Free College Student Perks Discounts And Freebies You Can Access With A Student Id

College students often face tight budgets and high expenses, but the right tools and knowledge can help stretch limited funds further. One of the most valuable tools is a student ID, which unlocks a wide range of discounts and free services across various industries. From free banking options and software packages to travel deals and dining perks, students can take advantage of numerous offers that are often overlooked or not widely publicized.

This article compiles verified and reliable information from trusted sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the free resources and discounts available to college students. Whether you're a first-year student or returning for another term, understanding these benefits can help you manage expenses more effectively and make the most of your student status.

Understanding the Value of a Student ID

A student ID is more than just a piece of plastic or a digital file—it’s a key to numerous benefits. Many retailers, service providers, and organizations offer special deals for students, recognizing their unique financial needs. These benefits include everything from free software and bank accounts to discounts on food, transportation, and entertainment.

It’s important to note that not all offers are advertised online or on a store's website. As a result, students should always ask about available discounts at local businesses, online retailers, and service providers. Some of the most valuable deals are only offered in person at the point of sale or through student-specific programs.

Free and Discounted Bank Accounts for Students

Managing finances is a crucial skill for college students, and several banks offer student-specific accounts with no fees or minimum balance requirements. These accounts are designed to help students build good financial habits without the burden of unnecessary charges.

• Ally Bank offers a free checking account with no minimum balance, no fees, and ATM fee reimbursements up to $10 per statement cycle. This is particularly beneficial for students who may not have a large balance but still need access to banking services.

• Chime provides a checking account with no minimum deposit required and no monthly service fees or per-transaction charges. The only fee associated with a Chime account is an out-of-network ATM fee of $2.50. However, Chime has a vast ATM network of 60,000+ locations, making the chances of incurring that fee relatively low.

• Current Card is a digital banking option that allows fee-free withdrawals at 40,000 Allpoint ATMs in the U.S. It functions similarly to a checking account and is ideal for students who prefer digital banking solutions.

• Amazon Student is another valuable option for students. In addition to the banking benefits, Amazon Student provides discounts on services like Kindle Unlimited, Amazon Music Unlimited, GrubHub, and Prime Video, as well as free two-day shipping.

These financial services are often tailored to help students manage their limited income more effectively and avoid unnecessary fees that can add up over time.

Free or Discounted Software for Students

Technology plays a significant role in higher education, and many software companies offer free or discounted versions of their products for students. These tools can help students stay productive, manage their finances, and develop valuable skills.

• Microsoft Office 365 Education is available for free to students at eligible institutions who have a valid college email address. It includes popular programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams.

• Adobe Education provides discounted plans for students, making it more affordable to access creative software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• GitHub offers a free Student Developer Pack that includes tools and services to help students learn to code and develop software.

• JetBrains provides free access to its software for students enrolled in accredited educational programs. This is particularly useful for those studying computer science or software development.

• Tableau offers free access to its analytics package for students, which is valuable for those studying data science or business analytics.

• Ableton provides a 50% discount on its music creation software, which is ideal for students pursuing music production or audio engineering.

• GitHub Student Developer Pack includes a wide range of tools and services to help students learn to code and develop software.

These software tools can significantly reduce the cost of education and provide students with valuable resources to enhance their learning experience.

Free or Discounted Travel Offers for Students

Traveling can be expensive, but many transportation providers offer student discounts or promotions that make it more affordable for students to travel. These deals can help students save money on train, bus, and air travel, as well as car rentals and hotel stays.

• Amtrak offers a 15% discount on train travel for students aged 13 to 25. This is a great option for students who need to travel between campuses or for those who want to visit home during breaks.

• Greyhound provides a 10% discount on bus fares and a 15% discount on shipping via the Student Advantage program. This is a cost-effective way to travel across the country or transport items.

• United Airlines offers a 5% discount on Economy flights for students. This can help reduce the cost of air travel for students who need to fly for school or personal reasons.

• Hotels.com offers up to 40% off hotel bookings via the UNiDAYS program. This is ideal for students who need to book accommodations for trips or conferences.

• IKON Pass provides discounts on Rocky Mountain SuperPass for Colorado ski resorts, and it's also available to students, military personnel, and nurses.

• Megabus offers $3 off each trip via the UNiDAYS program, making it an affordable option for short-distance travel.

• Sixt provides a 10% discount on car rentals for students who are at least 21 years old.

• StudentUniverse offers discounts on flights, hotels, and tours, making it easier for students to travel while on a budget.

These travel discounts can help students explore new places, attend conferences, or visit family and friends without breaking the bank.

Free or Discounted Dining and Food Offers for Students

Food is a necessity, and many restaurants and fast food chains offer student discounts or free items to help students manage their budgets. These offers can range from free drinks to full meals and can vary depending on the location and restaurant.

• Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Qdoba reportedly offer free drinks with a purchase for students. These are great options for students who want to save money on beverages while still enjoying a meal.

• Many fast food restaurants offer student discounts. While the specific terms may vary by location, it's always worth asking for a student discount when making a purchase.

• Working at a restaurant or fast food place can also provide benefits such as a free meal. This is a great perk for students who are working part-time while attending school.

These dining offers can help students save money on food, which is one of the largest expenses for many college students.

Professional and Educational Organizations for Students

Joining professional and educational organizations can provide students with valuable resources, networking opportunities, and even financial benefits. Many of these organizations offer free or discounted memberships to students.

• Professional organizations in various fields offer free memberships to students. These memberships often include access to industry news, networking events, and scholarships or grants for students.

• Museums and art institutions often provide free or discounted admission for students with a valid ID. Institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Carnegie Hall, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston offer student-friendly admission rates.

• YouTube Premium and Spotify offer free trials for students. YouTube Premium provides one month of free ad-free video streaming, and Spotify offers one month of free premium service.

These professional and educational resources can help students build their careers, stay informed about industry trends, and access valuable tools and services.

Conclusion

College students have access to a wide range of free and discounted benefits that can help them manage their finances and make the most of their education. From free banking accounts and software to travel discounts and dining perks, these offers can significantly reduce the financial burden of college life. By understanding and utilizing these resources, students can stretch their budgets further and focus more on their studies and personal growth.

It’s important to note that not all offers are widely publicized, so students should always ask about available discounts and benefits at local businesses and online retailers. With a little research and initiative, students can take full advantage of the perks that come with being a student.

Sources

1. Freebies for College Students and Discounts
2. Free Stuff for College Students