College life can be exciting and challenging, often bringing financial constraints that can make managing expenses difficult for many students. Amidst tuition fees, textbooks, and living costs, finding ways to save money becomes essential. Fortunately, numerous companies and services offer student discounts to help ease the financial burden on college students.
Student discounts are special deals available exclusively to those enrolled in educational institutions. These discounts span a wide range of categories, including technology, streaming services, travel, retail, and more. By taking advantage of these offers, students can significantly cut down their expenses and stretch their budgets further.
In this guide, we will explore various student discounts available to college students, providing detailed information on how to access them and maximize your savings. Whether you’re looking for cheaper software, more affordable travel options, or discounted shopping experiences, this article has got you covered.
Let’s dive into the world of student discounts and discover how you can make the most of these incredible offers to enhance your college experience while keeping your finances in check.
Types of Student Discounts
Technology and Software
For college students, having the right technology and software is crucial for academic success. Fortunately, many companies offer substantial discounts on laptops, software, and other tech gadgets to help students stay equipped without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best technology and software discounts available for students:
- Apple
- Discounts on Macs and iPads: Apple offers special education pricing on Macs and iPads, which can save students hundreds of dollars. During back-to-school promotions, students can also receive a free pair of AirPods or Beats headphones with eligible purchases.
- How to Access: Visit the Apple Education Store and verify your student status with a valid student ID or school email address.
- Apple Education Pricing
- Microsoft
- Office 365 Education: Students can get Office 365 for free, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams. Additionally, students can enjoy discounts on Surface devices and accessories.
- How to Access: Sign up with a valid school email address on the Microsoft Education website.
- Microsoft Education
- Adobe
- Creative Cloud: Adobe offers up to 60% off on Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes access to popular applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro.
- How to Access: Students need to verify their eligibility through Adobe’s website.
- Adobe Creative Cloud Student Discount
- Dell
- Dell University Program: Students can get discounts on personal computers with special pricing, a 30-day Price Match Guarantee, and other exclusive offers.
- How to Access: Visit Dell’s student discount page and verify your student status.
- Dell Student Discounts
- HP
- Exclusive Student Pricing: HP offers up to 35% off on laptops, monitors, and printers for students. The program also includes a two-year warranty and accidental damage protection.
- How to Access: Sign up on the HP Student Store website and verify your student status.
- HP Student Discounts
- Corel
- Graphics and Productivity Software: Corel provides up to 96% off on various software packages, including CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, PaintShop Pro, and WordPerfect Office.
- How to Access: Visit the Corel Education Store and verify your student status.
- Corel Student Discounts
- Autodesk
- Free Software Licenses: Autodesk offers free three-year licenses for its software, which includes AutoCAD, Maya, and Fusion 360, ideal for students in engineering, architecture, and entertainment fields.
- How to Access: Sign up on the Autodesk Education Community and verify your student status.
- Autodesk Education Community
- Lenovo
- Discounts on Laptops and Accessories: Lenovo provides a 25% discount on ThinkPad laptops and 20% off other products, excluding third-party items. Students also get free shipping.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through Lenovo’s student discount page.
- Lenovo Student Discounts
- Logitech
- Discounts on Peripherals: Students can get up to 25% off on a wide range of Logitech products, including keyboards, mice, and webcams.
- How to Access: Use your .edu email address at checkout on the Logitech website.
- Logitech Student Discounts
- Newegg
- Special Deals and Discounts: Newegg’s Student Store offers various discounts on electronics, including laptops, desktops, and accessories. Students can also enjoy free expedited shipping and other perks.
- How to Access: Sign up with your student email on the Newegg Student Store.
- Newegg Student Store
These discounts make it easier for students to access the technology and software they need for their studies at more affordable prices. Always remember to verify your student status and use your school email to unlock these deals.
Streaming Services and Media
College students often need a break from their studies, and what better way to relax than with streaming services and media subscriptions? Here are some fantastic discounts available for students:
- Spotify and Hulu Bundle
- Description: Students can get Spotify Premium and Hulu (with ads) for just $4.99 per month. This bundle allows students to enjoy ad-free music streaming on Spotify and a wide range of shows and movies on Hulu at a significantly reduced price.
- How to Access: Sign up on Spotify’s student discount page and verify your student status through UNiDAYS or another verification service.
- Spotify Student Discount
- Apple Music
- Description: Apple Music offers a student plan at $5.99 per month. This plan also includes free access to Apple TV+, giving students access to a vast library of music and exclusive TV content.
