Tips for Maximizing College Student Discounts and Savings

Between tuition, books, housing, food, and supplies, the costs of college can quickly add up. However, students can take advantage of a wide array of discounts to maximize savings on both school-related and everyday expenses.

With a little research and planning, college students can uncover special student rates and offers that make their dollars stretch further. Here are some top tips for maximizing discounts and deals as a budget-conscious college student.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts on Technology

From laptops to smartphones to tablets, today’s students rely heavily on technology. Luckily, major technology brands offer exclusive student discounts, helping lower these expensive costs.

Computer and Laptop Discounts

• Apple – Up to $200 off for students when purchasing MacBooks, iMacs, accessories and software.
• Microsoft – 10% off laptops and tablets, plus reduced Office 365 subscriptions.
• Dell, HP, and Lenovo – All offer student discounts up to 15% off laptops.
• Best Buy – Student deals on select laptops, printers and tech accessories.

Mobile Phone and Tablet Savings

• Apple – Airpods free with iPhone purchase, discounted iPad models.
• Samsung – Offers students and educators up to 10% off mobile devices.
• Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile – Discounts on unlimited data plans and new phones.

Find Savings on Textbooks and Course Materials

Textbooks are notorious for their steep prices. But students can ease this major expense.

• Buy used, rent, or check out textbooks from Amazon, Chegg, and university bookstores.
• Sell back unwanted textbooks for cash after each semester.
• Split costs by sharing books with classmates.
• Find free texts and resources through university libraries.
• Download textbook price comparison apps to find the best deals.
• Opt for discounted eTextbooks for tablets when available.

Take Advantage of Student Travel Discounts

Flights, hotels, and transportation passes all offer student fare reductions.

• StudentUniverse, STA Travel – Discounted airfare and hotels.
• Amtrak, Greyhound – Save 15% off with a student rail pass or bus ticket.
• Local transportation – Apply for student transit passes.
• International flights – Check carrier student rates for studying abroad.

Score Savings on Software, Streaming, and More

Digital services college students use daily also offer student discounts.

• Adobe, Microsoft Office 365 – Creative and productivity tools for less.
• Apple Music, Amazon Prime, Spotify – Cut rate streaming subscriptions.
• Canva, Evernote, Dropbox – Free or discounted premium subscriptions.
• New York Times, Washington Post – Discounted student digital subscriptions.

Don’t Overlook On-Campus Perks

Beyond external companies, universities themselves offer money-saving student perks.

• Student meal plans – Opt for most meals/flex dollars your budget allows.
• Campus gyms – Take advantage of free access and classes.
• Health clinics – Use student health services to reduce medical bills.
• Events – Attend free or cheap campus concerts, movies, and events.
• Transportation – Use free shuttles and campus parking discounts.
• Supply shops – Find deals on school supplies and apparel.

Maximize Savings With Student Banking and Credit Options

Financial services catered to students can yield additional discounts.

• Student checking accounts – Open an account with student banking benefits.
• Student credit cards – Gain access to cardholder discounts and rewards.
• Insurance – Qualify for discounts on plans like auto and renters.

Don’t Pay Full Price for Entertainment and Dining Out

Savings on having fun are crucial for college budgets.

• Movies – Discounted student tickets every day or on special nights.
• Concerts and events – Take advantage of student ticket rates.
• Plays and theaters – Rush student discounts may apply the day off.
• Restaurants – Register for free student dining loyalty programs.
• Museums and galleries – Offer free or reduced student admission.
• Theme parks – Look into special student prices on certain days.

Shop Sales and Save with Student Discounts

Daily essentials like food and clothing allow for savings too.

• Groceries – Ask about student discounts at local markets.
• Clothing and accessories – Always check for student coupons and sales.
• Tech, dorm supplies – Wait for back-to-school sales each summer.
• Memberships – Apply for student rates at warehouse clubs.
• Additional categories – Don’t overlook potential discounts on storage, cell phone plans, etc.

Tips for Finding and Claiming Discounts

With so many student deals available, here are tips for unlocking maximum savings:

• Have student ID ready – Most discounts require showing a valid university ID.
• Research diligently – Check brands’ websites for student offers.
• Enroll in free rewards programs – Like student airline miles and restaurant rewards.
• Ask everywhere – Don’t be shy about asking “Do you offer a student discount?”
• Use coupon apps and sites – Find and save student promo codes.
• Plan big purchases around sales holidays – Especially back-to-school season.
• Sign up for student newsletters – For promotions right in your inbox.

Save Big by Combining Discounts

Savvy students combine multiple discounts for exponential savings on bigger purchases:

• Stack student coupons, sales and promotional offers when possible.
• Buy discounted gift cards to stores offering student deals for extra savings.
• Participate in referral and rewards programs for additional discounts.
• Use discounted student credit cards that offer cash back and points.

With strategic combining of discounts, students can save hundreds on large expenses each year like computers and travel.

Make Frugality a Habit

Cultivating ongoing frugal habits maximizes savings long-term:

• Cook at home and pack lunch rather than eating out.
• Limit shopping trips and avoid impulse purchases.
• Be selective when spending on entertainment and activities.
• Shop thrift stores for clothing staples.
• Use public transportation and walk when possible.
• Stick to grocery budgets and lists.

Final Thoughts on Maximizing Student Discounts

College is expensive, but costs can be reduced significantly by tapping into the many student discounts and savings opportunities available. Beyond big one-time purchases, small daily savings also compound for impressive total discounts over time.

Do your research, ask around, sign up for student benefits everywhere and make saving a daily habit. Discounts can allow students to focus finances on essentials for academic success rather than overspending.

So take advantage of every available student deal and set yourself up for money success during your university years and beyond!