Wanting to save money as a college student is a universal experience. This is nothing to be ashamed about as most of us deal with it! Even if someone is in a more fortunate position, saving money is a good thing regardless. Now as a college student, you may be familiar with student discounts; perhaps you already have the Spotify premium student deal that includes both Hulu and Showtime, or the Amazon Prime student plan. Those are both great deals, but as a student at the University of Georgia, you may be wondering where you can find good discounts in person across Athens. Luckily, I've narrowed down some of the best discounts you might find in Athens–in both restaurant and retail locations. However, it is also important to note that you should directly verify these discounts with these companies as they're always subject to change or discontinue. In addition, a valid student ID is usually required to receive these discounts as well.
Restaurants That Offer Student Discounts in Athens
Some of the restaurants that have been known to offer students 10% discounts, in particular, are Dunkin Donuts, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, McDonald's, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Waffle House. In addition, Chick-fil-A has been known to offer a free drink if you show a valid student ID. However, this does not apply at the on-campus location. Mellow Mushroom has also been known to offer a student discount on Tuesdays. Lastly, Domino's and Papa John's pizza tend to have student discounts available via UNiDays. Most of these restaurants listed are franchises that have been known to offer student discounts, however, Athens is brimming with many locally owned restaurants that might offer student discounts as well. The keyway to find out is by simply asking!
Retail Locations That Offer Student Discounts in Athens
Do you enjoy going to the movies? You're in luck! Both AMC and Regal Cinema movie theaters have been known to offer their own student discounts. Groceries are something that every college student needs, and both Kroger and Sam's Club offer student discounts. Sam's Club has been known to offer a Collegiate Membership and a $15 gift card when you sign up for it, while Kroger has been known to offer a 5% student discount. Some other retail locations that have been known to offer 10% discounts are Jo-Ann Fabric, Goodwill, and Urban Outfitters (located on Clayton Street in Downtown Athens).
In addition to restaurants and retail discounts, UGA students qualify for the UGA Ride Smart with Lyft program. Once you sign up, you get access to 50% discounts on rides from 10:00pm-6:00am, 7 days a week. The rides must originate or end within the designated service area and also have to start or end within the greater Athens-Clarke County area. You get up to 4 discounted rides a month. For additional savings, StudentBeans and UNiDAYS are both great tools that college students should be taking advantage of. Both websites have large selections of companies that offer student discounts, and it's always worth checking these websites before making an online purchase.
How to Save Money in Apartments near UGA
Some good news is that apartments near UGA already have money-saving features built into your living experience. For example, by signing for apartments with individual leases, you'll split the rent of the apartment and utilities with your roommates each month, which can be an awesome money-saver. Additionally, you might for amenities like free parking, a 24-hour fitness center, and resident events with free food that you can take advantage of to lessen your monthly budget for your lifestyle.
You can also look for off-campus housing communities whom offer deals and lease incentives to help you save money on your monthly rent. Throughout the year, you may be able to find deals like gift card incentives or one month free rent offered by apartment communities around UGA. One of the best ways to save money on your rent is to SIGN EARLY! Apartments near UGA typically offer the lowest rates as they begin pre-leasing for Fall move-in and raise those rates throughout the year as they sign more leases.