Here’s how to make the most of your student ID

Make most of your Student ID

Being a student never benefited you more.
Published: April 8, 2019
student paying with cash

Whether you’re a newbie freshman or an already-checked-out senior, it’s never too late to learn the perks of having a student ID. Who isn’t looking to save a few extra bucks for that late night Calios or a post-graduation apartment in the city? Most of us fit the “broke college student” narrative, so let’s reap the benefits from it! We’ve compiled a list of the best places with student discounts, including a cheaper cup of coffee, a sweatshirt for less and more.

Subway and Domino's meals

If You’re Looking for Grub…

Dunkin’ Donuts: Starbucks doesn’t have student deals, but Dunkin’ is a good alternative to getting a quick caffeine fix. Show your student ID at Dunkin’ on Marshall Street and get 10 percent off your order.

Chick-fil-A: It’s a little way off-campus, but the new Chick-fil-A that had ‘Cuse crawling from all over last year gets one step better with their student deals. Along with their tenders and fries, students can now get a free drink with their meal with an ID.

Chipotle: Chipotle, a true Marshall Street staple, is another chain trying to help out students by offering a free drink with purchase. You can use those few extra dollars you save to get extra guac on the side.

Domino’s: Are you a buff chicken kind of person or do you stick with the classic plain cheese pizza pie? Regardless, you can get your post-night-out grub for 10 to 20 percent less with a student ID. Was there ever a bigger incentive to turn-in early after a night at Lucy’s?

Subway: Looking to grab a quick bite in between class? Stop by the Subway in Marshall Square Mall with your ID to for 10 percent off. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but we say whatever’s cheaper ultimately wins out.

Taco Bell: Try whatever is new on Taco’s Bell eccentric menu with 10 percent off your order. If you aren’t a fan of what can best be described as “somewhat authentic” Mexican food, get some joy out of Try Guys Try Taco Bell YouTube video, and perhaps you’ll be inspired. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Adidas store display of sneakers

If You’re Looking for Threads…

J. Crew: Get some good looks for less with 15 percent off at J Crew, J Crew Factory and J Crew Mercantile stories with proof of student ID. You get to pick a range of preppy clothes and business outfits. It’s best to take advantage of the discounts while you can!

Nike: Validate your student ID through UNiDays and enjoy 10 percent off any Nike products. Go get yourself some new kicks or running shorts as the weather gets warmer.

Vineyard Vines: It’s impossible to walk through campus and not see someone wearing Vineyard Vines. It does seem to be the Boston boy staple on-campus. Nevertheless, shirts and long-sleeved tees can add up. You can get a 15 percent discount online and in stores.

Adidas: Take advantage of getting away with wearing sweatshirts and leggings daily while you can. Ever heard of athleisure? Adidas is a pricey brand, but you can get up to a 15 percent discount by verifying your student status with UNiDAYS. Occasionally, offers even include free shipping. What’s better than that?

Aerie: We may watch the Victoria Secret show every year, but that doesn’t mean we can afford it. While PINK, Victoria Secret’s sister brand, occasionally offers student deals, nothing beats getting 20 percent lingerie, sweats, pajamas and loungewear at Aerie.

Creative workstation

If You’re Feeling Creative…

JOANN: Perhaps not a score for everyone, but sorority girls who budget all year for crafting and recruitment can plan ahead and save a lot of money from this. JOANN offers college student discount days where you get 20 percent off your entire purchase.

West Elm: No one would necessarily use the word “nice” to compare most of the off-campus and on campus housing, but they do the job. If you’re looking to spruce up your room with a tapestry or find a cheap coffee table for your kitchen, West Elm is a great place to use your student discount to score! With up to 15 percent off, might as well use your student ID to your advantage before it’s gone!

If You’re Looking to Stay Up to Date…

The New York Times, Washington Post, WSJ: They may say newspapers are dying, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t interested in reading them online. Most news organizations have paywalls up that keeps you from viewing content for free. A great way to skip expensive monthly fees is to use your student status for a discounted rate of $1 a week. In the end, the less you save each month ultimately adds up, and you’re still able to keep a pulse on what’s happening.

Spotify on a computer

If You’re Looking to Be Entertained…

Amazon Student: Sign up for a Prime Student account and receive a six-month trial with product discounts and free two-day shipping. You can also get unlimited movie and TV streaming, access to Prime Music and Prime Photos storage. A quick-tip? Cancel your subscription before the 6-month trial ends to prevent from being charged thereafter!

Spotify/HULU or Apple Music: Get a monthly 50 percent discount on Spotify Premium with your student ID. This means no ads while listening to music and access to all the playlist available. New subscribers on Spotify can also add Hulu’s limited commercial plans, usually $8 a month, for free. If you use Apple Music, you can still steal a deal. For the same discounted price of $5 a month, you get access to unlimited songs, a global radio program and podcasts. Regardless of which app you’re loyal to, it’s a win-win.

Museums: This is an offer usually left untapped by students. Hundreds of museums offer discounted or even free tickets to students. Museums like The Met, MoMa, the Guggenheim and the American Museum of Natural History in NYC are a part of an initiative to offer free admission to students. Doing research about museums and attractions around your local cities will show they aren’t the only one offering deals like this.