The perks of being a student… and yes they do exist. While it may not seem like it when you’re paying your tuition fees, there are quite a few benefits to being a student. What I’m specifically referring to is: discounts. Many stores offer discounts for students- sometimes it’s 10% off a cookie or it’s 20% off clothes. But whatever it is, it’s still great- after all who doesn’t like saving money? Here are my favourite perks to being a student:
The Student Price Card (http://www.spccard.ca/)
Technically, yes, the Student Price Card still requires you to spend some money but it’s definitely worth it if you frequent the stores that participate in the program. And with over a hundred stores there’s quite a high chance that you do. The SPC Card gives students access to a variety of discounts at stores like Bench, Levis, French Connection, Swiss Chalet, Mrs. Field’s, Sport Chek, and FedEx for only $9 a year. And they’re always adding more stores to the list. Cards are sold at numerous stores (their website tells you where you can get it) around the city but I got mine at the U of T Bookstore. Personally, I love the SPC Card and I’m pretty sure I’ve covered the $9 cost in free soups/salads/perogies from Swiss Chalet alone.
Student Saver (http://studentsaver.cfs-services.ca/en/)
Student Saver is the free alternative to the Student Price Card and can be found in the free agendas that the UTSU gives out every year. Like the Student Price Card, the Student Saver Card gives you different discounts at different stores. But where the SPC card typically offers discounts at larger chains, Student Saver offers savings at local Toronto establishments like Yo Yo’s Frozen Yogurt or Just Desserts.
Fresh (http://www.freshrestaurants.ca/main.asp)
Simply put, I love Fresh. After all, there are only so many meals one can eat from the poutine truck. Fresh offers healthy options that are ridiculously tasty, plus they have takeout which is always a plus in my books. But the great thing about Fresh is that they also offer a discount for students getting takeout! Simply show your student card when paying and you’ll receive a discount on your takeout order.
The Royal Ontario Museum (http://www.rom.on.ca/)
Whether you love or despise the crystal, you have to admit that the ROM is a hub of culture and history in Toronto. The price of a ticket, however, can be rather off putting at $15 per person (although we have to give the ROM credit for lowering their ticket prices from $24). The perk of being a student here is that if you show your student card on Tuesdays, you can visit the museum for free (special exhibitions are a separate charge though).
Club Monaco (http://www.clubmonaco.ca/frontdoor/index.jsp)
I love Club Monaco but I don’t get to purchase from them as often as I’d like simply because the price doesn’t fit the average student’s budget very well. But every now and then I like to treat myself to their pieces and the 20% off discount that you get by presenting your student card is a great deal- especially for those of you that will be working or interning somewhere this summer and have to update your wardrobe from the standard jeans to pencil skirts or if you want to pick up a light, airy summer dress for one of the million weddings that seem to happen every summer.
Source (for Club Monaco discount only): http://www.redflagdeals.com/in/toronto/deals/c/apparel/club_monaco_20_di…