Okay, let’s be honest. Your student ID is more than just a piece of plastic that gets you into the library after midnight. It’s a magic key. It’s a secret weapon in the never ending battle against the forces of “being broke.”
You probably know the obvious stuff. You flash your ID at the movie theater, maybe get 10% off at that one clothing store near campus. Nice, but not exactly life changing.
But what if I told you that your .edu email address and that little plastic card unlock a hidden world of serious discounts? Discounts on things you actually need and want. Discounts that go way beyond a free drink with your burrito. Discounts that could literally save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars over your college career.
Most students barely scratch the surface. They leave a ton of money on the table simply because they don’t know these deals exist.
This isn't just another list of "10% off pizza" deals. This is the ultimate guide to the surprising, the unexpected, and the seriously valuable student discounts you are probably missing out on.
Why does this matter? Because mastering how to save money in college is step one in managing your finance for college students. Every dollar you don’t spend on essentials is a dollar you can put towards graduating with less debt, building an emergency fund, or even starting your first investing for college students account.
.jpg "10 Surprising Student Discounts You're Not Using (But Should Be)")
This post will cover:
Part 1: The Foundation. A quick refresher on why discounts are crucial and how to find them.
Part 2: The 10 Surprising Discounts. From tech and travel to software and subscriptions, we'll uncover the hidden gems.
Part 3: Making it Work. How to integrate these savings into your overall financial plan, including your budget, side hustles, and even building credit.
Get ready to unlock the full power of your student status.
Part 1: Your Student ID Is a Money Saving Machine (Use It!)
Before we dive into the specific discounts, let's set the stage. Why are these discounts so important, and how do you actually get them?
Why Student Discounts Are Your Secret Weapon
College is expensive. Like, really expensive. Tuition, housing, textbooks, food... it adds up faster than you can say "ramen noodles." Learning how to save money isn't just a nice idea; it's a survival skill.
Student discounts are essentially "free money." Businesses offer them for a few key reasons:
They Want Your Future Loyalty: They know that if you start using their service now (at a discount), you might stick with them after you graduate and start making "real" money.
You're Influential: Students talk. If you love a service or product, you'll tell your friends. Word of mouth marketing is powerful.
Good PR: Supporting students looks good!
Taking advantage of these discounts is a core part of smart student finance. It directly reduces your expenses, which means:
You might need to borrow less in student loans.
You free up cash in your student budget template for essentials.
You have more money to put towards building an emergency fund or paying off debt.
You might even find a little extra cash to start investing for college students.
How to Actually GET These Discounts (The Verification Game)
Okay, so how do you prove you're actually a student? There are a few common ways businesses verify your status:
Your .edu Email Address: This is the most common method for online discounts. Signing up with your university email address is usually enough proof.
Your Physical Student ID Card: For in store discounts, always, always, always carry your ID card. Even if a discount isn't advertised, just ask! Politely say, "Do you offer a student discount?" The worst they can say is no. You'd be surprised how often they say yes.
Verification Platforms (UNiDAYS & Student Beans): These are the two big players. They are free websites/apps where you create an account and verify your student status (usually by logging into your university portal or providing your .edu email). Once verified, you get access to thousands of exclusive online discount codes from major brands. It’s worth signing up for both, as they sometimes have different offers.
SheerID: This is another verification service that many brands use directly on their own websites. You'll often see a button like "Verify Student Status with SheerID."
Pro Tip: Don't just rely on lists like this one! Discounts change all the time.
Follow Brands on Social Media: They often announce student specific flash sales.
Check Your University Website: Many schools have a dedicated page listing local and national student discounts.
Just Ask: Seriously. At restaurants, clothing stores, tech shops... just ask.
Part 2: The 10 Surprising Student Discounts You Need to Know About
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Forget the 10% off pizza. These are the discounts that can make a real difference in your budget.
1. Premium Streaming for Pennies (Music, TV, Movies)
You’re probably paying full price for Spotify, Apple Music, or Hulu. Stop.
The Deal: Most major streaming services offer massive student discounts, often bundled together.
Spotify Premium Student: Typically includes Spotify Premium, Hulu (with ads), AND Showtime for a ridiculously low price (around $5.99/month, compared to $25+ if bought separately). You usually have to verify your student status once a year.
Apple Music Student: Comes with Apple Music AND Apple TV+ included for a discounted rate (around $5.99/month). Requires verification.
YouTube Premium Student: Get ad free YouTube and YouTube Music for a lower price (around $7.99/month after a free trial). Requires verification.
Amazon Prime Student: This is a big one. You get a 6 month FREE trial of Amazon Prime. After that, it’s 50% off the regular Prime price. This includes free shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, exclusive deals, and even discounts on services like Grubhub+.
Why It's Surprising: Many students just sign up for the regular plans without realizing these bundles exist. The Spotify/Hulu/Showtime deal alone can save you $20+ every single month.
