Wallets are tight in college. Many people know that several franchises and companies offer student discounts, you just don’t know how to implement it and/or are overwhelmed by the amount that you can do with your piece-o-plastic!
Well, I’ve broken down 10 general, and best, things you can do with your ID that can help you in college. These are things that I find super awesome, and I can’t wait to start using these soon. Prepare yourself, penny pinchers.
10. Museums.
Some (let’s be honest, MOST) of you might think museums are a snooze fest. However, if you can get in for free, it makes it a little better. Plus, museums are a great way to learn more about art history, which your professors will definitely hand out gold stars on. Major museums (such as the MoMA if you go to school in NYC) will often provide free or heavily discounted tickets to students. Free entertainment? Sign me up.
9. Movie Theaters.
Movies are expensive. Like crazy expensive. Like “meh I’ll just wait until it comes out on DVD and then forget about it” expensive. Local and national theaters will often take a huge chunk of change off of the ticket price, which makes going to see Avengers: Age of Ultran (May, 1st, 2015) a little more doable. Yeah, I’m excited too.
8. Barnes and Noble.
You will find yourself at a Barnes and Noble more times than you care to mention. They have awesome discounts that you can subscribe to and great deals on textbook rentals. I’m talking up to 80% off people.
7. Retail.
Retail therapy is a thing. A very powerful thing. You don’t have to justify your reasons. Many stores like J. Crew, Forever 21, and Steve Madden for example offer discounts and cash back to students with their ID.
6. FOOD!
Quite possibly my favorite word. And some of your favorite foodie places like Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, McDonald’s, and even Kroger offer student discounts and/or FREE DRINKS! Get in the car.
5. Spotify Premium.
If you don’t know what this is, allow me to enlighten you. Spotify Premium has no ads, better sound quality, and all music, all the time. No wi-fi? No problem. You can listen to songs anywhere without burning all of your data. The best part? It’s only 5 bucks a month. $5.00.
4. Computers.
The biggest brands in laptops really care about students. These companies provide huge discounts, student packages, and special financing to ensure you aren’t drowning. Check out Apple Student, Microsoft Store for Education, and Dell University.
3. Amazon Student.
Amazon student is a little pricey, but you get sooo much bang for your buck. You ready for this? Free two-day shipping, exclusive deals and promotions, access to unlimited photo storage, AND unlimited streaming for movies, TV shows, and music. Best of all, you get a six month free trial before committing the $49 bucks for the year, as apposed to the $99 bucks everyone else pays. Worth it.
This card is the be-all, end-all. The one stop shop. This one card is partnered with hundreds of retailers and travel agencies to provide you with exclusive student discounts instantly. Guess what? It’s only $22.50 for the year.
1. International Student Identity Card.
Okay, so when I said the SAC was the be-all, end-all, this is better. The ISIC is basically the Advantage Card, but it provides over 125,000 discounts and benefits in over 130 countries. This is great if you plan on studying abroad for a summer or semester. Now you can take advantage of the international student discounts! Whaatttt! Because this card is an international based company, card prices range. However, they aren’t over $25! Book your flights NOW.
I hope these discounts enlighten you and inspire you to go out and try something new. Make these years enjoyable, not worrying about money!
Charlotte Norsworthy
