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StudentUniverse

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LAST UPDATED: March 27th, 2024

StudentUniverse is an online booking leader for students and young adults under 26 looking to make travel arrangements on a budget. It was officially launched in 2000 and remains a privately-held company. The StudentUniverse platform is made up of a network of global partners which provide discounted pricing on flights, hotels, and tours. They have proprietary verification technology which ensures that individuals accurately maintain student status since the ticket and reservation discounts are designed to benefit them while in school. The company executive offices/headquarters can be found in Waltham, Massachusetts.  

Keep reading for pros and cons, plus StudentUniverse reviews from real users.

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The Good

  • Benefits for Students
  • Business Model
  • No Fees to Use Platform
  • Discounts

Benefits for Students

While most online travel booking agencies are fighting over the same types of customers, StudentUniverse has created a platform that benefits a specific group - college students and youth. Their platform was created in an attempt to make traveling more accessible and affordable for those currently enrolled in classes. Oftentimes, students are working or having to take on a considerable amount of debt to finance school so paying for experiences abroad would normally be out of the question. With the help of StudentUniverse, thousands of students across the globe are able to take part in meaningful travel with the ability to book cheap flights.

The most beneficial aspect of the StudentUniverse platform is first and foremost their ability to provide discounted travel options to students. All air travel, hotels, and travel activities/tours are provided at a discounted rate due to the participation of popular accommodation providers. These prices make travel somewhat reasonable for the common student to see the world without taking on additional debt. This exclusive pricing on airline tickets is only available to current students.

On top of travel deals, the site helps students figure out what type of visa they will need, depending on their destination, or the location of their study abroad program.

Business Model

The business model of StudentUniverse is rather complex, but yields positive results. Their technology and strategic partnerships with third party providers allow students to take advantage of some of the best discounts and travel accommodations available. The model is broken down as follows to maximize savings:

  • Exclusive airfare deals with over 220 airline partners
  • No membership fee for students
  • Hotel accommodations through a network of affordable lodging providers
  • Tours and activities discounted for students while traveling

No Fees to Use Platform

The travel service makes money solely off of commissions, advertising sales, booking fees, and some transactions. This set up allows students to still take advantage of the cheapest deals without having to pay an additional fee simply to use the StudentUniverse website. Students can easily filter flight results to find exclusive travel deals without a paid subscription.

Discounts

StudentUniverse offers a few discounts that a customer should know about. If members refer a friend who ends up booking a flight, both parties get $20 off on their next flight. 

Members get promo discount codes sent straight to their email inbox for additional discounts on their already cheap flights. A promo code can still only be used to book student flights.

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The Bad

  • Limitations
  • No Airfare Rate Guarantees
  • Best for Groups

Limitations

Obviously, this is not a platform for everyone. In fact, this platform cannot even be used by those who are not enrolled in classes at the high school or college level. StudentUniverse utilizes a verification technology that ensures an individual maintains a student status and is eligible for the discounts. Those individuals who are not students will not be able to book travel through StudentUniverse. Occasionally, there are deals for those ages 18-25 that are not enrolled in classes but these deals are not to be expected.

No Airfare Rate Guarantees

The platform, while boasting of providing discounts on travel accommodations, has openly admitted that they cannot guarantee rates on airfare. While airline rates are typically less expensive and more reasonable for students when using the platform, it is not so one hundred percent of the time. StudentUniverse states:

  • Airfares are not guaranteed to be cheaper than retail fares
  • Fares generally available on the market may be the listing price
  • Other booking sites may have access to other exclusive airfare deals that SU does not have a partnership with
  • No comparison tool exists to find the cheapest rate

Best for Groups

StudentUniverse’s discount booking service is best utilized in a group format. That means an entire class or a large group of students booking a trip together will receive the best discounts on flights and hotels. While a person can also book their own individual travel with a student discount, the booking process is specifically designed to benefit the group trip set-up with student fare.

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The Bottom Line

StudentUniverse has created a travel booking site that benefits students with a passion for travel.  Partnerships offer student travelers discounted rates so they can experience the world without taking on a considerable amount of debt. Members who plan on using StudentUniverse to book their travel can expect the following from the service:

  1. Exclusive deals for students
  2. Discounted airfare/hotel accommodations
  3. Deals on tours and attractions
  4. Travel insurance
  5. Group travel preferred
  6. No comparison tool
  7. Only for current students
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Star Rating

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4.6

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742 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

70%

4 grade

20%

3 grade

6%

2 grade

1%

1 grade

4%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Barbie

I was told about this site but was skeptical so i went ahead and tried it! To ky surprise it easy to use and straight forward on prices and other services. Found same flight fares as other sites but CHEAPER!!! Will use this site again for sure!! First Customer but I'll be a returned customer for sure.

