The Student’s Guide to Finding the Best Deals

College is costly, but that doesn’t mean you need to pay more on  everything! Textbooks, food, entertainment—the costs can quickly pile up. The great news is that you have access to hundreds of deals, discounts, and money-saving hacks that can make life a lot easier.

Sadly, many students don’t know about these perks or don’t take full advantage of them. This guide will help you save big while enjoying student life. Imagine lowering the cost of your favorite streaming service by 50%, snagging some free food deals, or getting a discount on tech. Sounds great, right? Well, it gets even better. With the right techniques, you will spend less on everyday expenses and make more money with cashback purchases.

Also, for times when extra cash is needed, Blitz has your back. With instant cash advances up to $99, no credit checks, and no hidden fees, Blitz makes managing unexpected expenses easier. Its AI-powered money management tools help students stay financially secure.

In this student’s guide to finding the best deals, you’ll learn how to unlock discounts on top brands and maximize your savings using cashback apps. You’ll also get to know how to stack discounts, make the most of student-friendly savings apps, and take charge of your financial future.

The Best Student Discounts You Didn’t Know About

A good number of companies have discounts for students, although they do not showcase them. So, knowing where to look is key! Here’s how to save big on tech, subscriptions, travel, and more.

Must-Know Student Discounts on Tech & Software

As a student, you need the latest tech and software, but you don’t have to be bankrupt. Many leading brands have discounts available for students only, saving you hundreds each year.

Apple Education Discounts: Apple offers up to $200 off on MacBooks and iPads for students. Plus, get free Apple Music for six months after you purchase.

Dell & HP Student Discounts: Enjoy up to 30% off laptops and accessories when you verify your student status. Whether you need a new powerhouse laptop for school or accessories to get things done, this discount saves you big.

Microsoft Office for Students: Students get Microsoft 365 free, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Key for assignments, presentations, and research, these applications are vital for academic success.

Adobe Creative Cloud: Young adults can get up to 60% discounted access to Photoshop, Illustrator, and more by signing up with Adobe as a student.

Best Buy Student Hub: Get deals for exclusive technology such as laptops, gaming gadgets, and accessories by signing up. Best Buy will always have up-to-date discounts on essential tech for students, so it has become students’ go-to spot for deals.

Lenovo Student Discounts: You’ll find student deals on laptops, tablets, and monitors. And do not worry if you need a sleek laptop that’s easy to lug around school or a powerful machine to assist you with productivity. Anyone looking for value will benefit from this discount.

UNiDAYS & Student Beans: Check these platforms for secret student discounts on numerous tech items. All you have to do is verify as a student to get the best deals available for tech items.

Streaming Services That Offer Best Student Discounts

There are several ways that you can save on entertainment. Several streaming services provide discounts for students. Just register using your .edu email!

• Spotify + Hulu + Showtime: You can have all three for only $5.99 a month. This bundle is a prime offer for students as they get music, TV shows, and movies at very low prices.
• Amazon Prime Student: Start with a free trial of six months, and then you pay half the price for Prime. Students on Prime receive free shipping, streaming, and special discounts, which are ideal for online shoppers.
• YouTube Premium for Students: Watch YouTube and YouTube Music without ads at a much cheaper price. This allowance lets you watch videos without being interrupted and stream music smoothly.
• Apple Music Student Plan: Use Apple Music for only $5.99 a month and get Apple TV+ for free. This plan comes with a vast library of songs and a lot of original content on AppleTV++.
• Paramount+ Student Deal: College students receive a discount of 25%. The discount provides access to many popular TV shows, live sporting events, and other exclusive content.
• Tidal Student Discount: Get a 50% discount on quality music streaming. Students who love great sound can enjoy Tidal’s lossless audio and curated playlists at a discount.
• Peacock Student Plan: Stream Peacock Premium for just $1.99 a month. This great offer allows students to access popular TV shows and live sporting events.
• HBO Max Student Discount: With HBO Max, students can experience award-winning series, blockbuster movies, and exclusive content! Keep streaming the shows you love, and do it on a budget!

Travel & Transportation Discounts for Students

If you’re going home or on an adventure, student travel discounts can save you money on transport. Flights, buses, and trains, these discounts make travel cheaper. Most airlines have student-only discounted prices so search for those before you book your next trip!

