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.

Shopping Guide for Beginning Grads: These are a few of my favorite things

As important as it is to be frugal in grad school, it's also important to eliminate stress wherever you can. I'm a big believer in buying the right tool for the job, and these items are some of the best buys I've made in trying to simplify my life.

Air Mattress: because futons are so undergrad!

Grad school can be stressful and a well timed visit from friends or family can help restore your sanity. Making your visitors crash on the floor or sofa (if you have the luxury of space to accommodate a sofa) will pretty much pretty any return visits, however. The price of an air mattress is far outweighed by the knowledge that you can make your guests comfortable and welcome.

• My tips: Avoid air mattresses that have a built in pillow bump, which do nothing but give you a crick in your neck. Mattresses with electronic pumps are also unnecessary (you can just use a blow dryer set on cool), but mattresses with built in manual pumps are really handy for getting it to just the right firmness. Also, when you make up the mattress for your guests place another blanket between the bottom sheet and the mattress itself; this just makes it more cozy and gets rid of that vinyl feeling.
• My pick: Wenzel Full Insta-bed with Comfort Adjust Pump (Amazon $39.99)

Functional Bag: because a crooked spine is rarely sexy

A backpack? As an adult? Yeah, I know, I felt the same way. I crammed by laptop, books, notepads, and various other accouterments into my purse

for my first semester—until it started crushing my spine. I then gave up and made the adult decision to go for functionality over fashion, and I’m really glad I did. It’s great for toting around all your class stuff, lugging

groceries home, or packing for a weekend escape.

• My tips: Think about how you’re going to use the bag first: Will you be carrying a laptop? Snacks? Water bottle? Sunglasses? Pens, pencils, PDAs, and such? Then find a bag that will meet all of those needs. I love Dakine bags because they have a ton of differnt types and styles, but are consistently high quality and very user friendly.
• My pick: Dakine Women’s Academy Pack (Moosejaw $29.99-$45.99)

Water Bottle: one that you’ll actually use

This is just a practical must have. Having a water bottle on hand keeps you hydrated and saves you from buying bottled water which helps your wallet and the environment

• My tips: Make sure it’s leak-proof! I mean really leak proof—like trust it in your bag with your laptop leak proof. It’s also helpful if it has a built-in clip to attach it to your bag, so you don’t have to carry it around. My pick is a BPA-free plastic water bottle (for more info on BPA-free items check out Nalgene’s site); however, you may want to opt for a metal version,which is even more eco-friendly since it isn’t made with non-renewable petroleum products.
• My pick: Contigo AutoSeal BPA Free Hydration Bottle (Amazon $9.59)

Shelving Cubes: classier than plastic crates but holds

just as much crap

As a grad student, you’re probably going to moving a few times during and after your studies, and you’ll be able to alter these shelves to fit any space or decor you run into. They also come apart easily and stack neatly to take up less space during the actual move. They’re great because you can toss a ton of stuff into them, slide them shut, and look totally organized even when you’re not. I’ve used mine for an entertainment center, bathroom storage, an entryway bench, shoe storage, bookshelves, and a filing cabinet.

• My tips: Comparison shop; you’ll probably be making more than one trip to numerous big-box stores during your preparations, and most of them will have a version of these shelves. Just make a note of their prices so you can get the best deal. Price the canvas drawers separately because one store may have the best deal on the shelves while another has a better deal on the drawers themselves (the shelves and drawers are typically a foot square but double check just to be sure). You can also buy additional shelves to make new configurations in the future without having to redo the entire shelving unit.
• My pick: ClosetMaid 6 Cube Organizer (Target $49.99)

For more tips on simplifying the space you live in, check out Stefania's Home Sweet Home: Five Steps to Making your tiny studio Feel Like HOME.

Grocery Shopping in Beantown--How's it compare to YOURtown?

As a grad student, grocery shopping may seem like no big deal, but once all of the pennies are added up, the ounces and the pounds—groceries can add quite a dent in your monthly finances. Says one grad student at Emerson College, “I try to spend around $40 a week…and that includes going out.” So where are the best places to do one’s grocery shopping in a city known for being as pricey as its LA counterpart?

Stop & Shop, Star Market, Shaw's and Trader Joe’s are the main grocery stores you’ll find on the streets in Beantown and its neighboring towns. “I shop at Stop and Shop—It’s basically just like any grocery story—big selection, big isles, big lines,” says Ashley, a third year MFA student at Emerson College. Stop & Shop offers a rewards program card which gives you special discounts on certain items (which change weekly). There is also a red box in every location which makes this grocery store very useful for food and entertainment.

Star Market and Shaw’s are another option for the grocery shopping grad student. These stores also offer the rewards card which help to cut the cost on some items which to change weekly. According to Yelp, one reviewer mentions the lack of fresh produce and limited stock in the freezer section. If price is your main concern, you may find better options at Stop & Shop. Like Stop and Shop, red box is also available.

Finally, Trader Joe’s offers grad students the chance to sample food from around the world—both from the personable employee at the sample station or from sampling the products right off the shelf (though, do remember to ask for an employee’s assistance before sampling). Trader Joe’s is known for its affordability and shoppers agree—according to one Yelper, “In a nutshell, I go to TJ's for a few reasons; VERY affordable (sometimes way cheaper than other supermarkets for things), FRIENDLY staff, [and] environmentally conscious”. Trader Joe’s may not have a rewards card or a red box, but it has quality and affordability which suffice it to say, may be the only true mark of a worthy grocery store to any graduate student.