2. Pro Software for FREE (Or Almost Free)
Need specific software for your classes or side hustles for students? Don't pay hundreds of dollars.
The Deal: Your student status unlocks professional grade software for incredibly cheap, or even free.
Microsoft Office 365 Education: Most universities provide this 100% FREE with your .edu email. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams. Don't buy it!
Adobe Creative Cloud: Need Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere Pro? Students get a massive discount, often over 60% off the regular price. Verify through Adobe's site.
Autodesk (AutoCAD, Maya): If you're in engineering, architecture, or design, Autodesk offers FREE educational licenses for their powerful software.
GitHub Student Developer Pack: This is a goldmine for computer science students. It includes FREE access to dozens of professional developer tools, hosting services, coding platforms, and more.
Canva Pro: While Canva has a great free version, students can often get Canva for Education FREE, which includes premium features.
Why It's Surprising: Students often resort to "alternative" methods to get this software or just struggle without it, not realizing they have legitimate, free or deeply discounted access.
3. Big Tech Savings (Laptops, Phones, Accessories)
Buying a new laptop is one of the biggest expenses you'll face. Don't pay full price.
The Deal: Major tech companies have dedicated "Education Stores" with year round discounts.
Apple Education Pricing: Offers discounts on Macs and iPads (often $100-$200 off), plus deals on AppleCare+ and sometimes freebies like AirPods during back to school season. Available to students, parents buying for students, and educators.
Dell University / HP Education Store / Lenovo Student Discount: These PC makers offer percentage discounts (often 5% to 10% or more) site wide or on specific student models. You usually verify with an .edu email or through UNiDAYS/SheerID.
Samsung Education Offers Program: Similar discounts (often up to 30%!) on laptops, tablets, smartphones, and accessories after verification.
Best Buy Student Deals: Requires signing up for their program, but unlocks exclusive coupons and deals on a wide range of electronics.
Why It's Surprising: These aren't just small back to school sales. The education pricing is usually available year round, and the savings on a $1500 laptop can be significant.
4. Cheaper Travel & Transportation (Flights, Trains, Cars)
Getting home for the holidays or planning a spring break trip? Don't pay full fare.
The Deal: Your student status can unlock discounts on various forms of transportation.
StudentUniverse & CheapOair: These websites specialize in finding discounted flights and hotels specifically for students and young adults (often requiring verification).
Amtrak: Offers a 15% discount for students aged 17 to 24 on train travel across the US.
Local Public Transit: Almost every city bus or subway system offers discounted student monthly passes. Check your local transit authority website.
Zipcar: If you only need a car occasionally, Zipcar often offers discounted membership rates for university students (sometimes through a direct partnership with the school). Check Zipcar's university pages.
Rental Trucks (Penske): Moving in or out? Penske offers 10% off truck rentals for students.
Why It's Surprising: Many students assume travel is just expensive, period. These discounts require a little digging but can save you hundreds on a single trip.
5. News & Knowledge Subscriptions (Stay Informed for Less)
Staying up to date with current events or needing access for research papers? Don't hit a paywall.
The Deal: Major news publications offer incredibly deep discounts for students.
The Wall Street Journal: Offers digital access for as low as $4/month or print + digital for $10/month for students.
The New York Times: Often has introductory offers like $1/week for digital access for students.
The Economist: Provides a hefty 75% discount on annual digital subscriptions for students.
Why It's Surprising: These publications can cost $30-$50 per month at regular price. The student rates make accessing high quality journalism incredibly affordable.
6. Car Insurance Discounts (Good Grades = Good Rates?)
If you do have a car on campus (or commute), you might be overpaying for insurance.
The Deal: Many major car insurance companies (like State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive) offer discounts for students who meet certain criteria.
Good Student Discount: Typically requires maintaining a "B" average (3.0 GPA) or higher. You'll need to submit your transcript.
Student Away at School Discount: If you attend college over 100 miles from home without your car, your parents might get a discount on their policy because you're driving less.
Defensive Driving Course Discount: Some insurers offer a discount for completing an approved driving safety course.
Why It's Surprising: Insurance feels like a fixed cost, but these student specific discounts can lower your premium by 10% to 25%, saving you hundreds per year. You usually have to ask your insurance agent about them specifically.
7. Meal Kit Delivery Services (Surprisingly Affordable?)
Think services like HelloFresh or EveryPlate are too expensive? Maybe not.
The Deal: Many meal kit companies partner with UNiDAYS or Student Beans to offer huge discounts, especially on your first few boxes.
HelloFresh / EveryPlate / Home Chef: Often offer 50% to 75% off your first box, plus an ongoing 10% to 15% discount for a full year after verifying your student status.
Why It's Surprising: While maybe not cheaper than ramen, these discounts can make meal kits comparable in price to grocery shopping, especially if you factor in food waste. It’s a great way to eat healthier and learn to cook without the hassle of planning and shopping, at least for a while.
