Editor’s note: This article was produced as part of the Daily Wildcat‘s 2018 Campus Guide — the perfect resource for any incoming Wildcat. Whether you’re trying to find important dates, looking for a club to join or are interested in UA history and traditions, we’ll be there to help you get through your first semester. Welcome to the University of Arizona!
If there’s anything college kids love more than no homework, it’s a discount.
Every student at the University of Arizona gets a CatCard. It’s your university ID, your ticket to residence halls and recreation facilities all over campus, and it can make charges to your bursar account.
The CatCard can get you into many on-campus recreation facilities for free or a discounted price, but there are other places around town and on the internet where your student ID can get you discounts.
“I actively look for those student discounts,” said Marilyn Mew, a senior and student worker at the UA Visitor’s Center.
Even the simple act of attending a major institution like the UA can get you discounts on basic college-life essentials.
“College is expensive and often time-consuming,” Mew said. “Use up those student discounts.”
Here is a short guide to places that make student lives a little easier.
Free and Cheap Fun and Entertainment:
UA Museum of Art:
Many UA museums offer free or discounted admission to students with their CatCard. The UA Museum of Art gives free admission to all students, college or otherwise, with school ID or a CatCard.
Biosphere 2:
Students have access to Biosphere 2, a unique laboratory and museum with seven model ecosystems built to simulate certain climates and environments, for only $10 with their CatCard.
Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium:
At the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, students pay the kids’ price of just $12 for admission, which includes access to the science exhibits, mineral museum and tickets to one planetarium or laser show.
“I spend a lot of time at the planetarium,” Mew said. “They have a really beautiful mineral collection and just really love walking around in there.”
Cinemark Theaters:
According to the website, all students with a valid student ID can get discounts at Cinemark Movie Theaters around town, including Cinemark Park Place 20, Century Theaters Tucson Marketplace and Century 20 El Con.
The Loft Cinema:
The Loft Cinema is a local nonprofit cinema dedicated to creating community through film, honoring the vision of filmmakers, celebrating ideas and promoting the appreciation and understanding of the art of film.
For film fanatics, the Loft offers discounted membership for students.
An annual fee of $50 buys all student members two free tickets every year, discounted admission to special events and film festivals, monthly free screenings, free popcorn and more.
UA Bookstore and Online Deals
Adobe:
For the creative and entrepreneurial students (and teachers) out there, Adobe offers Adobe Creative Cloud with all apps free for students.
Amazon:
Amazon Student gives students a six-month free trial of Amazon Prime, with all the benefits including free two-day shipping and Amazon Video. After the trial, students pay $6.49 per month, as opposed to the usual Amazon Prime membership fee of $12.99 per month.
Apple:
There’s a reason so many college students have apple products — students get major discounts with Apple’s exclusive academic pricing.
When students buy a Mac or iPad Pro for college, students can save up to $200 and get free Beats headphones. Apple accessories are also set at an education price and students get 20 percent off AppleCare for their Mac computers.
Microsoft:
The Microsoft Campus Agreement allows UA students to get a free subscription to Microsoft Office 365 for up to five PCs or mobile devices.
This includes Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Skype and other programs.
Spotify:
Spotify offers college students Spotify Premium and Hulu for $4.99 per month, so students can watch Hulu’s abundant assortment of movies and TV shows and listen to music ad-free anywhere in the city.
Senior Nikky Adeniran, a student worker at the UA Visitor Center, takes advantage of this deal a lot. As a student, getting good deals on music and movies is a must.
“It depends on the day, but I usually spend three to four hours watching TV,” Adeniran said. “I watch a lot of Hulu.”
The deal is valid for 12 months and can be renewed as long as you’re in school.
Shopping Discounts
Goodwill:
Marilyn Mew buys and sells antiques on the side and makes a trip to the Goodwill at 300 N. 4th Ave. once or twice every month to continue her work.
That location is the best place for students to shop for hand-me-down clothing, books and household items because it gives students a 20 percent discount on everything with a valid student ID.
“I take advantage of that student discount all the time; it’s probably the most helpful one I’ve found,” Mew said.
The GoodThreads Boutique at 7366 N Oracle Rd, where donated high-end and vintage clothing make their temporary home, also offers a 20 percent discount for students.
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