Reaping the Benefits of Student Discounts: Three Ways to Save That You Can’t Afford to Ignore

As older students, grads might not get caught up in what they believe to be the “hype” of student discounts. Cynical grad students might feel that these discounts are marketed to naïve undergrads who have more expendable cash. But really, who couldn’t use a discount? You clip coupons and buy things on sale at the supermarket, right? Regardless of age, as grad students we’re all bonded over the fact that we are in school—again— which comes with various expenses (text books, printing fees, living expenses, and not to mention those pesky loans that will come back to haunt you once you graduate). Here you will find three perks—really, I mean it—to being a student.

1. Computers and Software Savings: If you didn’t already know, well-known computer companies LOVE to advertise their back-to-school deals during the end of the summer. Regardless of your preference for a Mac or PC, there are some sweet deals out there targeted at students. HP gives you the option of signing up for educational discounts on their website, while Apple has continually offered a FREE iPod touch with the purchase of a laptop—perfect for those long bus or train rides home after class.

For software, Adobe offers savings of up to 80% off their products, which retail for up to $2,599—wow. Currently, Microsoft is offering their Microsoft Office 2010 version for $79.95 to qualified students. The process for ordering these products online is fairly simple, usually involving your student ID and some other proof of enrollment that can be requested from the registrar. It’s definitely worth it for deals like these on software that allows you to work on assignments on your time, not the library’s.

2. Student Advantage Card: As someone who has used this throughout undergrad and as a graduate student, I can attest to the benefits of this program for students. For $20 you can get a full year of deals. The complete list of affiliated companies is far too long to list, but includes Barnes & Noble, Target.com, Foot Locker, and AMC Entertainment. A huge selling point for me—and this should appeal to anyone who enjoys the occasional visit home—is that they offer discount travel rates on airfare, train tickets AND bus tickets. For those interested in the aforementioned computer deals, note that Student Advantage also offers discounts on academic software, which means even more savings on top of the other student discounts.

3. College ID Card Savings: Don’t just stick this in your wallet and only remove it when you need to get into a building. These cards are considered to be as valuable as credit cards in many restaurants, stores, theatres, and museums, especially in cities and towns that are densely populated with colleges. Some may allow you to add money to them for convenience when you encounter on-campus expenses; this can also be helpful in spreading out your funds so your money isn’t all in one place. Other ID card programs may not involve the ability to put money on them, but you can use them to get significant discounts at popular student spots.

It seems every other take out menu I’ve encountered during my life as a student has made it clear on the front page that “Such and Such College Card is accepted here!” And as busy students who don’t always have time to cook, we can all benefit from this.

A Grad Student's Staple: The To-Do List

Time management can be a pain in the butt. I'm one of those people who has both a full-time job and a full-time graduate school course load, keeps a blog, has a few writing projects going, and still makes time for her family, friends, and boyfriend. (I also watch way too much TV, have a pet cat, and spend two hours a day commuting.) You other grad students know exactly what I'm talking about, even if your daily tasks vary from mine. To new grad students, I recommend one of the simplest strategies: the to-do list.

Like the calendar, the daily to-do list helps you keep everything straight--you probably used one in undergrad. I have one on my personal blog because I get a kick out of using HTML tags to cross off the tasks I've completed (i.e. Write a blog post), but it can be as basic as a small notebook stored in your pocket, purse, or backpack. If toting more paper around isn't your style, consider these electronic options for use on your computer and/or mobile device:

• Ta-Da List: Ta-Da List helps you keep track of daily and weekly tasks, allows you to make lists (so under "Pay Bills," you can list "Comcast" and "electric"), and share your lists with family and friends. Check off each item's box to keep track of your progress. It also works on the iPhone. This option is free, 100% of the time.
  

• Remember the Milk: This one can be used on an iPhone, Blackberry, or Android phone, as well as with your Google Calendar, Gmail, or Twitter account (send direct messages with updates right to your list!). PC World says it "reinvents the to-do list." Pro Accounts cost $25 per year and you must upgrade to one to use the iPhone app, but why not just register a free account and log in from your mobile device's browser to avoid paying the money?

• And if you want some more creative ideas for to-do lists (or you just want to know what other people are up to), check out the To-Do List Blog.

Keeping a list is great because I often find myself staring at it after completing a task, asking, "Is there anything else I can do right now?" That exact scenario is why this blog post went up today, not on Tuesday. But remember, the most important thing when keeping a to-do list is to actually follow it and cross off completed tasks. No organization tool will help if you don't use it!

Free Internet Access for Students on the Move

Whether Verizon/Comcast/RCN screwed up again or you're just stuck studying far from home, every grad student needs easy Internet access--and getting stuck paying an hourly rate while trying to stick to a budget is never fun. Thankfully, many shops and restaurants are recognizing this need and rising to the occasion by eliminating fees, required log-ins, and other hurdles many Internet-seekers had to jump over in the past. Here are some coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants that feature free wireless Internet, no matter your location (just make sure you're using a WiFi-enabled device!):

• Starbucks recently quit charging for unlimited Internet. While you're there, use some of Get Grad Schooled's budget-friendly coffee shop tips!
• Panera Bread has free WiFi hotspots at all locations. Their salads and sandwiches are pretty phenomenal, too.
  
• Au Bon Pan offers a location search on its web site to help patrons discover if their local cafe is WiFi-enabled. Some locations have a six-hour limit.
  
• The New England-centric Boloco is a popular spot for burritos, smoothies, and of course-- free WiFi.
  

And if a quieter, less aromatic atmosphere is more your studyin' style, then the national bookstores might be your salvation. Both Barnes & Noble and Borders now offer free WiFi to all patrons. Libraries often have free access, either in general or by using an easily-obtained--and free--library card, so check your local library's policies, too.

If you prefer avoiding the chains, visit the web sites of (or pick up the phone and call) your nearby independent stores and eateries to discover which locations have WiFi, and never be without free Internet again!