By Mariana Leon Smith
College life isn’t easy when dealing with personal finances.
Tuition, fees, room and board, books, gas and food have to be paid for, and college students also want to have fun. Sometimes that fun can be expensive.
The University of Louisville is part of the Student Savings Club, a network of more than 100 universities nationwide that offer a variety of discounts in several different areas for students.
Arturo Arauz, a senior marketing major, said, “College life is a lot more expensive than it appears to be. I have a monthly budget to cover all my college expenses, including entertainment, and I usually end up spending more than I intended.”
There are benefits for a student when the time comes to open their wallet.
Student discounts are offered in a lot of places that students frequently visit, both on and off campus.
At U of L, the Student Savings Club is sponsored by the Student Government Association. Students, faculty and staff can benefit from discounts by simply showing their U of L ID.
Discounts can be obtained at the U of L Bookstore, automotive companies, car rental centers, wireless companies, health and personal offices and salons, dental care and beauty salons.
Restaurants, such as Papa John’s, White Castle, and Quiznos, also offer discounted prices.
Patricia McGowen, a junior marketing major, said she was surprised about this.
“I had no idea there were so many discounts on campus. I will definitely take advantage of them, now that I know,” McGowen said.
For a complete list of the places that offer student discounts through the Student Savings Club, visit http://www.studentsavingsclub.com/Schooldiscounts.
While visiting the site, register and receive e-mails advising when new businesses join the Student Savings Club, and special limited time offers from existing businesses.
For those who like to shop online, Target offers a 10 percent discount on all merchandise purchased online.
Barnes and Noble offers a five percent discount on their varied selection of ready-to-ship CDs and DVDs, when purchased online.
Offers like these not only apply to students, but also to faculty, staff, alumni and even family members.
The U of L Human Resources Department Web page, http://php.louisville.edu/admin/humanr/staffdev/discounts, has detailed information on the businesses that offer discounts, the services they offer and how much students can save.
?When it comes to entertainment, there are activities that offer great opportunities for saving, as well as great opportunities for having fun, with or without a student ID.
?If skiing and snowboarding sounds like fun, Paoli Peaks hosts College Thursday Nights, starting at 3 p.m. and ending at closing time. Students can pay $15 for lift tickets or a package of $29 which includes a lift ticket, ski or snowboard rental and a lesson.
?Movie theaters, Baxter Avenue Theaters and Dixie Dozen Cinemas have matinee and special offers on movies that start before 6 p.m., and charge $5.75 and $6 respectively.
?Amusement park, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom does not offer student discounts.
