Studentuniverse
Encyclopedia
StudentUniverse is a technology company that provides students with deals. It is one of the two largest discount student travel sellers in the world. It was founded in 2000, and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts
. The company's value proposition is to offer student, faculty, and youth discounts, and flexibility, with an average discount over published rates, based on a sample survey, of 14%. The company has proprietary verification technology that allows it to verify student status. StudentUniverse sells exclusive airfare deals for its verified members from its airline partners. The company offers 24/7 customer service.
StudentUniverse also offers group travel services for groups of 12 or more people.
In 2010: The firm announced a discount airfare service open to any traveler ages 18–25.
2011: StudentUniverse launched StudentUniverse Media - a marketing agency that specializes in marketing to students.
2011: The company announces Mike Cleary as its new Chief Commercial Officer
2011: The website reflects that it will expand its offering to categories beyond travel - student deals.
Waltham, Massachusetts
Waltham is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, was an early center for the labor movement, and major contributor to the American Industrial Revolution. The original home of the Boston Manufacturing Company, the city was a prototype for 19th century industrial city planning,...
. The company's value proposition is to offer student, faculty, and youth discounts, and flexibility, with an average discount over published rates, based on a sample survey, of 14%. The company has proprietary verification technology that allows it to verify student status. StudentUniverse sells exclusive airfare deals for its verified members from its airline partners. The company offers 24/7 customer service.
Website
StudentUniverse.com is a student deals website that primarily focuses on college students. The site offers airfare tickets, hotel and hostel bookings, travel insurance, and other travel products.StudentUniverse also offers group travel services for groups of 12 or more people.
Business Model
By verifying their members' enrollment at an accredited, degree-granting college, the company is able to offer students discounted products and services. For example they sell discounted airfares from their airline partners. Such airfares are not guaranteed to be cheaper than the retail airfares (what is available in the market). The company does not charge for membership. However, it does charge a $6 (USD) service fee on airline tickets.History
Founded in 1992 as a student travel agency, StudentUniverse launched its online presence in 2000. The company was founded by Fredrik Carl Størmer and Espen Ødegård.In 2010: The firm announced a discount airfare service open to any traveler ages 18–25.
2011: StudentUniverse launched StudentUniverse Media - a marketing agency that specializes in marketing to students.
2011: The company announces Mike Cleary as its new Chief Commercial Officer
2011: The website reflects that it will expand its offering to categories beyond travel - student deals.