Using Your Student ID After College
It may feel like the advantages of being in college, like sweatpants and sleep, have evaporated faster than Carson Daly’s waistline. But before cranking up “Glory Days” and shredding all college memorabilia in a violent fit of denial, know there’s one item not to scrap: your student ID card. If you’re still in school, it may be worth getting another copy in case you lose it when you leave. This magical piece of plastic could prove more valuable than toilet paper in a frat house, offering savings on everything from tickets to see Train to train tickets.
Tried and True
The places below generally don’t check or don’t care about expiration dates. Just flash (card, not boobs) to save some cash.
Museums
Whether you're an art-fiend checking out a Degas at the Getty in LA or an oddity-fiend viewing the largest human colon at the Mutter in Philly, museums nationwide offer discounts and even free admission for students (or pretend ones). See this list of U.S. Museums to become a true Renaissance grad.
Movies
If Wild Hogs alone isn’t a good enough reason to go to the movies, a reduced fee should add some incentive.
Performing Arts
Ballet, opera, symphony, theater, concerts—discounted tickets are often box-office-only, but the options are limitless.
Tourist Attractions
View the world’s largest Pez dispenser or smallest working sawmill—all at a reduced price! Click here for standard attractions or explore the Roadside Americana that makes this country great.
Local Businesses
If you live near a college campus, many restaurants, bars, and bookstores offer cheaper or tax-free goods. Support their business and save enough to support that Frappuccino habit.
- Self-promote – Many venues don't check or don't care about student ID expiration dates—just think of yourself as a “life student” if a little fib keeps you up at night. On the flip side, just because a student discount’s not advertised doesn't mean it's not offered, so it’s always worth asking.
- Culture for cheap – Museums, theaters, concert halls, tourist attractions, and local businesses all believe that instilling a modicum of culture in America's youth is a noble cause. Put your student ID to work and watch the deals roll in.
- Have ID, will travel – Student discounts are available for vacation deals and travel packages. Amtrak and Greyhound also offer cheaper tickets to students. However, you may need a Student Advantage Discount card or STA Travel card as well as your old college ID to travel the world on the cheap.
- Balling abroad – Many countries are pretty liberal in their definitions of student-dom, so flash your ID even if it’s long expired when you’re on the road..
- Give it a shot – Banks, public transportation, and the Apple store all offer discounts, but they're more serious about checking whether you're really a student or not. While these places might call your bluff, it's worth a try to save some cash. You might get lucky.
Great article but I'm a little worried that the secret is getting out too quickly. I have no idea how much I've saved over the past four years using my student id card. It could be in the thousands by now. I used to take it out at the Taco Bell drive-thru at three in the morning during my freshman year. Hey, ya may as well try right?
Apple has begun requiring proof that you are a student (i.e. a transcript), so it's likely that post-grads will be unable to cash in on their savings.
Great article on how to save. If you want to know WHERE to save, check out www.freestudentdiscounts.com. It's free to search for businesses that offer student discounts.