Most of us have experienced being the broke student. Having to go to school, never having enough money, maybe working part-time to pay the bills. Many businesses and organizations now recognize how difficult this time of life can be and so have cut people who carry a valid student card some slack. Here are few below:
1. Transit Companies: BC transit here in the Greater Vancouver area recognizes Go Cards, U Passes and Student Cards with a $2 transit sticker on them as special fares. For example, Go Cards holders get a discount on fares and Student Cards with the sticker can buy a one-zone pass yet can travel to any of the 3 zones with just that one-zone pass. If you don’t live in Vancouver, it might be worth your while to check with your school and see if you have similar benefits in terms of transit.
2. Rec Centres: Thinking of going to the gym or taking a fitness class? A valid student card might get you a discount on fees.
3. Cafes and Restaurants: Some eateries in downtown Vancouver will offer discounted rates to students. So flash that card! Other cities, especially University towns, might offer these discounts as well, so ask.
4. Boutiques and Clothing Shops: Need to get some new clothes and accessories? Some stores give students discounts if they have a Student Discount Card like SPC or CFS, etc. Valid Student Card holders can apply to get a Student Discount Card. You’ll have to pay around $8 initially, but if you do a lot of shopping, it might be worth paying the application fee. If you frequent certain stores, ask if they take part in a student discount program like the ones mentioned above.
5. Museums, Art Galleries and Theatre Companies: They want young minds to get educated, so most will let students in at a discounted rate.
6. Art and Supply Stores: Discounts on most supplies are offered to students.
7. Motels and Hotels: Not all of them do this but its worth doing some research to find out which establishments might. Helps cut down the cost of travel!
I tend to take a lot of continuing education courses. If I am trying to decide between two similar courses between two different schools, one of the factors I consider is if the schools will provide me a with a student card while I am taking their class. If one school will provide a card and the other won’t, I will most likely pick the former. The savings a student card provides is definitely worth while.
