Being a student or teacher comes with more perks than most people realize. Beyond the classroom, your school email address could unlock real savings on everything from laptops to meals.
These discounts are out there, but many go unused simply because people don’t know about them. That’s money left on the table—money you could be saving.
Tech Deals You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re buying a laptop or software, never pay full price. Companies like Apple, Dell, and Microsoft offer education pricing year-round. Students and educators can save hundreds on new MacBooks, Surface devices, or monitors—just by verifying with a school ID or email address.
Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365 also offer steep discounts or even free access for eligible users. Some schools already pay for licenses, so check before you buy.
Streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Premium also cut their rates in half for students. In some cases, you’ll even get Hulu or Showtime bundled in for free.
Everyday Retail Discounts
Retailers like Target and J.Crew give students and teachers special coupons when they sign up with an education email. Teachers can stack these with other sales during back-to-school season or holiday promos.
Apple Education Pricing goes beyond computers—it includes accessories and AppleCare plans. Best Buy runs a student deals portal that changes regularly, with discounts on everything from dorm fridges to headphones.
For teachers, craft stores like Michaels and Joann offer educator discounts that stack on top of weekly deals—great for classroom supplies or creative projects.
Travel and Transportation Perks
Travel companies also roll out the red carpet for students and teachers. Amtrak gives a student discount on certain routes, while Greyhound offers up to 20 percent off tickets with a student ID.
International Student Identity Cards (ISIC) unlock global discounts on rail passes, hostels, and museum tickets. If you’re studying abroad or planning summer travel, it’s a smart investment.
Teachers can benefit too. Some car rental agencies and hotels offer special rates for educators—especially if you’re traveling for professional development or conferences.
Read More: Back-to-School Savings: Supplies, Tech & Clothes
Food and Dining Deals
Fast food chains like Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Subway often offer in-store student discounts, though you may need to ask. Local restaurants near colleges or schools frequently run student and teacher specials, especially during weekdays.
National chains like McDonald’s and Dunkin’ sometimes offer free upgrades or student pricing—but you’ll need to flash your ID and ask at the counter.
Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans collect verified deals across dozens of food and beverage brands, and are worth checking before you head out.
Free or Discounted Subscriptions
Many publications, learning platforms, and tools offer major savings for students and educators. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal have student and faculty rates. So do sites like Headspace, Calm, and Grammarly.
If you use Dropbox, Evernote, or Notion, look for their student plans too. You’ll often get more storage or features for less—or free access altogether.
Hidden Discounts Most People Miss
Plenty of discounts fly under the radar. For example:
- Teachers can get special rates on phone plans from Verizon and AT&T.
- Students often qualify for discounted gym memberships, especially at chain gyms like Planet Fitness or through their university.
- Some auto insurance companies offer lower premiums for students with good grades or teachers with clean records.
- Museums, theaters, and concerts frequently offer special pricing with a valid school ID—even if it’s not advertised.
How to Find and Use These Discounts
Most of these deals require simple verification. That means uploading a student or teacher ID, entering a .edu email, or registering through an education portal.
Keep a digital copy of your ID handy, and sign up for UNiDAYS and Student Beans for the latest verified discounts. Teachers can also join sites like ID.me, which unlock exclusive deals for educators, first responders, and government employees.
Before any big purchase—ask. Many stores don’t advertise their education discounts, but they’re happy to apply them if you speak up.
Whether you’re a freshman or a tenured teacher, you’re probably eligible for more discounts than you realize. From tech and travel to clothes and food, the savings add up fast.
A few minutes of checking can save you hundreds. So before you shop, stream, or book your next trip—ask if there’s a student or teacher rate. Chances are, there is.
