In an economy with rising prices budgeting is a life-saving skill, especially for students.
In California, The average cost of living for one year is $60,272 according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data from 2022. For one month of survival, a person would then need around $5000 to stay above water.
While cost-cutting habits like thrifting, carpooling and home-cooked food are handy to save a few bucks, there are several student discounts and benefits that help cut expenses down further. From USC amenities to Dunkin Donuts, here’s a list of things to consider before the next time you tap your Apple Pay.
Leave your car in the parking lot
Qualifying USC students pay $93 every semester for transportation fees. These charges cover the USC Safe Rides (Lyft) program, Metro U-Pass with unlimited travel and free bus service from University Park Campus to LAX for Thanksgiving break, winter recess and spring break holidays.
Aside from these, USC shuttles are free to use. Aside from stops around the university, the services also extend to intercampus rides, Union Station and Marina Del Rey.
Are you subscribed?
The average household in the U.S. has about four subscriptions to streaming or direct-to-consumer TV services, according to Leichtman Research Group. Aside from internet services, the average streaming service bill is $73 a month.
Services like Paramount Plus, Apple TV Plus, YouTube Premium, Spotify Premium with Hulu and most others have student discounts, including an offer for a free six-month Amazon Prime subscription.
Bag the discounts
Surf your way to the discounts on platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans with exclusive offers curated for students. By registering on the platforms with a student email, you can access a wide range of discounts for brands across beauty, lifestyle, technology and more. The offers range from brands like ColourPop, H&M and Hollister to Samsung and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Stock up, save up
Cutting a trip to the grocery store can be a good way to cheer up your wallet. Ordering groceries and food online through apps like DoorDash and Instacart may offer better prices, discounts and promotional offers. DoorDash monthly memberships cost $4.99 a month for students and exclusive Instacart offers can be accessed through Student Beans.
Eating out wisely
Popular restaurants and fast food chains also offer students lucrative deals. Carrying your student ID when you step out to a Burger King or Buffalo Wild Wings can fetch you discounts up to 10%. Other popular chains like Dominos, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts, Subway and many more at participating locations are also on the list.
You can also access some of these discounts through platforms like Student Beans and UNiDAYS.
Stop by the USC Ticket Office before hitting the movies
The next time you want to watch a movie on the big screen, plan ahead!
USC students also get discounted prices on movie theaters like AMC, Cinemark Theatres, Laemmle Theatres and Regal Entertainment Group. However, the tickets must be purchased in person at the USC Ticket Office on UPC or One Stop at HSC.
For the Weekends
Apart from saving on food and shopping, your weekend plans are also covered by USC. Some theme parks and zoos are also covered under the benefits one gets for being a student. You get discounted rates to enter Universal Studios Hollywood, LegoLand California, San Diego Zoo and Los Angeles Zoo and many more in and around California. Some discounts are only available online, the others through the USC Ticket Office.
Tap your card
If you constantly catch yourself tapping cards to have a hassle free paying experience, you might want to explore the benefits your card gives you. Debit and credit cards from Chase, Wells Fargo, Discover - you name it, have multiple deals with brands like Under Armour, Lyft, Estee Lauder, Insomnia Cookies, Disney Plus, ESPN+... the list keeps growing. These brands and businesses offer discounts and cash backs on payments from your card. Make sure you’re keeping up with all the new discounts and offers being added to your card’s benefits so you can make the best of it.
Smart spending is also smart saving. Cutting a few cents every time you shop can save you larger dollars in the long haul.