Photo Credit: flem007_uk
Being a student can have many benefits, including getting discounts with certain vendors and events. Here are some ideas to consider next time you’re looking for a good deal.
- Banks: Banks and credit unions today offer student checking accounts which have no minimum balance and no fees. That can be an advantage as you’ll likely have a more lean budget and little money ‘leftover’ (after paying your savings account first of course).
- Car Insurance: by now, you probably know that if you’re a student you can get a 10% discount with many companies for having good grades. Check with your local agent to see what the grade cut off is for them. Some I have seen were for 3.0 and higher.
- Culture: Museums usually offer a discount for student. I read an article in New York City where the front row seats for Young Frankenstein is only $25 for students and $450 regular price! An extreme example, but the point is you can really have a unique and classy experience with your student budget.
- Local Shops: Typically stores around universities off discounts for students. Check with your student center and see what deals you can get by having your student ID.
- Movies: Usually movie theaters charge students the matinee price if they have their IDs with them. Some colleges have free or $1 movies on campus. You just have to bring your ID to verify your student status.
- Newspapers/Magazines: Check to see if your favorite magzines have student discounts for subscriptions. Wall Street Journal has a student price for subscriptions.
- Tech Store: Many universities have a tech store which offers substantial discounts on software and hardware. My old school offered Microsoft Office Professional 2007 for only $99! It was a fantastic deal. Note: You might want to grab the latest edition right before you graduate.
Carry your student ID on you at all times and make it a habit to ask if a place offers student discounts. The worse answer you’ll get is ‘no’ and at best you’ll save a bit of money.
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We live in a college town and my husband is a student, and we’re always looking for deals. One of the best things we did was join the University credit union. We also enjoy a student discount at one of the local grocery stores, as well as at many restaurants.
This is great advice. I’ve been out of school for years, but still carry around my student I.D. to receive discounts when they are advertised. Some kind of think that’s taking it too far, but most companies will gladly give a 5% or 10% discount to anyone that will continually give them their business.
Am I a bad person?
I didn’t realize how good I had it until I graduated. Now to get software products (in particular that comes to mind), I would have to pay 4-6x the price. Ouch!
I never had heard of student rates at the movies, but take advantage if you have that option. Another great place for student discounts is the Apple stores. Whether buying a new computer, ipod, etc, they always have students discounts which can definitely help.
Great ideas and thanks for sharing everyone! I wish I took full advantage of it when I was in college.