While their younger counterparts have already headed to the classroom, college students still have a week or two of freedom before heading back to campus. Their semester will likely be more expensive; however, there are ways to save money and even freebies/discounts that come with that student ID. And on the flipside, there are also pitfalls unique to university scholars, too. Here are some of the very best college discounts, money saving ideas, and potential pitfalls students (and parents) should be aware of this year.
Use Educational Discounts
College students get a plethora of discounts everywhere from restaurants to the Apple Store. This year’s deal includes special pricing for MacBook and iPads. Plus you can get up to $150 in Apple gift cards, too. And you can exchange your old Apple products for credit. Last but not least, there’s an Apple Music Student version that includes AppleTV.
Technology Discounts:
Streaming Discounts
- Amazon Prime (6 months free and then half priced per month)
- Spotify Premium PLUS Hulu and HBO
- Apple Music
Entertainment and Travel
- Amtrak
- Museums – some destinations offer a college rate. Always ask!
- Zipcar
- Movie Theaters – AMC offers a student discount (with ID) and others might too!
Life Expenses
- Budget and Penske both offer student discounts
- Car Insurance Companies – definitely check for student discounts!
- Cable Companies – some offer internet services at reduced prices for students. It’s worth a call.
All off the discounts above will either require a student ID or an .edu e-mail address. Two more resources I don’t want to forget are IDme and Unidays. Both provide discounts to students shopping at major online retailers like Kate Spade, Keen, New Balance, and more.
Another great roundup of discounts can be found here.
College Money Saving Ideas
Work Social Media Channels
If you plan on rooming with another student this fall, avoid the spending trap of duplicating the purchase of household goods. Space is a premium in most dorm rooms, so there’s no need to crowd your precious square feet with two of everything. Make a plan to split up the purchase of goods between the two of you. For example, one student can purchase a small refrigerator and another a futon. Or one can bring a coffee pot while another a microwave. Try not to split the actual cost of these items because you can’t divide them in two pieces when the school year finishes and students may head in a different direction the next year. Instead, choose items of a similar price point and then divide and conquer.
Ask About More Scholarship Opportunities
Just because you’ve started the fall semester doesn’t mean the scholarship hunt is over. Many departments offer more opportunities to students as they progress through their studies. Keep in close contact with your advisor as you continue your studies to see if you can apply for more money
Get a Job
An on campus job can provide extra income to help supplement your educational experience. From working in food service to working in the library, be bold in your job search and find something that fits well with your schedule and helps you pay the bill.
Potential Pitfalls
The following are some easy traps for anyone to fall into, especially students heading back to school. You could find yourself in a whole lot of debt or making purchases you didn’t need to make if you do any of the following.
You Didn’t Look Online for Dorm Dimensions
Scour your academic institution’s websites for all of the dorm specifics. Dimensions of the room and bathroom spaces are essential. You don’t want to buy more than you can stuff into the space. You’ll also want to get the specs on the ability to loft beds and/or store unneeded pieces of furniture. Finding out that information before Move In Day can save money and stress in the long run.
You Applied for a Credit Card to Get a Free T-Shirt
Credit card companies prey on students more than most age demographics. They’re hoping to make you indebted to them your whole life long. So whether it’s a discount or a free t-shirt, just say no. Credit card debt is at a twenty year high and this isn’t how you want to begin your independent financial life.
You Paid Full Price for Book Fees
Textbook fees pack a punch at the beginning of a semester. However, there are a few ways to keep the total tab a bit lower. Buy used as often as you can, whether you shop online or in a college bookstore. Avoid miscellaneous purchases in the bookstore. T-shirts, notebooks, highlighters, and pens can all be found more affordable at big box retailers. You can also rent some books online from sites like Amazon, Chegg.com, or BigWords.com. Don’t forget to go through an online cashback site like Ebates to increase your savings, too. You may even be able to check out a text or two from your campus library, too. Or if you knew someone who had the class the year before, you might be able to buy or borrow a copy from them.
You Didn’t Look at Your Bank Account All Semester
College is busy! But you have to track your finances. Log in regularly to get a good feel for the ebb and flow of your money. Use an app or a piece of software to budget. Now is the time to form lifelong habits that will help you make the most of every penny.
Just because you’re heading back to campus doesn’t mean you have to pay full price. Use these college discounts and money saving tips to save as much money as you can on what can be a very expensive endeavor.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