- How to Access: Sign up on Apple Music’s website and verify your student status using UNiDAYS.
- Apple Music Student Plan
- Paramount+
- Description: Students can get the Essential monthly plan for just $4.50 per month, which is a 25% discount. This plan includes access to thousands of episodes, live sports, and breaking news.
- How to Access: Sign up on the Paramount+ website and verify your student status.
- Paramount+ Student Discount
- YouTube Premium
- Description: YouTube Premium offers students a discounted rate of $7.99 per month, which allows for ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Music.
- How to Access: Sign up on YouTube’s website and verify your student status with a valid student email.
- YouTube Premium Student
- The Washington Post
- Description: Students can subscribe to the digital all-access plan for just $1 every four weeks. This subscription includes unlimited access to all articles and features on the website.
- How to Access: Subscribe through The Washington Post’s student discount page.
- The Washington Post Student Subscription
- The Economist
- Description: The Economist offers students an annual digital subscription for 75% off. This includes full access to the weekly digital edition and The Economist Espresso.
- How to Access: Sign up on The Economist’s website and verify your student status.
- The Economist Student Discount
- Hulu
- Description: Students can get the Hulu ad-supported plan for just $1.99 per month, which is a 75% discount from the regular price.
- How to Access: Sign up on Hulu’s website and verify your student status with UNiDAYS.
- Hulu Student Discount
- The New York Times
- Description: The New York Times offers students a discounted digital subscription for $1 per week for the first year. This subscription includes unlimited access to all articles and features.
- How to Access: Subscribe through The New York Times’ student discount page.
- The New York Times Student Subscription
These streaming and media discounts provide excellent opportunities for students to stay entertained and informed at a fraction of the regular cost. Be sure to verify your student status and enjoy these great deals!
Retail and Online Shopping
Retail and online shopping can significantly strain a student’s budget. Thankfully, many retailers offer discounts to help students save on clothing, electronics, books, and more. Here are some of the best retail and online shopping discounts available for students:
- Amazon Prime Student
- Description: Students can enjoy six months of free Amazon Prime, which includes free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and more. After the trial, students can continue the membership at 50% off the regular Prime rate.
- How to Access: Sign up with a valid .edu email address on Amazon’s Prime Student page.
- Amazon Prime Student
- Nike
- Description: Nike offers a 10% discount for students on their entire purchase, including shoes, apparel, and accessories.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through UNiDAYS to get a discount code.
- Nike Student Discount
- ASOS
- Description: ASOS provides a 10% discount on all orders for students, available year-round. They also occasionally offer higher discounts during special promotions.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through UNiDAYS.
- ASOS Student Discount
- J.Crew
- Description: Students can receive a 15% discount on full-price items both in-store and online.
- How to Access: Show a valid student ID in-store or verify your status online.
- J.Crew Student Discount
- Lenovo
- Description: Lenovo offers a 25% discount on ThinkPad laptops and 20% off other products for students, plus free shipping on all orders.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through Lenovo’s student discount page.
- Lenovo Student Discounts
- Logitech
- Description: Students can get up to 25% off on a wide range of Logitech products, including keyboards, mice, webcams, and more.
- How to Access: Use your .edu email address at checkout on the Logitech website.
- Logitech Student Discounts
- Newegg
- Description: Newegg offers various discounts on electronics, including laptops, desktops, and accessories. Students also enjoy free expedited shipping and other perks.
- How to Access: Sign up with your student email on the Newegg Student Store.
- Newegg Student Store
- Converse
- Description: Students can get a 15% discount on all Converse products, including the iconic Chuck Taylor sneakers.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through UNiDAYS.
- Converse Student Discount
- Champion
- Description: Champion offers a 10% discount on all products for students.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through UNiDAYS.
- Champion Student Discount
- Urban Outfitters
- Description: Students can receive a 10% discount on their purchases, making trendy apparel and accessories more affordable.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through UNiDAYS.
- Urban Outfitters Student Discount
- Topshop
- Description: Students can get a 10% discount on their orders, both online and in-store.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through UNiDAYS.
- Topshop Student Discount
These retail and online shopping discounts offer students great opportunities to save money on a variety of essential and non-essential items. Always remember to verify your student status to take advantage of these deals.
Travel and Transportation
Traveling for holidays, study abroad programs, or simply getting around can be costly for students. Fortunately, numerous travel and transportation companies offer student discounts to make travel more affordable. Here are some notable student travel discounts:
- United Airlines
- Description: United Airlines offers a 5% discount on flights for travelers aged 18-23. This discount is available when booking through the United app.
