By Jacob Chen
Get the Most Out of It
When people think about student ID’s, we only see what meets the eye. That may be general identification for school/ school events, or getting meals on your meal plan. However, there is so much more that you can do with your student ID than you may think. For example, there are various discounts, and perks associated with a student ID.
Fundamental Student ID Uses
According to the SUNY Niagara website, “Student ID cards are needed to use as a Library card, Go Print Card ($40 print credit), to access the computer lab, to use Financial Aid for purchases at the bookstore, to use athletic facilities and equipment, and to purchase discount tickets for events in the Fine Arts Auditorium.” Be sure to make use of these benefits, at the end of the day you paid for them with your tuition!
Discounts
There are countless discounts available everywhere for people that have a student ID. You can find student discounts at museums/galleries, movie/show streaming services, stores, restaurants and more!
Museums and Galleries
Nearly all galleries and museums offer a discount to students that can present their student ID. These discounts can range wildly, some even offering unique perks. For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a “pay what you wish” policy for students. Some are even completely free for students that present their student ID.
Online Streaming Services
Many online streaming services offer a student discount. Considering there are so many subscriptions out there, the money being spent is piling up. The average person spends about $552 on streaming services a year! That is only going to increase even more as more streaming services start arising and having exclusive content. Fortunately, many of these streaming services have student discounts.
Hulu Student: was $9.99/month now $1.99/month
Peacock Student: was $7.99/month now $2.99/month
Paramount Plus Student: was $7.99/month now $3.99/month
HBO Max Student: was $9.99/month now $4.99/month
Apple Music Student: was $9.99/month now $5.99/month
Spotify Premium Student: was 21.98/month now $5.99/month
Prime for Young Adults: was $14.99/month now $7.49/month
YouTube Premium Student: was $13.99/month now $7.99/month
Stores and Food
Many stores and even restaurants, believe it or not, have student discounts. For example, big tech brands like Apple usually have student discounts for those with a valid student ID around the start of the school year. It isn’t only tech companies that have these deals though, many online stores of all sorts have these discounts. Even FedEx shipping offers discounts! The most surprising student discounts, but arguably the most practical are discounts at restaurants. McDonalds has student discounts at various locations, offering around 10% off!
Finding Deals
The best way to find a way to use your student ID is just to search online. Wherever it is you want to visit, or you want to shop, put “student discounts” right after your search. It is almost guaranteed to find you some sort of deal that requires a student ID. Make use of your student ID! You’re just a search away from saving yourself some serious money.
Spring 2026 
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