College life can be scary — especially when it comes to managing a tight budget. But here’s a trick (or treat) to make things easier: flash your student ID, verify your status online, and watch your expenses drop.
From fresh outfits to must-have tech and even late-night pizza, being a student comes with plenty of perks. However, these deals won’t last forever, and many will disappear after graduation.
Speech Pathology major, Star Cortes shared her thoughts on student discounts, saying they enhance the shopping experience. “Who doesn’t love a good discount?” she added.
To help students like Cortes save even more, we’ve put together a student discount guide covering everything from fashion to travel, electronics, entertainment, food, and more!
Before diving into the discounts, it’s important to know how to access them. While many discounts are available directly through brand websites, most require verification through platforms like ID.me, UNiDAYS, or Student Beans, which confirms your student status in exchange for exclusive deals. Here’s a quick guide:
- ID.me: A digital identity network that verifies student status for various retailers and brands. You can sign up at www.id.me and access discounts for clothing, tech, travel, and more.
- UNiDAYS: A free service offering student discounts at hundreds of stores and fashion brands. Sign up at www.myunidays.com, verify your student status, and start saving.
- Student Beans: Student Beans verifies student status and provides discounts on a wide range of products. Visit www.studentbeans.com to access deals from popular retailers.
Here are some frighteningly good fashion deals:
- www.nike.com – Eligible students in the U.S. get 10 percent off most items when they verify through SheerID.
- www.crocs.com – Save 25 percent on full-priced styles online by verifying through ID.me.
- www.Forever21.com – Score an extra 21 percent off by verifying with UNiDAYS.
- www.hm.com – Students get 10 percent off H&M by joining StudentBeans or SPC (online only).
- www.converse.com – Students can get 15 percent off online by verifying status at checkout (some exclusions apply).
- www.target.com – Join Target Circle 360 for $4.99/month with student verification during enrollment.
Tara Cuslidge-Staiano, a Professor of Mass Communication/Journalism at Delta who also teaches social media courses with a focus on marketing, sheds light on why retail brands like Nike and Converse offer student discounts.
“Retailers offer discounts for two main reasons,” Professor Cuslidge-Staiano explains. “The first of which is that doing so exposes brands to new clientele, particularly clientele who may be willing to purchase after they are out of student status.”
She also notes that discounts help businesses grow their customer base. “…college students will remember who offered those discounts and may be more apt to engage with those companies later in life.”
Boo-tiful bites: Dining discounts:
- www.doordash.com – Students can sign up for DashPass for $4.99/month or $48 annually (normally $9.99/month or $96/year).
- www.costco.com – Receive a $20 Digital Shop Card by joining as a new Gold Star Member and signing up with www.myunidays.com.
- www.uberone.com – Try Uber One Student free for four weeks, then $4.99/month. Get $0 delivery fees, up to 10 percent off other deliveries, 6 percent back on rides, and exclusive discounts from top brands and eats.
Student Amaro Sarcos expressed surprise at learning about student discounts on popular brands. “I wish I had known sooner; I could have been saving money,” he shared.
As a thrifting enthusiast, he’s eager to explore discounts on items he enjoys. When asked what discounts he’s most excited about, he responded, “Streaming apps and services.”
Chills, thrills & streaming deals:
- www.hulu.com/student – Students can enjoy Hulu for $1.99/month, a 75 percent discount off the regular price.
- www.universalstudioshollywood.com – Get Halloween Horror Nights tickets for $67 at Universal Studios Hollywood by verifying student status on Student Beans. (Expires Nov 3rd).
- www.spotify.com – Students get 1 month free, then pay $2.99/month. Or Spotify Premium and Hulu (With Ads) free for 1 month, then $5.99/month after.
- www.peacock.com -Pay just $1.99/month for 12 months (regularly $7.99) after verifying status via SheerID.
- Apple Music + Apple TV+ – Students can enjoy a discounted Apple Music subscription (up to 48 months) with free access to Apple TV+. Annual re-verification required.
Some companies strategically use these limited-time offers.
“The benefit is in positioning,” said Professor Cuslidge-Staiano. She explains that by offering discounts to students early on, brands can foster long-term customer loyalty.
Random goodies & extra perks:
- www.statefarm.com – Students can get up to 25 percent off auto insurance by maintaining good grades, with savings available until age 25.
- www.zgw209.com (Zen Garden Wellness) – A local recreational dispensary offers 10 percent off to students (with proof).
- www.bose.com – Save $30 on orders $199+ by verifying through ID.me
- www.budgettruck.com – Get 20 percent off local moves and 15 percent off one-way moves with discount code TRUKU.
- www.amtrak.com – Students aged 17-24 can save 15 percent on bookings made one day in advance. The discount applies automatically or by using code V814 in the Amtrak app.
- www.superiorthrift.com – offers teachers and students 30 percent off every Thursday with proof. Visit 1135 N Wilson Way, Stockton, Ca 95205.
Be sure to explore the local businesses near campus that offer student discounts, as well as the Mustang PASS discounts available on www.deltacollege.edu website under Campus Life.
Save this list of student discounts, and enjoy both a spooky Halloween and some smart savings!
