Mariah Nicohls, Staff Writer
So we get this plastic card with that awkward mugshot of ourselves and a new email address, making it official that we are a student here at Florida Southern College, but what we don’t know is that this little card accessorized with personalized lanyards for conferences, and email address has more value then we think. Here, I share some examples of places to get the most bang from your buck with just a flash of your school ID and your new student email.
With textbooks and electronics always a need for college, Amazon offers a special student discount program where students can get a free 6-month trial of Amazon Prime, which offers free two-day shipping with an added bonus of a $10 credit when you refer a friend. Another popular company offering discounts is Apple with savings up to $200 on a MAC laptop or save up to $20 on an iPad. Since so many go to Best Buy for their school needs, it’s nice to see that this company is keeping college students in mind with coupons exclusively for you. Best Buy makes it simple by just signing up with your school email and you automatically get savings on many must-haves from laptops to mini-fridges. You will definitely find uses for them!
The biggest purchase for us college folks are cars. Don’t be discouraged because some car dealerships such as Toyota offer special college deals when buying a car. The same goes with car insurance. The popular companies such as Geico or State Farm offer great ways for students to save. All you have to do is simply ask to find out more.
Need a fresh new look now that you are attending FSC? Banana Republic is making their mark for college students by offering 15 percent off your full-priced purchase just by showing your school ID. Top Shop is another great place for girls to get the latest trends with a 10 percent discount all year round. Just sign up with your student email and you are in. If you like stores that bring out your creative side, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft is an ideal place especially for classroom projects. They are known for having amazing coupon deals and this crafter’s heaven is adding student discounts to their list. They give 10 percent off on every purchase with an easy sign up with your school’s email.
Before you pay full price when grabbing your next bite to eat, flash your student ID and see if they offer discounts. Favorites such as Subway, Dairy Queen, Chipotle, McDonalds, and Burger King often provide student savings on their meals. Just ask as it depends on location.
Sydney Schantz, a junior here at FSC, enjoys getting her discount when eating out at PDQ, a restaurant located at 4714 S. Florida Ave. here in Lakeland. This eatery is known for their fresh hand-battered chicken tenders, made-to-order sandwiches and hand-spun milkshakes. “I use my student discount about once a month,” said Schantz. “They have a $5 student meal.”
Your ID will also save you in a variety of other places such as Cinemark Movie Theaters, which offers deals just by showing your ID at the box office. Another that might be a shock to most is FedEx offering 20-30 percent savings. Now being connected with out of state family or friends is made easier.
One thing a student can’t do without is their cell phone. Many providers offer student discounts, cutting your monthly bill up to 20-25 percent off. Just remember to check with your cell phone carrier and use your student email to sign up.
So, next time you are shopping, before swiping your credit card, pull out your FSC ID or enter your student email and save! Being a student just got sweeter.
