NUS Services invests in digital to woo students

Code Computerlove has helped NUS Services to create three new websites that have already generated thousands of pounds in revenue - just weeks after their launch.

NUS Extra is the definitive student discount card.

The new site not only communicates the range of exclusive discounts, offers and competitions designed to make student life more exciting, more memorable and more rewarding; students can also buy cards online.

Since its launch in August, the site has generated over GBP1.3m worth of sales (145,000 cards).

Code worked with NUS' creative team to develop the theme of 'milk it', with bold bright graphics to get the message across.

From the home page, visitors to the site can view range of discounts the card offers and partner companies, buy and activate cards online, and see regularly updated offers and competitions on an Extra Special section.

Code account manager Joe Saunders said: "The NUS exists to help students get the most out of life - the NUS Extra card is just one aspect of this; our aim with the site was to help students, discount partners and the NUS come together in an effective way.

"We wanted to make it really easy for students to get hold of the card, and to better promote the offers and discounts the card attracts.

"Students can buy the card online by filling out an application form and providing a photo - we've even put a web cam application on there to make it easier.

"Once students receive their card they then return to the site to activate it".

uLive is a group of Students' Unions who have grouped together to book and promote live music in their venues and live.uk.com has been created to promote the tour circuit around the UK and sell tickets to gigs online.

Since its launch at the end of September, uLive has already signed up a number of top bands including Nine Black Alps and Milburn.

Tickets for gigs are now on sale on the site, along with details of up and coming tours.

uLive's collective approach is facilitated by NUS Services.

Code's Saunders said: "Students' Union venues have been the life-blood of the live music industry in the UK for decades; there are countless agents, A and R and tech crew that learnt their trade on the SU circuit, not to mention the artistes that toured around playing in SU bars and venues building their fan base and creating a platform for huge success and critical acclaim.

"The onset of major international conglomerates operating in this area has posed a potential threat to this position, and therefore uLive has been created to preserve and promote live music in Students' Unions".

Set to 'Worst Case Scenario' by The Hoosiers, the extremely funky and creative uDisco site provides a quick and easy way for students to find uDisco events at Students' Union venues across the UK.

NUS Services is encouraging Students' Unions to sign up to uDisco and provide further web links to their sites so visitors can view up and coming events and obtain more information about individual venues.

Saunders added: "The aim was to create a cutting edge, cool and essentially brand-based website that served as a touch-point for the internet-savvy demographic that uDisco is aiming for, but which then directs them through to event-specific Web2.0 sites for each venue to allow the consumer to get a taste of the brand, and then mould their experience to whatever they want it to mean to them - they really do put the u in uDisco".

Code began working with NUS Services in 2000.

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