8. Cell Phone Plan Savings (Maybe?)
This one is tricky, but worth investigating.
The Deal: While dedicated "student plans" are rare from major carriers like Verizon or AT&T these days, they do sometimes offer discounts through employer or university affiliations.
Check Your University Portal: Some universities have partnership deals that offer employees and students a percentage discount (maybe 5% to 15%) off their monthly bill. You have to actively look for this and register your line.
Consider MVNOs: Carriers like Mint Mobile, Visible, or US Mobile often offer much cheaper plans overall than the big carriers, which might save you more than any small student discount would.
Why It's Surprising: Students often stick with expensive family plans or assume discounts don't exist. It takes some digging, but finding a university partnership or switching to a budget carrier can save $20-$50 per month.
9. Fitness & Wellness Apps (Mental Health Matters)
Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial in college. Don't let cost be a barrier.
The Deal: Popular wellness apps often provide significant student discounts.
Headspace: Offers a massive 85% discount, making their mindfulness and meditation app just $9.99 per year for verified students.
Calm: Often included as a perk with Amazon Prime Student or available through university partnerships.
Peloton App: Offers a discounted student rate (around $6.99/month) for access to their library of workout classes (no expensive bike needed).
Why It's Surprising: These tools can be really helpful for managing stress, but the regular subscription costs can add up. The student discounts make them incredibly accessible. (And don't forget your FREE campus gym!)
10. Amazon Prime Student (Again? Yes, It's That Good)
We mentioned it under streaming, but it deserves its own spot because the value is insane.
The Deal: 6 months FREE, then 50% off.
Why It's Surprising (The Hidden Perks):
Free Grubhub+: $0 delivery fees on many food orders. This alone can save you $10-$20 per month if you order food even occasionally.
Free Shipping: Obviously. Essential for textbooks, dorm supplies, etc.
Prime Video & Music: Huge library of movies, shows, and music included.
Exclusive Deals: Especially around Prime Day and back to school season.
Free Photo Storage: Unlimited full resolution photo storage with Amazon Photos.
Why It Matters: For the discounted price (around $7.49/month after the free trial), the sheer volume of perks makes Prime Student arguably the single best, most valuable student discount available.
Part 3: Making It All Work (Your Financial Game Plan)
Okay, you're armed with a list of amazing discounts. Now what? How do you turn these savings into real financial progress?
It all comes back to the plan.
Step 1: Track Your Savings with Your Budget
Knowing about a discount is useless if you don't use it and track it. When you save $20 using your Spotify student discount, that $20 needs a job.
Update Your Budget: Go back to your student budget template. If your "Subscriptions" category just dropped from $45 to $15 thanks to student discounts, you now have an extra $30.
Give the Savings a Goal: Don't just let that $30 disappear. Assign it.
"$30 extra towards my Emergency Fund."
"$30 extra towards paying off that credit card."
"$30 extra into my Roth IRA for investing for college students."
This turns passive savings into active progress.
Step 2: Combine Discounts with Smart Habits
Discounts help you spend less, but they don't replace good habits.
Meal Planning: Use that HelloFresh discount, but also learn to cook those meals and maybe replicate them yourself later.
Textbook Strategy: Use the Amazon Prime free shipping, but still compare prices between renting, buying used, and digital options.
Entertainment: Use the discounted streaming, but also take advantage of free campus events.
Discounts are boosters, not magic wands. Combine them with the core principles of how to save money in college.
Step 3: Use Savings to Build Your Foundation
Remember those crucial first steps for finance for college students? Discounts help you get there faster.
Emergency Fund: Funnel your savings here first until you hit $500-$1,000.
Debt Payoff: Attack high interest debt with the money you save.
Building Credit: Use the money you save to ensure you can always pay your student credit card bill in full every month. This is key for building credit as a student.
Step 4: Fuel Your Future (Investing)
Once your foundation is solid, those discount dollars become investment fuel. Saving $50 a month through discounts? That’s $50 you can put into a Roth IRA and let compound interest work its magic for the next 40 years. This is how small savings turn into significant wealth.
The Takeaway: Your Student ID is Worth Real Money
Stop leaving money on the table. Your student status is a temporary superpower. Use it!
You don't have to use every single discount on this list. Your homework is simple:
Pick THREE discounts from this list that you aren't currently using but could be.
Sign up for UNiDAYS and Student Beans. It takes 5 minutes.
Next time you buy anything: Ask the magic question: "Do you offer a student discount?"
Be proactive. Be curious. And watch how quickly those small savings add up to make a big difference in your college financial journey. Good luck!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. Student discounts and offers change frequently and may vary by location or time. Always verify the discount and its terms directly with the provider before making a purchase. I am not a financial advisor, and this is not financial advice.