3 weeks ago

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Christina Cain

I spent days and multiple hours on those days trying to find a reasonably priced international flight without multiple stops and without ridiculously long layovers. I finally found exactly what I was looking for (including a direct flight home from Italy to the US) on Student Universe for a reasonable rate!!

1 month ago

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Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA

Very good deals and easy to book! Will be sure to use it in the future again! Made booking my last trip so easy and stress-free. I've recommended it to my other college friends, as well as post-grad friends. I have found it to be very affordable and helpful!

1 month ago Edited February 12, 2024

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KerryLee Adams

I wasn’t aware of StudentUniverse before making this reservation. Your site came up when I was searching for flights on Hopper. The site itself is very intuitive and user friendly. I had no problems making our reservation, understanding, and choosing our options including seat choice, flight insurance, and baggage protection. I don’t fly very often and I was dreading finally needing to look online… so much easier than I hoped. Thank you!

2 months ago

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Julia Sze Long Branch, NJ

This is the first time using StudentUniverse. I find the site easy to use and the prices are good. Purchased my first flight ticket with them - more to follow.

3 weeks ago

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Jalene Royeca

all good so far! They send the confirmation to my email as soon as I am done paying it.

1 day ago

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Lakshitha Ramanayake Mudiyanselage Piscataway, NJ

VERY GOOD AND EASY SERVICE. LOVE THE PRICE COMPARISON DISPLAYED MAKING IT EASY FOR US TO BOOK THE BEST OPTION AVAILABLE.

3 weeks ago

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Syed Haider Raza Gillani Buenos Aires, C

The process off booking was fairly simple and the flights off everywhere at comparative good pricing all my cards and security verifications worked and the company website is trustworthy. Customer service is something that could be improved upon to make it more understanding of the changes that are done from any unforeseen circumstances

3 months ago

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Natasha Hingorani

I love how accommodating they are. The price difference was significant too!

1 day ago

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Garrett Sauter

It was very helpful and provided a variety of options to choose from.

4 days ago

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Kaylee Whittall

i was worried i wouldn’t be able to afford a ticket but now i can thanks

6 days ago

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Carol Walsh Pound Ridge, NY

I like the ease of booking and options provided: free changing fees, 1 checked bag free etc. I also thought the fares were very competitive. But, most of all I called the Student Universe number before I booked to see the quality of their cutomer service (and if a live human answered) ,and I was pleasantly surprised that they have 24x7 customer service.

5 months ago

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Jack Bozick Long Beach, CA

It truly seems oriented for students and people trying to make the most of a small budget.

1 week ago

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Genaro Bustos Portland, OR

Great website I don’t use many just because of the mixed reviews but these prices are too good to miss out on.

2 weeks ago

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akhila07

I liked it, student universe giving good deal's

1 week ago

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Dan Gallagher Half Moon Bay, CA

This was my first experience with StudentUniverse. It has been wonderful. They found the flights we needed at very competitive prices. When I spoke with a customer service representative, he was knowledgeable, courteous and extremely helpful. I will definitely be keeping them on my go to list.

4 months ago

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Brian Chica

Student Universe allowed me to book the flights that other sites would't!

1 week ago

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Bob Ellis Springfield, MO

Student universe is absolutely the best way to book flights as a student. They show you all the prices for dates near the date you choose to make sure you get the cheapest flight possible. Website is super easy to use, and the service is outstanding. This website has saved me so much money on international flights. Always book through student universe!

6 months ago

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Samantha Golden LA

I love how cheap the tickets are through here. It really helps when u don't have money for trips

2 weeks ago

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Likhith Nalla

The entire experience was really pleasant. I have been using StudentUniverse for quite some time now and I get some of the best deals alongside google flights here.

3 months ago

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Madeleine Pollitzer Clemson, SC

GREAT DEALS! The website was pretty easy to navigate, but it was definitely a little slow, and I didn't know if the time of flights was in our time or Spain time. Everything else was great!

4 months ago

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Xiaoxia/Shirley Wu Redmond, WA

cheaper than kayak, which is the key reason I bought here

1 week ago

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Paolo Valencia, CA

Made it fats and easy to book trip. No hidden fees.

1 week ago

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Sasuke Uchiha

Good to use sometimes as you can get good prices occasionally. No additional student discounts though! Though one cannot book flights for their family members (younger sibling; is a college student as well) which is disappointing.

7 months ago

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Caleb Burnside Lincoln, NE

It was a smooth process, finding the best flight for the best price.