• Student Airline Discounts: Selected airlines have special fares for students, enabling them to travel at a lower cost. You can capitalize on exclusive offers and book directly or via student-oriented travel agents to save more. Delta, United, and Southwest all offer special student rates.
• Amtrak Student Discounts: Save 15% on tickets with Amtrak versus the regular fares. This is helpful to those who need to travel between cities often.
• Greyhound Student Discounts: Save on cross-country bus rides with frequent traveler discounts. Grab a budget-friendly opportunity to travel by bus and reap 10% savings.
• Uber & Lyft Student Deals: Some campuses offer ride discounts for students. These make getting around town more affordable.
• Zipcar Student Memberships: Get lowered rental rates on car rentals for students who need a car but do not want to purchase one.
• Student Metro Passes: Discounted public transportation passes are available in many major towns. Daily commuters using buses and trains will save money with these passes.
• Airbnb Student Discounts: Use UNiDAYS and Student Beans to get deals on stays. These platforms allow you to find cheap accommodation.
• FlixBus & Megabus Deals: Enjoy budget travel with affordable bus tickets for students. These services provide some of the best travel options for your next escapade.

How to Save Money on Everyday Essentials as a Student

Being a student doesn’t mean you have to struggle with money! You can control your costs for food, transport, and other expenses. With the right approaches, finances can be managed better. Here’s how:

Save Big on Food & Groceries

Food is a necessity, but takeout and groceries can empty your wallet. Fortunately, there are plenty of student discounts and deals available to help keep costs down.

• Student Discounts at Restaurants: Most fast-food chains and some local places give student discounts; you just have to inquire! Fast-casual chains like Chipotle, Subway, and Chick-fil-A often have special deals.
• Food Delivery Savings: Apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub offer discounts, referral bonuses, and free delivery for students. Save more with promo codes.
• Campus Meal Plans: Meal plans can save you money compared to eating out if you are living on campus. Seek out flexible plans that fit your lifestyle and eating habits.
• Grocery Store Hacks: Shop at budget-friendly stores like Aldi and Walmart and always check for student discounts. With apps Like Ibotta and Rakuten, get cashback on your grocery purchases.

How to Cut Costs on Textbooks & School Supplies

Textbook and supply expenses do not need to cost a fortune. Here are some ways to reduce expenses:

• Purchase Used Textbooks or Rent: Check websites such as Amazon or Chegg. Rentals and new textbook alternatives are available on both of them. They will likely have lower prices than traditional options.
• Digital Versions: Platforms such as OpenStax and Library Genesis offer free e-books and PDFs for various courses.
• Campus Exchange Programs: Most universities offer programs where students can shop or sell their old books at lower-than-normal prices.
• Buy School Supplies in Bulk: Stores such as Sam’s Club and Costco always have great deals on essentials such as notebooks or pens. Share the expenses with students at your university.
• Look for Free Giveaways: Many colleges give free supply giveaways at the start of the semester, and with the help of events like these, you can grab some essential items.

Student-Friendly Transportation Hacks

Being a student does not mean that traveling around the campus and the city has to cost too much. Here are some tips to help you save while getting around:

• Discounts for Public Transportation: Each city has its own rules, regulations, and policies. Several cities provide student discounts on metro, bus, and train passes. Check to see what transit always offers.
• Rideshare Coupons: Uber and Lyft have promotional offers for students. They also tend to give user credits to new customers.
• Bike Rentals and Sharing Services: In certain cities, services like Lime, Bird, and local bike stations cater to students with competitive pricing.
• Carpooling: If your friends drive, you can ride along and offer to cover some fuel expenses for long-range trips.
• University Shuttle Services: Many institutes offer complimentary shuttle services or at a very low fee to help students reach their classes and other buildings on campus.

How to Find Free & Discounted Entertainment

Entertainment can be affordable. As a student, you can also find lots of free and discounted deals on movies, concerts, gaming, etc. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable night out, you can have a blast without breaking the bank.

Free & Discounted Movie Tickets for Students

Are you someone who loves watching movies but hates the ticket prices? Students also often get exclusive discounts at theaters, so seeing your favorite flicks becomes even more affordable. 

Always have your student I.D. on hand and check for any deals before purchasing tickets. Here are the ways you can save on your next trip to the theater:

• AMC Theaters & Regal Cinemas: Get AMC Theaters and Regal Cinemas student discounts on certain days. All you have to do is bring your student ID and ask at the box office about special rates.
• Local Theaters: Many small, indie theaters, and drive-ins offer student discounts. Be sure to check their websites or call ahead to double-check deals and save on tickets.
• Campus Movie Nights: Free or low-cost movie nights are a staple at many universities. For flicks without fissures in your entertainment budget, check out campus event calendars.
• Free Streaming Options: Sites such as Tubi, Pluto TV, and Crackle offer free streaming services with thousands of movies and shows. A good option for students on a budget.
• Discounted Matinees: See a daytime movie for less. Take in a movie matinee, as many theaters have them at discounted prices.
• Loyalty Programs: Check theater loyalty programs for reward points on purchases. Redeem them for free tickets, snacks, and VIP discounts for frequent moviegoers.
• Credit Card Perks: Some student credit cards offer entertainment perks, such as cashback or discounts on movie tickets. Review your card perks for maximum savings.
• Community Events: Local libraries, community centers, and parks often have movie nights, free of charge. These events are a great way to catch films with friends, free of charge.

