Introduction:
As a student, saving money is often a top priority, and one of the best ways to stretch your budget is by taking advantage of student discounts. From tech gadgets and fashion to streaming services and travel, student discounts can help you save on nearly everything. However, many students miss out on these savings simply because they aren’t aware of them or don’t know how to access them. This guide will provide 10 essential student discount tips to help you unlock the best deals and maximize your savings.
1. Get a Student ID and Keep It Handy
Why This Step is Important:
Your student ID is the key to unlocking a world of discounts. Many stores and services require proof of student status, and your ID card serves as that proof both online and in-person.
What to Do:
- Always carry your student ID when you go out. You never know when you might stumble upon a student discount offer.
- Many websites accept a digital version of your ID. If you’re shopping online, make sure you have a scanned copy or a clear photo of your ID on your device.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to check expiration dates! Some student IDs expire before your graduation date, so ensure yours is up-to-date to continue receiving discounts.
2. Sign Up for UNiDAYS and Student Beans
Why This Step is Important:
Two of the most popular platforms for student discounts are UNiDAYS and Student Beans. These websites and apps partner with major brands to offer exclusive deals for students.
What to Do:
- Sign up for UNiDAYS: This platform is free for students and offers discounts on everything from fashion and electronics to health and fitness products.
- Register with Student Beans: Another free platform that provides student discounts for a variety of services and products. Like UNiDAYS, you can use it for both online and in-store purchases.
- Browse both platforms regularly for updated deals and discounts, as they are constantly changing and expanding.
Pro Tip:
Check out the special “limited-time offers” sections on these platforms for one-off, time-sensitive deals that can save you even more on big purchases.
3. Leverage Your .edu Email Address
Why This Step is Important:
Many companies offer discounts to students who register using their official .edu email address, making it one of the simplest ways to prove student status and access exclusive deals.
What to Do:
- Apple: Take advantage of Apple’s educational pricing on Macs, iPads, and other accessories by using your .edu email address.
- Spotify and Hulu: Sign up for Spotify’s student plan, which comes bundled with Hulu and Showtime at a steep discount.
- Amazon Prime Student: Register for Amazon Prime Student with your .edu email to get six months free, followed by 50% off the regular Prime membership price.
Pro Tip:
Even if your school doesn’t issue .edu emails, many companies still accept other academic email domains, so always check with your school’s IT department to see if your address qualifies.
4. Download Student Discount Apps
Why This Step is Important:
Several apps are designed to help students easily discover and redeem discounts. These apps often have location-based features that show deals near you or filter offers based on categories like travel, entertainment, and dining.
What to Do:
- Download and explore apps like UniDays, Student Beans, and Campus Special, which offer location-specific deals.
- Set up notifications to get real-time alerts when new discounts become available or when a limited-time deal is about to expire.
Pro Tip:
Enable GPS on these apps to find local stores near your campus offering student discounts, as these can sometimes offer even better deals than national retailers.
5. Use Student Discounts on Tech Purchases
Why This Step is Important:
Electronics and tech products can be a significant expense for students, but many retailers offer special student pricing. Using your student discount can save you hundreds on laptops, tablets, software, and accessories.
What to Do:
- Apple Education Store: Apple offers up to 10% off Macs and iPads for students, plus discounts on AppleCare+ and accessories.
- Dell Student Store: Dell offers exclusive deals on laptops, desktops, and accessories through its student store.
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Students can get a substantial discount (up to 60%) on Adobe’s suite of products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye out for back-to-school sales at major tech retailers. These seasonal promotions often stack with student discounts for even bigger savings.
6. Take Advantage of Student Travel Discounts
Why This Step is Important:
Many airlines, train companies, and travel agencies offer special student fares and discounts that can help you save significantly when traveling for school breaks, internships, or study abroad programs.
What to Do:
- Student Universe: This travel booking platform offers exclusive student deals on flights, hotels, and tours.
- ISIC Card: The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) provides discounts on international travel, cultural experiences, and accommodation.
- Public Transport Discounts: Check if your local public transport system offers student passes or reduced fares.
Pro Tip:
Book flights in advance and sign up for airline newsletters that specifically target student travelers, as these often come with extra savings or promo codes.
7. Use Student Discounts for Streaming and Entertainment
Why This Step is Important:
Being a student doesn’t mean you have to miss out on entertainment. Streaming services and subscription platforms often offer student plans at discounted rates.
What to Do:
- Spotify Premium Student Plan: This bundle includes Spotify Premium, Hulu, and Showtime, all for a fraction of the regular cost.
- YouTube Premium for Students: Get ad-free access to YouTube videos and YouTube Music at a lower price with their student plan.
- Apple Music Student Plan: Apple Music offers a discounted student subscription, plus you get access to Apple TV+ for free.
Pro Tip:
Always check if other entertainment platforms like Audible or Netflix are running student promotions, especially around the start of the school year.
8. Save on Fashion and Apparel
Why This Step is Important:
Whether you need new clothes for internships, job interviews, or just everyday wear, many fashion retailers offer student discounts that can make upgrading your wardrobe more affordable.
What to Do:
- ASOS: Enjoy a 10-15% discount year-round with your student ID or through platforms like UNiDAYS.
- H&M: Get up to 20% off in-store and online when you verify your student status.
- Nike and Adidas: Both brands offer student discounts on athletic wear, footwear, and accessories.
Pro Tip:
Combine student discounts with end-of-season sales to score stylish clothing at rock-bottom prices.
9. Student Discounts for Dining Out
Why This Step is Important:
Eating out on a student budget doesn’t have to break the bank. Many fast-food chains and restaurants offer student discounts on meals.
What to Do:
- McDonald’s: In some locations, you can get free fries or a drink with your student ID.
- Subway: Participating Subway locations offer 10% off with a valid student ID.
- Local Cafes and Restaurants: Check around your campus for independent cafes and eateries offering student meal deals or discounts.
Pro Tip:
Join loyalty programs at your favorite restaurants to stack student discounts with free meals or drinks after a certain number of visits.
10. Use Student Discounts for Health and Fitness
Why This Step is Important:
Staying healthy while in school is essential, and many gyms and fitness apps offer student pricing to help you stay active without overpaying.
What to Do:
- ClassPass: This fitness app offers student discounts on access to various classes like yoga, cycling, and gym memberships.
- Gym Membership Discounts: Many gyms near universities offer reduced rates for students. Don’t forget to ask about any special offers or monthly student rates.
- Headspace and Calm: These meditation and wellness apps often offer reduced pricing for students to help with mental health and stress management.
Pro Tip:
If your university offers a gym or wellness center, take full advantage of the student rate or free access to fitness facilities on campus.
Conclusion:
By following these 10 tips, students can maximize their savings and take full advantage of discounts across various industries, from tech and travel to fashion and dining. The key to benefiting from student discounts is staying informed, using platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans, and making the most of your student ID and .edu email. Whether you’re looking for cheap meals, discounted tech products, or travel deals, student discounts can help you make the most of your budget throughout your academic journey.
