How to Take Advantage of College Student Discounts
It was a nightmare trying to get my student ID when I was a freshman in college. We had to submit a photo with very specific rules. At the end of the day, I just took a crummy photo at the student services office against a white wall that looked as bad as my driver’s license photo. It felt great to finally get that beautiful card in my hand that made me an official student of the university. But the best part about having a student ID is the plethora of student discounts that come along with that little piece of plastic you carry in your wallet. Here are some great ways to use your college student status to your advantage:
1. Tech Discounts
A lot of tech companies have back-to-school sales and discounts on merchandise or programs. For example, Apple, Dell, and Microsoft all have education pricing to capitalize on students’ needs for computers and tablets for their coursework. You can also get the Microsoft Office package for free with your university’s log-in. A lot of phone companies will also offer a decrease in the price of monthly plans for full-time students.
2. Cheap Entertainment
So many museums, movie theaters, music venues, etc. have student discounts that are a savior when you’re trying to get a break from studying and get an escape from campus for a little bit.
3. Student Travel Discounts
If you’re planning a trip or need car insurance, check if the companies you’re looking into have student discounts. Insurance companies like Allstate, Travelers, State Farm, etc. all have discounts of some sort. Travel companies such as Greyhound, CoachUSA, and some cities’ transit programs offer student discounts as well.
4. Subscription Services
Two words for you - AMAZON PRIME. Get that Amazon Prime Student discount while you can. It’s definitely worth it. You can also get reduced prices on other subscriptions like a Sam’s Club membership, Spotify Premium, and newspapers and magazines (NY Times and the Wall Street Journal, among others).
5. Food and Shopping
Look into some brands, like Madewell, Topshop, ModCloth, etc. and double check if they’ll honor a discount with a student ID. Some restaurants also have discounts, like Subway, Mongolian BBQ, and Buffalo Wild Wings. (Check out more here!)
6. Shop Local
At the end of the day, look local. Most college campuses and college towns will have local businesses that offer student discounts on their products and merchandise. Look up your town’s best student discounts and start saving!