With these methods, students can still indulge in the newest films and shows without breaking the bank!

Free concerts, festivals, and campus events

Concerts and festivals can be expensive, but students can experience live entertainment without cost. From campus events to city-wide festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun without spending money. Here are some ideas:

• University Events: Many colleges host free concerts, comedy nights, and cultural festivals for students. Keeping an eye on your school’s event calendar will keep you informed and help you take advantage of free entertainment on campus.
• Volunteer at Festivals: Many festivals provide free access to volunteers. Serve as an usher, help set up, or hand out programs—and catch some great performances while spending nothing at all.
• Local Community Events: Cities frequently holdfree concerts, art shows, and cultural festivities. For updates and announcements, be sure to check your city’s official event website or local community boards.
• Library & Museum Programs: Many public libraries and museums host free concerts, poetry readings, and lectures. Such events offer a mix of educational inspiration and entertainment—all for no cost.
• Open Mic Nights & Student Performances: Many coffee shops and bars offer open mic nights or student performances. Enjoy live music, comedy, or poetry, all while supporting your peers in a fun and free environment.
• Street Performers & Pop-Up Performances: In cities known for their vibrant street art scene, you will likely see musicians, magicians, and dancers performing in public spaces. You could check out a park or shopping places for cheap and fun entertainment.
• Participate in a Student Club or Organization: Campus clubs often host free events, such as talent shows, karaoke nights, or concerts. Membership can score you simple, fun access to exclusive entertainment opportunities.
• Follow Event Pages & Apps: Free concerts, festivals, and student discounts in your area are easy to find on lists through fee-charging platforms like Eventbrite and Facebook Events. Many organizers regularly share free tickets.

With a little planning, you can have an active social life without straining your wallet.

Check this out: How to Use Coupons and Cashback Apps to Save More Money

The Best Student Deals on Gaming & Esports

If you are into gaming, there are affordable options to enjoy it. From gaming subscriptions to discounts, students can benefit from exclusive deals.

• Xbox Game Pass & PlayStation Plus: Students can sign up for discounted memberships for access to a huge library of free games each month. Includes discounts on new releases as well.
• Student Discounts, Steam Sales, and More: If you have a Steam account, it is common for them to give discounts through seasonal sales and student discounts. Look out for summer and winter deals to snag popular titles at discounted prices.
• Twitch Prime for Students: Signing up for an Amazon Prime Student membership includes Twitch Prime offerings such as free in-game loot and monthly game downloads.
• Epic Games Store Freebies: Every week, Epic Games Store gives away free games. Simply sign up to collect them and grow your collection.
• Esports Tournament Discounts: Many esports events sell discounted student tickets. If you love competitive gaming, check for student pricing for major tournaments.
• Game Rental Services: Services like GameFly let students rent games at lower costs. This is perfect for trying out multiple games without buying them.
• Student Deals on Gaming Hardware: Brands such as Razer and Logitech offer student discounts on gaming gear. Check their websites or UNiDAYS for offers.
• Gaming Club & Campus Events: Many universities have gaming clubs that organize free game nights and tournaments. This is a home for fellow gamers who receive gaming gear.

With discounts and free offers on gaming, students can immerse themselves in their favorite pastime without breaking the bank. Be it a console, a high-end PC, or to be the next esports star, there are ways to improve your game and not break the bank.

Read Related Article: How to Get Free or Discounted Software as a Student?

How to Budget & Save as a Student

As a student, you have to make financial ends meet. If you know the proper tools and strategies, you can get your budget to work for you. This mindset will allow you to avoid financial stress and develop good money habits that can carry you into the future.

The Best Budgeting Apps for Students

Budgets don’t have to be complicated to follow. Several apps help students monitor spending, set up automated savings, and easily meet financial goals.

