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<\/a><\/div>\nSo how do you find out about and take advantage of these opportunities? The simple answer is to ask.<\/p>\n
While at first it may seem awkward or even embarrassing to ask for discounts, the worst that someone can say is no. And it’s a lot more awkward to graduate from college with a mountain of debt, needing to save every penny to repay those student loans<\/a>, at a time when you are no longer eligible for those discounts! And learning how to ask potentially awkward questions as a part of being your own advocate is part of becoming an adult, anyway.<\/p>\n Just because a store offers a student discount doesn’t mean that you should be shopping there. Remember, the point of saving money is to put it in a savings account<\/a> or decrease the amount of student loans you take out. The point is NOT to use the money you save to buy more things, or to spend money you didn’t plan to on things that you don’t need.<\/p>\n Another important thing to remember is that just because a company offers a student discount doesn’t mean that it has the lowest price. Nor does it mean it offers the best value for your money — something that is sometimes, but not always, the same thing as offering the lowest price.<\/p>\n The point? While some businesses offer substantial savings on essentials, others promote student discounts to get you in the door so they can make a profit off your buying things that you don’t need. Don’t fall for that! You’re in college in part to develop your critical thinking skills. So hone them by evaluating all your options and consciously choosing what’s best for you.<\/p>\n That said, here are some categories of retailers that offer student discounts along with some thoughts on how good a deal you’re really getting.<\/p>\n Students can save big on computer hardware and other electronics at companies like:<\/p>\n Additionally, students may be eligible for substantial software savings from big names that include:<\/p>\n Note that many of these discounts may be easier to obtain if you go through your college or university’s computer store, though many may only require a “.edu” email address to verify your eligibility.<\/p>\n Plenty of cellphone companies offer student discounts. Try companies like:<\/p>\n This is one of those categories where it pays to comparison shop, however. While discount providers may not offer student discounts, their monthly plans may cost less than half as much, for similar service, without requiring a two-year contract. Usually you have to pay full price for a last-gen phone, but you can save a bundle and still have something that has all the capability you really need.<\/p>\n Many of the major auto insurance providers offer student discounts, though there may be an age limit and you also may need to be considered a good student, which usually means a B average or above. Check out:<\/p>\n In addition, if you’re renting, insurance companies may offer student discounts on rental insurance as well, or they may offer a discount for bundling policies or allowing them to monitor your driving. They may list discounts on their website, or you can call and ask about ways to reduce the cost of this service.<\/p>\n Beyond insurance, auto shops like Jiffy Lube offer a student discount on many services, and it’s always worth asking if you use another vendor. If you don’t have a car, Zipcar<\/a> offers student discounts if you attend a partner university.<\/p>\nUsing student discounts intelligently<\/h2>\n
Technology products<\/h3>\n
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Technology services<\/h3>\n
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Auto-related savings<\/h3>\n
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Food<\/h3>\n