StudentUniverse Review: Are they still reliable for students?

Are you a student? Maybe you're feeling a little swamped with assignments and you're craving some time off?

I totally get it.

But when you're juggling student loans and finances, jetting off to some exotic location might not seem like the most feasible way to kick back. But don't let that burst your travel bubble.

Remember this – traveling on a budget doesn't mean you need to skimp on the quality of your adventure. There's a whole world out there, filled with must-visit spots, stunning sights, and cool places to crash that won't blow your budget.

Trust me 'cus this is coming from personal experience: we've got the inside scoop on a service that can make all this happen.

So, let's spill the beans! Let me show you what I've found about StudentUniverse.

What is StudentUniverse?

StudentUniverse came into existence back in 1999, all thanks to Espen Odegard and Fredrik Carl Stromer. They got their online booking engine up and running by 2000. Now, you might be scratching your head, wondering, "How does StudentUniverse rake in the cash?" Here's the scoop.

StudentUniverse is basically like an online travel agent. Every time a user books a flight, reserves a hotel room, or rents a car via StudentUniverse, they snag a small cut. They also earn a few extra bucks through advertising services they're partnered up with.

And here's a bonus: they've got a handy app called Flights by StudentUniverse, available for both Android and iOS users. How cool is that?

Can Anyone Use StudentUniverse?

Alright, here's the lowdown. StudentUniverse's services are for those 15 and above.

And if you're scratching your head, wondering if you can use StudentUniverse even if you're not a student, well, the answer is no. The deal is, only students from recognized colleges or universities can get in on this action, and your status as a student or faculty member is checked during sign-up.

But don't sweat it if your school isn't listed – just drop them an email, and they'll verify your student status. And yes, high school students, you're included too!

Now, you can use StudentUniverse as a "Guest" and grab deals open to everyone. But, if you're after more goodies like hidden fares, special offers, and promo codes, it's worth creating an account and signing up for a "Basic Membership." The best part? It won't cost you a penny!

How Does StudentUniverse Work?

Getting a handle on how StudentUniverse works is a breeze because the website is super user-friendly and doesn't beat around the bush. When you land on the homepage, you'll spot a search bar that'll hook you up with budget flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals.

Let's say you're hunting for flights – you can pick from the cheapest, fastest, or overall best options out there. You'll key in basics like where you're heading, when you're going, and who's tagging along, but you can also note if your travel dates are set in stone or up for discussion.

Looking for a rental car? Plug in when and where you need it, and if you need a driver and their age. Plus, they've got you covered with the nitty-gritty on the kind of insurance StudentUniverse includes; think Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, airport charges, local taxes, and road fees.

But wait, there's more! The website also boasts a blog and travel guides to help you make decisions. You can pull ideas for things to do, spots to visit, and places to crash from the blog and travel guides. And don't forget, StudentUniverse isn't just for jet-setters – it's also there for students looking to shake things up and work or study from afar.

When it comes to canceling or changing things up, StudentUniverse's policies largely lean on the service provider you've booked through the site or app. If you're curious about cancellations or changes, it's a smart move to touch base with StudentUniverse early in your trip planning. You can also hunt for these policies under the "My Trips" section of your account.

Things We Like About StudentUniverse

• Student status

Once you register with StudentUniverse, you’re registered as a student. So, the proprietary verification technology used by StudentUniverse guarantees discounts for you for every service you book via them. This student status allows StudentUniverse to get better deals for you from airlines; whereas, direct flight bookings may not offer the same (unless offered by the particular carrier).

• Affordability

StudentUniverse is specifically made for students, in case we didn’t emphasize this enough. Considering the financial situation of many students, the services provided through StudentUniverse come with a discount. If you’re under the age of 26, you can get up to 30% discounts on the services booked through them, making them cheap. 

• Extra discounts

Added to this discount, the promo code or the promotional coupon gives you additional discounts on services. These promo codes change now and then. So, it’s wise to keep checking to see if there are new promo codes available. StudentUniverse also claims that each flight booking made through them guarantees a cheaper price than a direct booking via an airline.

Things We Don’t Like About StudentUniverse

• Reviews

StudentUniverse claims that they have really good reviews in terms of the services they provide, and they even give you links to the reviews people have left. The reviews they show you are from a reviews website named ResellerRatings. Most reviews you see of them on that website are positive.

However, if you were to look for reviews of StudentUniverse on a different website, like TripAdvisor, they are mostly negative.

These negative reviews are mostly to do with the StudentUniverse cancellation policy. Most users claim that they have had difficulty in canceling and making changes to their plans, even if they were to do it according to the cancellation policy of StudentUniverse.

Is StudentUniverse Worth It?

If you're the type who's super sure about your travel plans and not looking to make changes or cancellations, then there's a good chance you'll bag a solid deal with StudentUniverse. Some travelers have definitely left positive reviews about their experiences.

On the other hand, if you reckon there might be a chance you'll need to switch things up or cancel your trip altogether, you'll want to get familiar with what other travelers have to say about StudentUniverse's cancellation policy. Because life happens and changes and cancellations can spring up when least expected, it might be smart to check out a few personal stories from other users before you lock in any plans.

Here's to safe and stress-free travels!

My Rating: 4.3/5

Pros:

• Easy to navigate interface
• Great prices
• Helpful customer service‍
  

Cons:

• High cancellation fees
• At times outdated pricing

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