Saving money in college is tough, but if you’re anything like me, you will do anything to save a few dollars. Your student ID and college email aren’t just for getting into the dining hall or getting emailed constantly by the bookstore. They can also unlock discounts on everything from clothes, technology, streaming services and food. With so many brands offering student deals, there is really no reason to automatically pay full price. Here are a few of my favorite student discount hacks.Â
The student discount hubÂ
If you don’t have the UNiDAYS app, pull out your phone and download it right now. This app is the hub for student discounts and has all of your favorite brands in one place. All you have to do is register with your college email and verify the app through your email. You can choose from brands you love, and the app quickly changes its algorithm to show stores and restaurants you would be interested in. There are categories of fashion, beauty, wellbeing, technology, food and drink, lifestyle and fitness. The app offers both in-store and online deals. I never make an online purchase without checking the app beforehand. Once you find a deal you like, it will give you either a barcode or code to scan at the checkout or to put in the promo box online. For those of you who don’t want to take the time to scroll through the app, let’s break down what each category has to offer.Â
FashionÂ
- Hollister– extra 10% off in-store and onlineÂ
- YoungLA– 15% off onlineÂ
- Aerie– 20% off in-store and onlineÂ
- Gymshark– 12% off onlineÂ
- Adidas– 10% off in-store, at outlet stores and onlineÂ
- GAP– 15% off with email sign-upÂ
- Princess Polly– extra 5% off sale items and 15% discount onlineÂ
- White Fox– 10% off onlineÂ
- Urban Outfitters– 15% discount in-store and onlineÂ
- American Eagle– 20% off in-store and onlineÂ
- Cider– 10% off for existing customers and 15% off for new customersÂ
- PacSun– extra 10% off in-store and onlineÂ
- Gilly Hicks– extra 10% offÂ
- Kate Spade New York– 15% discount
- Shein– 15% offÂ
- Hello Molly– 10% offÂ
- Aeropostale– Extra 15% off on sale itemsÂ
Food and DrinkÂ
- DoorDash– 25% off your first orderÂ
- Uber Eats– Get 10% off your first three ordersÂ
- Health-Ade– 25% off
- Cheddar’s– 15% off a $60 gift cardÂ
- LongHorn– 15% off a $60 gift cardÂ
- Olive Garden– 15% off a $60 gift cardÂ
- Applebee’s– 15% off a $50 gift card and 20% off a $25 gift cardÂ
TechnologyÂ
- Grammarly– 50% off Grammarly ProÂ
- Disney+– save 15% on 12 monthsÂ
- Amazon– 6 months at $0, then just $7.49Â
- Spotify– $6.00 per monthÂ
- Apple Music– $6.99 per monthÂ
- YouTube Premium– $8.99 per monthÂ
WVU students have their own perksÂ
WVU students can take advantage of discounts connected to campus organizations. The Mountaineer Manicas membership costs $25 for the basic membership and includes a 20% discount at the Book Exchange. The $60 Ultimate membership includes the same Book Exchange discount plus guaranteed football tickets. Beyond official WVU programs, don’t forget about businesses around Morgantown. Sometimes they offer student discounts that are heavily advertised, but just ask!
The best student discount hack is to just ask. Even if the answer is no, you are in exactly the same position you were before asking. If the answer is yes, you just saved money without doing much of anything. College is expensive enough. You might as well take advantage of one of the few financial perks that come with being a student.Â