The Best Gift Cards for University Students: Smart, Simple & Always Appreciated 

University life is exciting – but also expensive. From textbooks, food and tech to homewares, travel and the all-important social life, students juggle countless costs. Gift cards for students are a great way to help support student life and make a great alternative to cash.   

Universities themselves who may run student support or incentive programmes can use gift cards for students to help their student community, and to encourage participants in research projects.  Here’s a roundup of the ways to support and the best gift cards for university students in the UK. 

1. Turn those digs into a home sanctuary

Help your students turn their basic digs into a cosy space and homely sanctuary with gift cards for stores like Dunelm, Homesense, IKEA, John Lewis, M&S and more. 

2. Supermarkets – essentials covered

Stock up on essentials like toiletries, snacks, cleaning supplies, or stationery from all the major supermarket brands including Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Iceland.  A gift card to a popular, nearby supermarket gives them the freedom to stock up on whatever they need, whenever they need it. 

3. No cooking, no problem – meal delivery services

Let’s face it: even the most budget-conscious student needs a break from instant noodles. A meal delivery gift card gives them the power to order what they crave when they need it most—during finals week or late-night study sessions.  Gift cards from brands like HelloFresh, Uber Eats and Just Eat can provide healthy and convenient meal options.

4. Apps, Books, Music, Tech and more

Whether they’re on iPhone or Android or using a Kindle; students can use app store gift cards to buy everything from productivity apps and eBooks to games and subscriptions. It’s a great way to support their studies and their sanity.  Choose from Apple Gift Cards, Amazon, Google Play and Spotify.

5. Send self care – mental Health and mindfulness support

Gift cards for subscriptions to apps like Calm, Headspace, or BetterHelp can support mental health and mindfulness for students to ensure they can cope with the challenges of student life.  Google Play and Apple Gift Cards can be redeemed for a variety of wellness apps.  Another option is Healthy Minds Club gift cards which allow recipients to choose from a whole range of wellbeing practitioners to support positive mental health.

6. Coffee and pastries to fuel the all-nighters

Greggs, Starbucks or Costa gift cards are perfect for early mornings, group study sessions, or just a little treat between classes. Bonus: they can also be used for breakfast or snacks.

7. One card, infinite choices

Amazon is a student staple. From room essentials to textbooks and last-minute snacks, students can find almost anything here. With the added bonus of Prime Student perks (like fast shipping and streaming), an Amazon gift card is practically guaranteed to be used—and appreciated.   

Why gift cards are perfect for students 

• Flexibility: They can choose what they need, when they need it. 

• Convenience: Easy to store, easy to use, and even easier to send digitally. 

• Efficient Spending: Rather than giving cash, that could get spent on something unintended, a gift card means support in the intended way.  Less pints, more food! 

Diggecard is the No.1 supplier in the NWUPC (North West University Purchasing Consortium) framework, meaning that universities that are part of this group can gain access to pre agreed discounts for over 190 gift card brands, that can be purchased in bulk in digital and physical formats.  Furthermore, we provide you with a trusted, procurement ready route to deliver value instantly. 

Explore all our brands and contact us to get up set up with a login to our easy to use gift card ordering portal so we can provide your institution with the best gift cards for university students.