Enjoying meal discounts isn’t just for those who have a coupon or certificate. As a student, you have the chance to get all your favorite fast food or restaurant meals for a lower price. What do you need to take advantage of your discounts? Your student ID. Keep reading to learn how to access discounts, loyalty programs, and special promotions just by being a current student here.
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The Advantage of a School ID Outside the Classroom
Having to juggle the prices of textbooks, rent, classes, and other college expenses can limit how much you can spend on other activities. This is especially true when it comes to food. However, with your student ID, you have the chance to get meals for less. While mostly used for libraries on campus and other campus buildings, your student ID can be used outside the academic world, too.
How to Get Meal Discounts with a Student ID?
So, how do you go about getting meal discounts with your student ID? The best way to figure out if student discounts are possible is by asking whether that option is available at your favorite restaurant, cafe, or fast food chain. Many of these locations do not openly advertise their student discounts or programs, but they will be offered when asked. The discount will often be based on location and the specific place. For instance, you might get a percentage discount off your bill, free drink upgrades, or other special meal deals.
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Restaurants That May Provide Student Discounts
Most often, fast food chains or casual dining chains are a great place to start when looking for meal discounts. For instance, chains like Chick-fil-A, Subway, Qdoba, and Taco Bell frequently hold location-specific discounts or promotions for students. Other major chains like Starbucks, Panera Bread, Chipotle, and others will provide a rewards system where you earn points with every purchase. These can be translated into free items or exclusive discounts. Plus, you don’t have to miss out on the regular discounts, as certain food chains will let you combine their normal discounts with your student discounts for even more savings. Below are some other popular food chains that have meal discounts for current students.
- Arby’s
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Burger King
- Dairy Queen
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- IHOP
- Pizza Hut
- Domino’s
- Papa John’s
- Shoney’s
- Sweet Tomatoes
- TCBY
- Waffle House
Mobile Apps Designed for Student Discounts
Fast food locations aren’t the only places to find student discounts. Many mobile apps are designed to find and provide student discounts right to your phone. These apps, like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, Too Good To Go, and Seated, search for deals from various food locations and give you an updated list to enjoy all the best deals. These deals are usually not widely advertised, so the apps help students manage their money better with a few extra coupons and deals.
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Other Ways to Get Meal Discounts as a Student
Student IDs and mobile apps aren’t the only way to find discounts. Students should also pay attention to advertisements specifically targeting college students throughout the semester. For instance, “student nights” or happy hours discounting certain food and drink items. The best way to stay on top of these promotions is by following your favorite chains on social media platforms.
Some universities even partner with nearby restaurants, food trucks, and cafes to use their meal plan credits or IDs to enjoy meal discounts off-campus. Make sure to check out your meal plan options at college to know which plan will provide the best deals for you during the semester.
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Take Advantage of Your Student ID
Students don’t have to resort to grabbing a Ramen cup every night because they can’t afford other meals. With your student ID and a few clicks on your favorite eateries’ websites, you can enjoy all the best combinations for less. Whether that’s by joining a loyalty rewards program or eyeing an email about a special student discount, there are many ways to save money while still going out to eat in college. Next time you hit the streets, make sure you have your student ID with you. You never know what meal discounts will appear.
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