• Mint: Mint is a free budgeting app that links to your bank accounts, tracks your spending in different categories, and gives you insight into where your money goes each month
• YNAB (You Need a Budget): YNAB helps students with creating line item expense plans and prioritizing savings. That makes it well-suited for budgeting and fostering better money habits with an organized, forward-focused approach.
• Blitz AI-powered Tools: Blitz uses AI-driven financial planning to customize budgets for students. It also offers automated savings features so you can achieve financial goals.
• PocketGuard: PocketGuard links your income and expense accounts to calculate how much money is available to spend after paying bills, saving, and other financial commitments.
• Fudget: Fudget is a simple budgeting app for students. It follows your income and expenses without the complicated bells and whistles, providing you with a way to plan for short-term savings and day-to-day spending.

How to Use AI to Build an Emergency Fund

Unforeseen expenses can come at any time. This is where having an emergency fund can save your life. The good news is that AI tools can take the stress out of making decisions and help you create a financial safety net.

• Blitz AI for Automated Savings: Blitz analyzes your spending behavior. It pushes a few dollars into your emergency fund whenever it’s financially feasible.
• Round-Up Savings Apps: Acorns and Qapital, for example, round your purchases up to the nearest dollar. They pay it into a savings account.
• Set Recurring Micro-Savings: AI tools can help you set up automatic transfers of small amounts, like $5 per week, to grow your emergency fund.
• Track Expenses with AI Insights: AI budgeting tools analyze your spending. They identify areas where you can cut back and redirect funds to savings.
• Cashback Rewards for Savings: Some AI apps let you earn cashback from purchases. They automatically transfer those rewards into your emergency fund.
• AI-Powered Goal Setting: Set a goal for your emergency fund. AI will track your progress, send reminders, and suggest adjustments to reach your target faster.
• Smart AI Budget Adjustments: AI tools can easily adjust your budget in case there are unplanned expenses. This keeps your savings in check without rocking the boat.
• Emergency Fund Protection Alerts: If you’re about to touch your emergency fund inappropriately, an AI-powered alert will pop up.

With these AI-driven strategies, you can easily create an emergency fund. It will help you be ready for an unforeseen situation.

Best Ways to Earn Extra Cash While in College

Not quite ready for full-time work? Take a look at these flexible side hustles for you. Whether your goal is to work from your dorm or take on flexible gigs, here are six awesome ways to make extra money while you hit the books.

• Sell Old Textbooks: Selling used textbooks is quite a way to get fast money. Websites like BookScouter, as well as Amazon and local bookstores, purchase used books for a reasonable price. You can even sell directly to your fellow students.
• Freelance Writing & Editing: You can write articles on Upwork or Fiverr. Writing blog posts, editing essays, and creating social media content freelancing allows you to work from anywhere and select projects based on your schedule.
• Online Tutoring: Take advantage of your academic skills by tutoring others online. Websites such as Chegg, Wyzant, and TutorMe compensate students who assist in subjects including math, science, and English.
• Deliver Food & Groceries: Indeed, apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart offer students the opportunity to earn extra cash by delivering food or groceries. With your school schedule, it is so much better for you to work whenever you would like!
• Sell Handmade Crafts & Art: Anyone who loves creativity can sell handmade goods on Etsy or at local craft fairs for an extra source of income. Jewelry, paintings, knitted goods, you name it, just edit your store accordingly.
• Take Online Surveys: There are also websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Prolific that pay students for taking surveys. Participants are also compensated for studies at universities and research organizations.
• Pros of Selling Thrifted or Vintage Goods: If you have an eye for fashion, purchasing thrifted or vintage clothes and reselling them may be lucrative. You can buy trendy second-hand items and sell them on Depop, Poshmark, or eBay at a higher price.
• Work as a Virtual Assistant: Virtual assistants work on emails, scheduling, customer support, etc. They are often flexible and part-time and can be done from home, making them an easy way to earn supplemental income. PeoplePerHour and Fancy Hands are platforms that help you to get work. 

Read: Top 10 Student Discounts You Didn’t Know About

Conclusion: Start Saving & Maximizing Student Deals Today

Start saving and maximizing student deals today! If you’re looking for deals on technology, food, entertainment, or travel, there are plenty of options for you as a student. Smart spending, using available discounts, and planning will help you stretch your budget farther than you believed you could.

With the appropriate approach, you can remain financially secure while indulging in the events that make student life pleasant. Managing your budget is key.

Blitz’s AI-driven savings assistant is one such tool that tracks spending, sets goals, and keeps your budget safe. Just simple, hassle-free money management to keep your college finances on track. Because let’s be real—college is stressful enough without money worries! Take control of your financial future today, and start getting every dollar you can out of your money! Download the app now!