The Ultimate Guide To Student Discounts in USA

Student Discounts in USA

A shoutout to all the young, broke, and fabulous students out there who dream of living their life Pinterest-style on a college budget in the US; this blog is what you've been looking for. As a wise man once said, "With great power comes great responsibility," and as a student, you have the power to score some awesome discounts across the USA. In this blog, we'll spill all the tea on the best student discounts in USA, so you can ball on a budget while living your best life. So put on your favourite fit, grab your Starbucks latte, and get ready to shop till you drop, all while saving those precious student coins.

What is a student discount?

Student discounts are special deals or price reductions offered to students who are currently studying in an educational institution. These discounts are intended to assist students in getting goods and services at a lower cost than the general public. They are available for various products and services, including clothing, technology, entertainment, transportation, and food. To receive student discounts in USA, a valid student ID or other proof of enrollment is usually required.

Benefits of student discounts in USA

Student discounts can provide numerous benefits to students, including:

• Cost savings: The most obvious benefit of student discounts in USA is that they can help students save money. With the high cost of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses, every little bit helps.
• Increased access: Student discounts in USA can also provide increased access to goods and services that might otherwise be out of reach for students on a tight budget. For example, discounted public transportation fares can make it easier for students to get around their city.
• Encourages responsible spending: By offering discounts on certain products and services, businesses can encourage students to spend their money in responsible ways. For example, discounts on healthy food options can encourage students to make better dietary choices.
• Promotes loyalty: Businesses that offer student discounts in USA can build long-term loyalty with younger customers. If a student has a positive experience with a company that offers a discount, they may be more likely to continue using their products or services in the future.
• Boosts morale: Finally, student discounts in USA can provide a morale boost for students who may be struggling to make ends meet. Knowing that they can access discounts can help students feel more positive about their financial situation and reduce money-related stress.

Want to save an extra buck? Here is a short blog on how to save money as a student.

Types of Student Discounts Cards in USA

The students pursuing education in the United States are in luck. They are most likely to get various discounts throughout the county. Here are a few student discount cards in USA to choose from while studying at your university.

NUS

To get access to student discounts in USA, you'll first need to apply for a free NUS card from your university to prove that you're a student at one of the educational institutions in the US. Students can also apply for the NUS card online.

ISIC

If you want to take advantage of your student identity beyond the US, the International Student Identity Card can is one you can go for. The card is issued by ISIC Associations, a non-profit organization that promotes international understanding and cultural exchange among students. The card is available to full-time students over the age of 12 and is valid for one year from the date of issue. ISIC is available in more than 130 nations, and its price varies between $4 and $25 depending on your country of origin. 

UNiDAYS

By joining UNiDAYS, you can receive student discounts in USA from a wide range of retailers while shopping online. You can browse the site for free, and upon subscribing to their newsletter, you'll receive the most recent offers delivered straight to your email inbox. At times of checkout, UniDays discounts range from 10% to 50%, based on the store's policies. However, instead of a physical card, UniDays uses an app. So to benefit from the discounts, you'll have to download and create a profile on the app.

Student Advantage Card

The student advantage card provides student offers in USA on travel, entertainment, and retail purchases for students. It provides savings of up to 50% on bus and train tickets, 20% off on restaurants and up to 40% discounts on movie tickets. The card costs 30$ for a yearly membership and can be used at over 10,000 locations across the US. Additionally, cardholders can access exclusive student deals and offer on the website. 

Types of Best Student Discounts in USA

When in USA, your Identity card should be your best friend. It is wise to always carry them with you as you never know when they may come in handy ( which is always). Apart from the library and the dining hall, you get access to amazing student discounts at various shops, restaurants, and cinemas when presented. INcase, you do not possess an ID card but are planning on studying in the USA, you can still use your passport as evidence of your student status. By doing this, you can go ahead and create a bank account and enjoy all student discounts in USA.

Food discounts

Your student ID can help you save money when eating out. Local restaurants often offer discounts to students to attract their business, while big fast food chains like Subway, Burger King, Mcdonald's, and Domino's provide the best student discounts of up to 20%. This is particularly useful if you are tired of eating the food served in your campus dining hall. Many money-saving websites list these discounts, so it's worth checking them out before eating out. While we’re talking food, you can also check out on How to save money on groceries as a student. 

