What is a TOTUM card?
Student life looks different for everyone.
For those living on campus, lectures and late-night library visits might be a big part of your weekly routine. But for learners studying around work or family, it might mean squeezing in a study session wherever you can.
No matter how you choose to learn, one thing most students have in common is wanting to make their money go further. A TOTUM card gives eligible learners access to student discounts across a wide range of brands.
At Distance Learning Centre, we think that the ‘perks’ of student life shouldn’t be off-limits to those who study differently. Today, we’ll be learning more about the TOTUM card, its sa and how you can get one by enrolling on a Distance Learning Centre course.
What is a TOTUM card?
A TOTUM card is a student discount card.
It gives on-campus and distance learners access to a wide range of savings. For many students, it’s one of the easiest ways to make shopping more affordable.
Many think that discounts are only available to full-time university students, but that’s not always the case. If you’re studying through an eligible education provider, you might be able to apply for a TOTUM membership, too.
For those enrolled on a course with Distance Learning Centre, being a TOTUM+ Cardholder (alongside the flexibility of studying from home) is a major bonus.
TOTUM in simple terms
TOTUM is an all-access pass to hundreds of online and in-store offers. You also get benefits such as PASS proof-of-age ID, TOTUM Cashback, global ID, and discounts with ISIC.
When you’re buying course supplies or upgrading your tech for long-distance learning, having a TOTUM discount could shave massive amounts off your end-of-term bill.
It also shows that student status isn’t limited to on-campus students: with us, you can learn from home around your existing commitments and still access the same savings as any other student.
Is TOTUM the same as the old NUS card?
Yes – for years, the ‘NUS Extra’ card was the gold standard for student discounts in the UK. But in 2018, the NUS rebranded this service into what we now know as TOTUM.
If you’ve been out of education for a while and remember the old orange NUS cards, TOTUM is just the more modern, more powerful version of that. It offers everything the old card did, plus a lot more in terms of digital features and local discounts.
Can distance learning students get a TOTUM card?
A question we hear often is, ‘I’m studying from home in my spare time: does that make me eligible?’, and the answer is yes. There’s a common misconception that you need to be a full-time university student living on a campus to qualify for student discounts.
But as long as you’re enrolled in a recognised course of study (like those offered here at the Distance Learning Centre), you are a student.
Why this matters for Distance Learning Centre learners
We know that our students are often balancing work, family, and financial commitments. You might fall into these categories, or you might just be returning to education after time away. But the flexibility of distance learning means you can enrol at any time.
Having access to a TOTUM card can make that experience feel even more rewarding. Over time, 10% off your weekly shop and discounted rates for irreplaceable technology start to add up.
How to get a TOTUM card through Distance Learning Centre
Step 1: Enrol in a Distance Learning Centre course
To be eligible for a TOTUM card, you must be a registered student.
The first step is to choose a course that fits your area of study: that might be one of our A-Levels, Functional Skills Courses, or Counselling and Psychology Courses. In every case, enrolment is your ticket to student status.
Step 2: Wait until you have received your course materials
Once you’ve enrolled, we’ll get your study materials over to you (before we can issue a TOTUM+ application code, you must have received your course materials). You also need to be beyond the standard 14-day cancellation period, unless stated otherwise.
Step 3: Contact Distance Learning Centre for your registration code
Once you’re all set up, just get in touch with our support team.
We’ll verify your enrolment and provide you with a unique TOTUM registration code (this code links your TOTUM account to us as your education provider),
Step 4: Apply directly with TOTUM.
It’s time to apply directly with TOTUM, either on the website or by downloading the app.
Enter your DLC code when asked for your ‘Place of Study,’ and choose the membership tier that offers the most benefits.
How much does a TOTUM card cost with Distance Learning Centre?
It depends on which ‘tier’ you choose: prices and memberships are subject to change, so we always recommend checking the latest details directly with TOTUM before applying:
- TOTUM Lite: A free version that gives you access to a selection of online discounts.
- TOTUM Student+: The premium version. Prices typically start around £14.99 for one year, with 2-year and 3-year options usually offering better value (often around £24.99 for three years).
- TOTUM professionals: Since many DLC students are also working professionals, this tier can be perfect. It offers the same great discounts, just tailored to those in professional development.
What discounts can you get with a TOTUM card?
The list of brands is constantly growing, but here are some you can expect to find:
- Supermarkets: 10% off at Co-op (great for weekly food shops!)
- Fashion: Discounts at ASOS, Boohoo, Nike, and Adidas.
- Eating out: Student rates at Domino’s, PizzaExpress, and Las Iguanas.
- Travel: Discounts on National Express and even some international travel via the ISIC (International Student Identity Card), which is often bundled with TOTUM.
Start learning with Distance Learning Centre and access student savings!
Learners studying from home don’t have to miss out. We make sure you’re eligible for the same deals as in-person students.
Enrol in one of our courses, and you can work towards your goals through supported distance learning, while also having the opportunity to apply for a TOTUM+ Student Card once you’re eligible.
Check out our education courses, where we offer GCSEs & IGCSEs, AS Levels and Functional Skills qualifications. Or, if you want to get ahead in your career, our teaching assistant courses and childcare courses can help you progress down the right path.