3 weeks ago

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Yu SASAKI Oswego, NY

This was the first time to use StudentUniverse. It was easy to book.

1 month ago

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Marie Gunter Emeryville, CA

Clear presentation of information, and timely email updates are among my top kudos. Excellent service. That said, and for transparency - it would be good if you separate your intent for customers to confirm their bookings, from your request for customers to leave a review - that always requires one to sign-in by creating an account with a third party. That part-not so cool.

10 months ago

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Jacqueline Martin Tuitt

It has been a wonderful experience booking through student universe it is so hassle free.

1 month ago

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Dave Meckfessel Stockton, CA

I had previously booked a one way, non-stop flight to Europe for the end of July with StudentUniverse. For my return to the US, I was looking for a flight back from Europe from a different city. With some patience, I found one with a reasonable cost and short layover on StudentUniverse. They offered better choices and costs than my usual flight website. I am especially concerned with being able to have my checked baggage already paid for with my original ticket, the cost of the flight and if there are short lay-overs or non-stop. I have been able to find flights with these parameters with StudentUniverse.

1 year ago Edited January 23, 2024

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Kaitlin Kelly CA

Customer service is great!! Makes the booking process very easy and wonderful help when I encountered an issue.

2 months ago

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Aislyn Simkins Enterprise, UT

StudentUniverse slayed so hard hooking me up with a cheap flight to the country I’m studying abroad in. Xoxo love ya’ll

3 months ago

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Febrian Moten Queens, NY

StudentUniverse always saves me money for my international travels, though you have to see which extras you need to pay for, because depending on what you need, you may end up paying more

6 months ago

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Hoàng Trần Vũ Ho Chi Minh City, SG

I think the process is quick and easy to follow. Although, I can't change my provided passport number and has to reach out to help desk. It's not too bad, just hope I can make the change myself.

8 months ago

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mark holpe Midlothian, VA

easy to use great price and good selection of flights

2 weeks ago

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Silvano Parravicini Santo Domingo Este, 32

Good price - easy to book - good experience

2 weeks ago

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Nizar Handzic Glenview, IL

NICE FAST THANK YOU BEST PRICES EVER I LIKE

3 weeks ago

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Amber Seymour East Lansing, MI

Really good experience! Super easy to use!

3 weeks ago

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Heang Seavmey

Easy booking and reasonable price, overall is good

4 weeks ago

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Anne Johnson Menton, 06

Yes!! Best customer service! Booked a flight for my college student, then had to cancel. Called and a friendly, competent human answered right away, and processed the refund. Above and beyond expectations and I will recommend them to the students I know!

8 months ago

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Emily Arnall Mesa, AZ

It was a very convenient and easy to use website. I booked yesterday at a great price. The only question I had was an additional charge on my credit card for about $11. I didn't expect or see that fee anywhere on the website or my invoice from my purchase. Other than the charge it was a great experience.

9 months ago

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Lucas Bornhoeft Fort Collins, CO

pretty cool that this company got me such a good deal on my plane tickets. at first I was worried it was a scam because I was charged the full amount but then a deposit was made to my account for the discount. thanks a bunch you guys

9 months ago

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sri kompella Ames, IA

I like the discounts applied to some flights during checkout. The only part that I would improve on is the fares. The fares provided for the flights are almost similar for students and other working professionals. Providing additional discounts to students would greatly help students travel easy and frequent

9 months ago

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Arham Farman Islamabad, IS

First off, I actually found a flight on discounted rate. Secondly, the whole booking process was really straightforward and easy. I had some queries about the flight itinerary so I called the customer care, they were super friendly and helped and understand the details. Overall, it was a great bargain and a good experience.

11 months ago Edited April 25, 2023

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Linh Nguyễn Granville, OH

When I booked my flight, it asked me for an extra $8 tip, and I accidentally pressed it. Although the service is very good, you can add 1 step that after pressing they can still cancel instead of going directly to confirmation.

11 months ago

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FRANCES ANTONIA KAPUSTA Colorado Springs, CO

Everything went smoothly and I was satisfied with your service thus far!

1 month ago

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Richard Brackett San Leandro, CA

Everything fell into place swiftly and with rapid replies Thanks team!

1 month ago

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Gagandeep Kaur

Too tedious process & complicated. It’s popular site with reasonable prices

1 month ago

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P

Your website is very helpful to book low cost flight ticket

1 month ago

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Grace Bailey Berja, AL

easy to use, i got great deals, and they sent me my booking right away.

1 month ago

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Jooyeon Jun

I loved the student discounts on flights! It was very convenient through Amazon!

2 months ago