Let’s be honest: who doesn’t like free stuff? Or at the very least, a sale? Being financially aware and understanding how to budget properly are necessary for any adult, especially college students. With newfound freedom comes newfound responsibilities, which includes the necessary requirement to manage your money. Managing your finances means not spending money on luxuries (ex: clothes, shoes, splurges, etc.), not going out as much, and eating cup-of-noodles in your dorm every night. And while it sounds like this will lead to a very uneventful life, there are some methods of money management that involve exclusive perks just for you: student discounts!
Many companies offer college students discounted plans or products to help advertise their goods while also drawing in more customers. Not only that, it allows you to spend money efficiently without depriving yourself of fun activities or advantages. Most companies just need you to verify your student status by signing up with your college email.
1. Sign up for Amazon “Prime Student”
Amazon offers a specific membership for college students that allows them to have the benefits of prime members at a discounted rate. After a free six-month trial, students can pay $6.49 per month or $59 a year for “Prime Student”, instead of the normal rate of $12.99 per month for regular prime members. The membership offers all of the same benefits as regular prime members, but at a lower rate. Some benefits include: free one-day delivery, save up to 90% on college textbooks, access to Prime Video, an upgrade to Prime Music OR an upgrade to Amazon Music for $0.99 per month, one free monthly book download, and much much more.
2. Get Spotify Premium
Just like Amazon, Spotify offers college students their own “Premium Student” plan to listen to a whole world of music ad-free. Not only is it $4.99 per month, but the music streaming company is also collaborating with Hulu’s ad-supported plan and SHOWTIME to be included in the monthly payment. You would be saving roughly $21.98 per month and are able to cancel anytime if unsatisfied.
3. Get that Adobe Creative Cloud
If you have that creative touch and have been dying to get Adobe Creative Cloud (CC), you’re in luck. Adobe offers students AND teachers to save over 60% on CC. Normally to gain all of CC’s applications, it would be a monthly fee of $52.99. However, Adobe knocks the price down to $19.99 a month for the first year. After that, the price increases to $29.99 monthly. This offer is not limited to college students. Primary and secondary school students, as well as homeschooled students, are eligible for this offer. To verify your school status, you must sign up with a school-issued email address. If that is not available to you, other forms of verification include letters of intent, School IDs, transcripts, and report cards.
4. Download UNiDAYS
UniDAYS is a company that gives college students the opportunity to save on well-known clothing, technology, and premium brands. The app helps students snag freebies, get discounts and rewards, and to get members-only offers and opportunities from popular brands. It is free and exclusive to only students. Some brands include Apple, H&M, ASOS, Adidas, and many more.
5. Find Discounts for Clothing, Food, and Fun Activities
Many restaurants, retail stores, and public entertainment areas offer discounted rates for students. While many may just need to see your school-issued ID, many also collaborate with UNiDAYS. For example, Adidas, Levi’s, and Pizza Hut offer students 15% off through UNiDAYS. Movie theaters and museums also offer many highschool and college students free admission or discounted visits to their facilities.