- How to Access: Book through the United Airlines app and ensure your age falls within the eligible range.
- United Airlines Student Discount
- Greyhound
- Description: Greyhound provides a 10% discount on bus tickets for students. This makes long-distance travel within the United States more affordable.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through Greyhound’s website or show a student ID at purchase.
- Greyhound Student Discount
- Amtrak
- Description: Amtrak offers a 15% discount on train tickets for students. This discount applies to fares on most routes and can help reduce the cost of train travel significantly.
- How to Access: Book tickets on the Amtrak website and select the student discount option.
- Amtrak Student Discount
- Hertz
- Description: Hertz offers students aged 21 and older a 15% discount on car rentals and a 20% discount on van rentals. This is ideal for students needing transportation for moves or road trips.
- How to Access: Use the discount code provided by Hertz and show proof of age and student status when picking up the vehicle.
- Hertz Student Discount
- Budget Truck Rentals
- Description: Students can receive a 20% discount on local moves and a 15% discount on one-way moves with Budget Truck Rentals. This discount can help with moving to or from college.
- How to Access: Use the discount code TRUKU when booking and show a valid student ID at the time of rental.
- Budget Truck Rentals Student Discount
- Penske
- Description: Penske offers a 10% discount on truck rentals for college students. This includes unlimited miles on one-way rentals, which is perfect for long-distance moves.
- How to Access: Use the discount code STUDENT and provide proof of enrollment at the time of rental.
- Penske Student Discount
- FlixBus
- Description: FlixBus offers a 15% discount on tickets for students. This discount applies to various routes across the U.S. and Europe.
- How to Access: Use a student discount code from UNiDAYS or Student Beans at checkout.
- FlixBus Student Discount
- LNER (London North Eastern Railway)
- Description: LNER provides a 40% discount on train travel for students through UNiDAYS. This discount is applicable on various routes within the UK.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through UNiDAYS to receive a discount code.
- LNER Student Discount
- Contiki
- Description: Contiki, a travel company specializing in tours for young people, offers a 5% discount on all tours for students aged 18-35.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through Contiki’s website or partner discount services like Student Beans.
- Contiki Student Discount
These travel and transportation discounts make it easier and more affordable for students to explore new places, move to college, or visit family and friends. Always check the eligibility requirements and ensure to verify your student status to access these deals.
Insurance
Insurance can be a significant expense for students, whether it’s for their car, health, or personal belongings. Fortunately, several insurance companies offer discounts specifically for students. Here are some notable insurance discounts available for students:
- Geico
- Description: Geico offers a “Good Student Discount” to full-time students who maintain a “B” average or better. They also provide discounts for students who are members of specific fraternity, sorority, or honor societies.
- How to Access: Contact Geico to provide proof of academic achievement and verify membership in eligible organizations.
- Geico Student Discounts
- State Farm
- Description: State Farm offers a good student discount to full-time high school, college, or home-schooled students who maintain at least a “B” average. This discount can help reduce car insurance premiums.
- How to Access: Provide proof of good academic standing, such as a report card or transcript.
- State Farm Student Discounts
- Allstate
- Description: Allstate provides a Smart Student Discount for students under 25 who meet specific criteria, including maintaining good grades, attending school at least 100 miles away from home, or completing the teenSMART driver education program.
- How to Access: Contact Allstate and provide the necessary documentation to qualify.
- Allstate Student Discounts
- Nationwide
- Description: Nationwide offers a discount on car insurance to full-time high school or college students between the ages of 16 and 24 who maintain a “B” average or higher.
- How to Access: Provide proof of good grades and full-time enrollment status.
- Nationwide Student Discounts
- Farmers Insurance
- Description: Farmers Insurance offers a good student discount to students who have a 3.0 GPA or better. They also accept students who are on the dean’s list, honor roll, or in the top 20% of their class or standardized tests.
- How to Access: Submit proof of academic achievement to qualify.
- Farmers Insurance Student Discounts
- Progressive
- Description: Progressive provides discounts for full-time students under 23 who maintain a “B” average or higher. They also offer discounts for students who complete a driver’s education course.
- How to Access: Provide proof of grades and course completion.
- Progressive Student Discounts
These insurance discounts can help students save money on essential coverage, making it easier to manage their budgets while ensuring they have the necessary protection. Always check with the insurance provider for specific eligibility requirements and how to apply for these discounts.
