Did you know that being a college student could mean great discounts at the movie theater, on auto insurance, and even when booking flights?
Businesses appreciate you as a customer, and they understand that budgeting is important for students. Many offer student discounts on goods and services, so make it a habit to ask about them when making transactions. Not sure where to begin? For starters, your student status can save you major bucks in these six categories.
1. Clothing and Accessories
Popular retailers like J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and Topshop offer 15 to 20 percent off full-priced merchandise with a valid student ID. Many college towns have outlet malls nearby full of markdowns on your favorite brands, so be sure to research your options before you head out to shop.
2. Arts and Entertainment
Plays, concerts, and community events often offer student pricing. These discounts make it easier to enjoy your local entertainment scene and discover off-campus opportunities. Most large movie theaters have lower evening prices for students or a designated day of the week for student specials. If you’re in the mood for some art, science, or history, don’t forget state museums and private exhibits. These venues will sometimes have lower admission fees for students.
Also, major publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, offer annual student-priced subscriptions.
3. Travel and Transportation
Some auto insurance companies offer “good student” insurance rate discounts for drivers between the ages of 16 to 24. While offers may vary from state to state and carrier, typically students must be a full-time high school or college student with at least a B average or 3.0 GPA to qualify.
For travel by plane or train, tickets can sometimes be purchased through promotions or memberships, like Amtrak’s Student Advantage Card. Most specials are available for students 16 and older, and may offer a reward system along with lower rates.
If you’re in the market for a new car, local car dealerships run promotions around graduation for recent grads with good credit.
4. Technology
Students can get discounts on Microsoft Windows upgrades and other software packages for their new devices. Apple commonly runs student promotions on Mac and MacBook computers, and includes an iTunes or Apple gift card with some purchases. Studying design? Save on popular Adobe software by providing an “edu” email address for up to 80 percent off retail prices. For textbooks and every other school item you can imagine, look into an Amazon student account. In addition to receiving email alerts for discounts and promotions, Amazon Student members receive six months of free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime on eligible purchases.
5. Gyms
Membership costs vary by location, but check to see if your local gym or YMCA offers student rates or short-term memberships for when you’re home from school.
6. Restaurants
Nothing says college like eating cheaply, and restaurants like Waffle House, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, and Subway offer deals and up to 10 percent off at certain locations. Always ask for the latest student price when calling to place your order — exclusive student offers may not be advertised.
While discounts are nice, they may not be sufficient. If saving money isn’t enough to get by, consider a part-time job during college to make all your ends meet.
