College Student Discount Roundup

As a college student, you often gain new freedom. And with that comes responsibility, specifically financial responsibility. This time is when you develop life-long habits to be fiscally responsible. Small charges add up if you aren’t careful. Financial wellness is an often overlooked part of taking care of yourself holistically. We gathered some of the most helpful college discounts. These are places you’re likely already going, as well as some new ideas if you’re uninspired when it comes to shopping or entertainment. Some great student discounts were probably sitting there right under your nose and you never noticed. So, try these out and stay on the lookout for more.

20 college student discounts to remember

Apps and subscriptions

1. Apple music: $4.99 per month
2. Spotify premium: $4.99 per month, also includes Hulu and Showtime 
3. YouTube premium: $6.99 per month
4. Microsoft Office 365: free
5. Lyft: 10% discount in certain cities
6. Adobe Creative Cloud: up to 60% off
7. Squarespace: 50% off your first year

Food and entertainment

1. Movie theaters: check the ones in your town as many offer discounts
2. MLB and NHL games: many teams offer student pricing on tickets, so check local teams
3. Museums: many offer discounted admission for students
4. Restaurants and bars close to your college: many offer up to a 25% discount or let you pay with dining dollars.
5. Fast food chains: Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Chick-fil-A and Qdoba are a few known to offer student discounts. Anywhere you’re buying food, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they have one before you pay.

Shopping

1. Amazon Prime: $59 per year which is half the sticker price 
2. Apple education pricing for Macbooks and iPads
3. Groupon: 25% student discount
4. Forever21: 10% off online
5. J.Crew: 15% off in stores
6. H&M: 15% off
7. Kate Spade: 15% off in stores
8. TopShop: 10% off online

Bonus financial tips

• Use an app to keep track of your monthly payments and subscriptions. These can be easy to forget about when you aren’t using them until it’s too late and you see the charge on your bank account. Be proactive and manage them with an app like Truebill.
• When you come across a BOGO deal, stock up. You might be paying more upfront, but it saves you substantial amounts of money in the long run. This works for your favorite clothing brand, household items and shelf-stable food. 
• If you live on campus, stock up on things you need when you’re off campus. Campus stores can charge significantly more than an average store, so buy things like food, toiletries and medications ahead of time rather than when you’re in a pinch. You’ll save lots this way.
• Be on the lookout for scholarships. Many aren’t that competitive for the simple reason that students aren’t taking the time to seek them out. Put in the time that others aren’t and go for any scholarship you qualify for. When it comes to paying off student loans, any help counts. 
• Watch your weekend purchases. You might be living frugally throughout the week, then every weekend you rack up charges at local bars, restaurants and late-night food delivery. Be aware of your habits and identify ways to cut back. Maybe sharing a meal with a friend, or bringing your own snacks to a movie.