Food and Dining
Eating out or grabbing a quick meal can add up quickly for college students. Fortunately, many restaurants and food chains offer discounts to students to make dining more affordable. Here are some of the best food and dining discounts available for students:
- Chipotle
- Description: Chipotle offers a free drink with the purchase of a meal for students. This can be a significant saving, especially for frequent visitors.
- How to Access: Show a valid student ID at participating Chipotle locations.
- Chipotle Student Discount
- Subway
- Description: Subway offers a 10% discount at participating locations. This discount can help students enjoy healthier meal options at a reduced price.
- How to Access: Show a valid student ID at checkout.
- Subway Student Discount
- Chick-fil-A
- Description: Chick-fil-A provides a free drink or a discount on meals for students at participating locations.
- How to Access: Present a valid student ID when ordering.
- Chick-fil-A Student Discount
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Description: Buffalo Wild Wings offers a 10% discount on food purchases for students. This discount is great for enjoying wings and other menu items while watching a game with friends.
- How to Access: Show a valid student ID at participating locations.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Student Discount
- Domino’s
- Description: Domino’s offers a variety of student deals, including discounted pizzas and meal combos. These deals vary by location but can provide significant savings.
- How to Access: Check with your local Domino’s for specific student deals and present a valid student ID.
- Domino’s Student Discounts
- Pizza Hut
- Description: Pizza Hut offers special student discounts and deals, including reduced prices on large pizzas and meal bundles.
- How to Access: Verify your student status through Student Beans or UNiDAYS and show your student ID at participating locations.
- Pizza Hut Student Discounts
- Burger King
- Description: Burger King offers a 10% discount on meals for students at participating locations.
- How to Access: Show a valid student ID at checkout.
- Burger King Student Discount
- Taco Bell
- Description: Taco Bell provides a 10% discount for students at participating locations, making it even more affordable to grab a quick bite.
- How to Access: Present a valid student ID when ordering.
- Taco Bell Student Discount
- Dairy Queen
- Description: Dairy Queen offers discounts on select menu items for students at participating locations. This can include discounts on meals and treats like their famous Blizzards.
- How to Access: Show a valid student ID at participating locations.
- Dairy Queen Student Discount
- McDonald’s
- Description: Some McDonald’s locations offer student discounts, such as a free drink or a discount on meal purchases.
- How to Access: Check with your local McDonald’s and present a valid student ID.
- McDonald’s Student Discount
These food and dining discounts make it easier for students to enjoy meals and treats without overspending. Always check with the specific location for participation and bring your student ID to take advantage of these deals.
How to Access Student Discounts
Accessing student discounts can be straightforward, but it often requires verification of your student status. Here are the most common methods to access and maximize student discounts:
1. Online Verification Services
Many companies use online platforms to verify student status. The most popular services include:
- UNiDAYS
- Description: UNiDAYS is a free service that verifies student status and provides access to various discounts across numerous brands and services.
- How to Access: Sign up on the UNiDAYS website with your student email and follow the verification process.
- UNiDAYS
- Student Beans
- Description: Similar to UNiDAYS, Student Beans verifies your student status and offers a range of discounts.
- How to Access: Register on the Student Beans website using your student email and complete the verification steps.
- Student Beans
- SheerID
- Description: SheerID is used by many companies to verify student status. It provides a simple and secure verification process.
- How to Access: Visit the SheerID website and complete the verification process with your student information.
- SheerID
2. In-Store Verification
Some discounts are available in-store only and require you to present a valid student ID. Here’s how you can access these discounts:
- Student ID
- Description: Carry your student ID with you when you visit stores and ask if they offer student discounts. Many retailers will apply a discount at checkout if you present a valid student ID.
- Examples: Stores like J.Crew, Chipotle, and many local businesses offer in-store discounts for students with a valid ID.
3. School or University Programs
Your school or university may offer additional discounts and resources for students:
- University Website or Student Affairs Office
- Description: Check your university’s website or visit the student affairs office to find a list of available student discounts. Some schools have partnerships with local businesses and services that provide exclusive discounts to their students.
- How to Access: Look for sections dedicated to student resources or discounts on your university’s website or inquire at the student affairs office.
4. Email Verification
Many companies offer discounts that can be accessed by registering with a valid student email address:
- .edu Email Address
- Description: Register for discounts on websites by using your .edu email address. Companies often send discount codes or offers directly to your student email once your status is verified.
- Examples: Services like Amazon Prime Student and Apple’s education pricing require verification through a .edu email.