Travel discounts

With a valid student ID, you can save money on domestic and international airfares. Most airlines offer discounts to students, so it's worth checking prices before booking. Remember that you may need to show your original ID or additional proof of enrollment to receive the discount. Some stores accept photocopies of your student ID, while others may require an enrollment letter or other documentation. If you're a student, you can save money on your travel with these discounts:

• Airbnb: With an International Student Identity Card, you can get a €15 discount on three Airbnb bookings.
• Greyhound: If you have a Student Advantage Card, you can save 20% on standard fares with Greyhound bus company.

Clothing discounts

Don't worry about breaking the bank on clothing during your studies, as plenty of clothing stores in the US offer discounts to college students. Some chains even accept your student ID in branches abroad. Check out some of the top students deals below:

• Banana Republic: Present your student ID at checkout to receive 15% off full-price in-store purchases.
• Topshop: Whether you're shopping online or in-store, students can enjoy a year-round discount of 10%. Simply enter your student email address on the website to receive a discount code.
• Levi's: Register on the website and get 15% off your next purchase.
• PacSun: Students receive a 15% discount on the regular price at PacSun.
• ModCloth: Keep your eyes peeled for ModCloth's limited-time 10% student discount campaigns.
• J.Crew: Get 15% off in stores with your student ID, but unfortunately there's no student discount available for online purchases.
• Madewell: Although Madewell's clothing can be a bit pricey for students, you can still save 15% by showing your student ID at checkout.

Electronic devices 

Purchasing a new laptop or tablet can be a significant expense, especially for students. However, many manufacturers offer discounts for students, allowing them to purchase the best device for their studies. Wait until you have your student card or have been accepted to the university to take advantage of these student deals. Here are some college student discounts on Laptops and electronic devices: 

• Dell: Dell University offers a free gift with the purchase of a new PC.
• Microsoft: Students in the US can save 10% on various Microsoft products. 
• Apple: The Apple Store for Education offers up to $200 off a new Mac for accepted college students. Now isn't that a great Apple student deal?

Student supply

Many retailers in the USA offer discounts on school supplies to students, especially during the back-to-school season. These discounts can include a percentage off the total purchase price, free shipping, or even free items with a minimum purchase.

Some popular retailers that offer student supply discounts include Staples, Office Depot/OfficeMax, Best Buy, and Target. To take advantage of these discounts, students usually need to show their valid student ID at the time of purchase.

In addition to these retail stores, there are also online retailers like Amazon and Chegg that offer student discounts on school supplies and textbooks. These discounts may require students to verify their student status through a third-party verification service like UNiDAYS or NUS. 

Miscellaneous things 

If you're a student, you probably want to make the most of your free time and explore your surroundings without spending a fortune. Luckily, there are plenty of activities that offer student discounts in US:

• Cinemark: Find a Cinemark cinema near you and take advantage of their best student discounts.
• AMC Theaters: Although it's not much, on Thursdays, students get a one-dollar discount at AMC Theaters.
• Museums: Many museums across the US offer discounted tickets to students. For example, the Museum of Modern Art in New York offers students a nearly 50% discount, which means you only have to pay $14 instead of $25.
• Spotify: College students can get a 50% discount on their Spotify membership.
• Amazon Student: When you sign up for Amazon Student, you can enjoy all the perks of an Amazon Prime membership for half the price. What's more, the first six months are free, and you can cancel at any time at no cost.
• Newspapers: Major newspapers like The New York Times or the Wall Street Journal offer cheaper subscription rates for students.
• Sporting events: Watching sports is a popular pastime in America, and many professional sports teams offer student discounts on regularly priced tickets to football or baseball games. By keeping up to date with what's going on in your area, you might be able to score some amazing student deals on tickets.

Like watching movies but most of the streaming charges are high? Check out student discounts on streaming services to save some cash.

Being a student in the USA comes with its perks, and student discounts in USA are definitely one of them. From textbooks to tech gadgets, food to fashion, there are plenty of ways to save money and make the most of your student status. So, don't forget to carry your student ID or sign up for student discount programs to take advantage of these offers and stretch your budget further. Happy shopping!