College students across the nation can rejoice in spite of the recession. Why? Because while money is tight right now, it still hasn't burst the college bubble. In the February 2009 article "The Final Stimulus Bill" Inside Higher Ed reported that the final stimulus package would provide roughly $30 billion in new funds for college students and their parents. That means more free stuff for you.
How College Students Save Money on Campus
You might not yet be aware of all the freebies at your fingertips, though. Netflix subscriber? You shouldn't be. Filing your own tax returns? Not this year. Struggling with fluctuating gas prices? Not anymore! Campus life has you covered. Some freebies are only available to full-time college students, but several freebies are available to part-time students as well. Some perks and discounts require student i.d. or proof of eligibility, but others are only available on campus, where providers already assume you're a college student.
Freebies for College Students
So if you're a college student spending your hard-earned money on any of the following, you might want to start looking for a better offer on campus. Your wallet (or your parents' wallets) will thank you.
- Legal Representation: Some students aren't always alone when it comes to filing for divorce, landlord battles, or finding a notary. Basic legal services are provided to full-time students at Student Legal Services. If your university isn't already providing this service, ask them why not.
- Transportation: Want to go downtown? uptown? east or west? Most universities provide free transportation on and near campus via bus or subway. All you have to do is show your student i.d.
- College Student Health Insurance: Whether your college requires you to participate in a student health insurance plan or not, they most likely provide these free services at the student health center or health fairs on campus: flu shots, STD tests, smoking cessation, blood pressure screenings, and mental health services.
- Recreation & Fitness: Part of your student activities fee goes directly toward maintaining the fitness equipment and programs. Whether it's Thursday afternoon cardio, a morning run around the track, or a rowing excursion on the weekend, staying fit can now fit into your budget.
- Video and Book Rentals: It might take an extra week or two to find the latest release on the shelves of your college library, but it's worth the wait when you know you won't have to pay a cent to read it or watch it.
- Free Tax Filing for Students: When you can't be claimed as a dependent anymore, suddenly those taxes your parents dreaded every spring are now your problem, too. But why wade through that mess on your own when you can have a professional do it for you for free and focus on your studies instead?
- Performances & Games: While some universities only discount tickets for student productions or sporting events, several of them let you attend for free with your student i.d. It might not be Broadway or the major leagues, but it's better than spending $20 at the cinema.
- Tutoring: When you were in high school it might have cost your parents upwards of $20-40 per hour to hire a tutor. But colleges nowadays understand that students don't have the time or means to search off-campus for help. So writing centers, speaking centers, and facilities that can help you with everything from time management to drafting a resume have been formed. All you have to do is schedule an appointment.
- Campus Safety and Security: Nighttime police escorts and security systems, self-defense courses and seminars on how to avoid date rape are just a few ways the university tries to keep you safe. That's better than free. It's priceless.
- More Money: Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, you can get more free money! The old favorites – state grants, Federal Pell grants, and institutional scholarships – are all still there. But more financial aid is being offered every day. Just visit your financial aid office and ask for assistance. They can match your needs and talents with the application that's right for you.
It's a given that college students feel strapped for cash, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer. You still have all the essentials (student transportation, healthcare, fitness and entertainment) available to you as part of being a college student.
 |