5. Discount Codes and Special Offers
Occasionally, companies will provide discount codes that can be used online or in-store:
- Promotional Websites
- Description: Websites like RetailMeNot and Honey often list student discount codes for various brands and services.
- How to Access: Visit these websites and search for student discount codes to use at checkout.
- RetailMeNot
- Honey
Tips for Maximizing Student Discounts
Making the most out of student discounts requires a bit of strategy and awareness. Here are some practical tips to help you maximize your savings:
1. Always Carry Your Student ID
- Why: Many in-store discounts require you to show a valid student ID at the checkout.
- Tip: Keep your student ID in your wallet or phone case so it’s always accessible.
2. Sign Up for Multiple Verification Services
- Why: Different companies use different verification services like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and SheerID.
- Tip: Register for all major student discount platforms to cover the widest range of offers.
- UNiDAYS, Student Beans, SheerID
3. Check for Seasonal Offers
- Why: Many retailers offer special discounts during back-to-school seasons, holidays, and Black Friday.
- Tip: Keep an eye on promotional periods and plan your purchases around these times for additional savings.
4. Subscribe to Newsletters
- Why: Brands often send exclusive discounts and early access to sales through their newsletters.
- Tip: Create a separate email account for newsletters to keep your primary inbox clutter-free and to easily manage your discount emails.
5. Use Discount Aggregator Websites
- Why: Websites like RetailMeNot, Honey, and Rakuten compile discount codes, including student discounts.
- Tip: Before making any purchase, check these sites for additional discount codes.
- RetailMeNot, Honey, Rakuten
6. Leverage Social Media
- Why: Brands sometimes announce flash sales and exclusive student deals on their social media pages.
- Tip: Follow your favorite brands on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated.
7. Stack Discounts When Possible
- Why: Some retailers allow you to combine student discounts with other promotional codes.
- Tip: Read the terms and conditions to see if discounts can be stacked and use them strategically for maximum savings.
8. Utilize Student Bank Accounts
- Why: Some banks offer accounts with perks like cash back on certain purchases, fee waivers, and discounts.
- Tip: Research student bank accounts and choose one that offers the most benefits for your spending habits.
9. Join Loyalty Programs
- Why: Many stores offer loyalty programs that provide additional discounts, rewards points, and exclusive offers.
- Tip: Sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite stores and use them in conjunction with student discounts for added savings.
10. Shop at Student-Friendly Retailers
- Why: Certain retailers are known for offering regular student discounts.
- Tip: Frequent stores that consistently provide student discounts and have a wide range of necessary products.
By following these tips, students can maximize their savings and make the most out of the various discounts available to them. This approach not only helps manage a tight budget but also ensures that students can afford essential and non-essential items without overspending.
Wrapping It Up
Student discounts are a powerful tool that can significantly ease the financial burden on college students. From technology and software to streaming services, retail shopping, travel, transportation, insurance, and food, there are numerous ways for students to save money. By leveraging these discounts, students can make their limited budgets stretch further, allowing them to enjoy more and worry less about expenses.
Key Takeaways:
- Technology and Software: Discounts on essential tools like laptops, software, and accessories from top brands like Apple, Microsoft, and Adobe can help students stay productive and efficient.
- Streaming Services and Media: Affordable access to entertainment through services like Spotify, Hulu, and Apple Music can provide a much-needed break from studies.
- Retail and Online Shopping: Savings on clothing, electronics, and everyday essentials from retailers like Amazon, Nike, and ASOS can make shopping more budget-friendly.
- Travel and Transportation: Discounts on flights, bus, and train tickets, as well as car rentals, can make traveling for holidays or moving to college more affordable.
- Insurance: Reduced rates on car insurance and other policies from companies like Geico and State Farm can help protect students without breaking the bank.
- Food and Dining: Discounts at popular food chains like Chipotle, Subway, and Chick-fil-A can make dining out more affordable.
Maximizing Discounts:
- Always carry your student ID and sign up for online verification services like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and SheerID.
- Look out for seasonal offers and subscribe to newsletters from your favorite brands to stay updated on new deals.
- Use discount aggregator websites and follow brands on social media for additional savings opportunities.
- Join loyalty programs and consider student bank accounts that offer cashback and other perks.
By being proactive and aware of the various discounts available, students can maximize their savings and make their college experience more enjoyable and less financially stressful. Remember to verify your student status wherever required and take advantage of the discounts that apply to you. Happy saving!