Being a student with an I.D. card comes with so much more than just entrance into buildings that require swiping or saving yourself a space in the computer lab. Did you know that businesses will give you a discount for shopping with them as a student? They know you don’t have a ton of extra cash, so they reward you for choosing to spend your hard earned dollar with them.
We scoured websites and found a few categories to look into. Use this checklist frequently to make sure you are saving before you spend.
RETAILERS:
This is a no-brainer, and we are so glad that clothing can be purchased at a discount for students. Some of the stores we found included Ann Taylor LOFT and Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Charlotte Russe, Eddie Bauer, J. Crew, The Limited and Madewell. Shoebuy.com also listed an online discount for students.
AROUND TOWN:
Check your movie theaters, museum and zoo memberships before you buy. It never hurts to ask at the ticket window if you can use your I.D. to get in at a discounted rate. An annual membership may also be steeply discounted if you do go there often. Fitness centers, skiing packages and yoga centers may also honor a student I.D. or have a special package available for students. Ask before you get roped into a membership rate higher than you would need to pay.
TECH GEAR:
You may have seen that Apple gives students’ discounts, but did you know Dell and HP do as well? Before you go through checkout with that laptop or tablet, double check the website or ask the tech helping you. Your phone could also be discounted. If you need to upgrade your phone or get your own plan away from the family plan, ask the person setting up your account if your student I.D. gets you a break on your monthly bill or the initial phone purchase.
EATING OUT:
Many of the larger fast food establishments, especially those in the immediate area of a college or university, will give a discount on your meal. Try Buffalo Wild Wings, Papa John’s and Chipotle, too.
We hope this list can help you save a few bucks. After all, college is expensive enough — you deserve a break whenever you can get it!
> Learn more about what you can expect from college:
• College living
• 7 things to do freshman year
• 10 things they don’t tell you about freshman year
