorrow.
- UK-Specific Senior Programmes: While the sources mention U.S. organisations like AARP, the UK has its own senior-focused programmes, such as the Senior Railcard, which offers discounts on rail travel for those aged 60 and over, and various discounts available through the National Trust or local councils. These are not covered in the provided source material but are relevant for UK residents.
- Educational Opportunities: In the UK, many universities offer "lifelong learning" programmes, short courses, or audited classes for mature students and older learners. These are often available at a reduced cost or sometimes for free, particularly through local authority education services or the University of the Third Age (U3A).
Conclusion
The provided source material offers a snapshot of freebies and discounts available to students and seniors in the United States. For students, a wide array of discounts on clothing, food, and services is available, often through verification platforms. For seniors, discounts are often tied to membership organisations like AARP or AMAC, or are offered directly by retailers and service providers for those above a certain age.
However, it is crucial to recognise that the information is not directly transferable to the UK context without significant adaptation. UK-based mature students and seniors should use this information as a general guide to the types of offers available but must seek out UK-specific equivalents. The most reliable way to find current, valid offers is to check directly with UK retailers, service providers, and educational institutions, or to use UK-based student discount platforms and senior discount schemes. Always verify the terms, conditions, and geographic restrictions of any offer before attempting to redeem it.