As students settle back into the school routine, they should remember they carry a privileged status as consumers. College students across the country are eligible for special student discounts that not everyone else can get. Everything from retail stores and restaurants, to movie tickets or computers.
A variety of discounts, including personal purchases, are available to students who carry their school ID and remember to ask about them while checking out.
Sometimes merchants will require a student identification card, or in the case of online purchases, an .edu email address. Of the countless benefits to being a college student, taking advantage of student discounts offered is one of the least used. The trouble is, retailers don’t always make their student discounts known to consumers.
Not only are student discounts not commonly advertised, but the stigma of being a broke college student shies students away from asking for something for a cheaper price. It really is much more widespread than the average student realizes.
As little known as student ID discounts are, this little piece of plastic is a college student’s best ally for saving money until graduation. If you have a student ID, you should always ask for a discount. There’s no harm in asking. You never know how much you could save with the flash of your student ID.
Probably the three biggest categories for student savings seem to be computers, apparel and food. It’s almost a no-brainer to take advantage of some of these student discounts.
Computers and tech gear.
Apple Inc. offers discounts to college students. Every year, during back-to-school buying Apple offers a bonus for buying a Mac computer.
This year, it’s a $100 card to use for buying additional Apple products. In previous years, it has included a free printer, iPod, etc.
Microsoft Corp. offers an interesting deal for students this year. It may not help students focus, but Microsoft is throwing in a free Xbox 360 gaming console to any student who buys a Windows 7 PC for $699.
Clothing.
Student discounts at clothing retailers are also common, but waiting for a sale, in combination with a student discount, might reap bigger savings. Examples of stores that have student discounts are Ann Taylor, Madewell, Juicy Couture, Banana Republic, J. Crew and The Limited. Discounts of 15 or 20 percent are common.
Food.
People may be surprised that several chain restaurants offer students discounts. While most nationwide chains leave the decision about whether or not to offer student discounts up to individual franchise owners, participation is most prevalent in college towns. Many merchants find student discounts beneficial to bringing in business. They include 10 percent off at McDonald’s, Chipotle, Burger King, Subway, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut and Domino’s Pizza. It must be noted that this varies by location.
