College is costly, but some companies are doing what they can to make life more affordable for students. 

“A lot of software companies, cinema tickets, flights and museums have special days for students,” said Amita Bhaduria, a Marketing professor. “You can even get discounts from different retailers.” 

Bhaduria said companies aiming to build brand loyalty with younger consumers often offer special reduced rates or discounts to college students. 

“There are many benefits to brand loyalty,” she said. “Customers who are brand loyal tend to spread positive word of mouth because they like that specific brand.”

Dozens of companies offer discounts on streaming services, computers, software, cell service, entertainment, travel and other things. Lists of discounts available to college students are easily searchable online.

Bhaduria believes students often choose to stick with discounted products or services out of convenience. 

Students know the discounts attract them to brands.  

“I have been using these platforms since I started college,” said Olivia Stokes-Lopez, a sophomore Education major. “Two of the best student discounts I have found are from Hulu and Peacock.

“Hulu and Peacock make it more affordable because there are a lot of people like me who watch TV shows or movies on these platforms,” she said. 

Stokes-Lopez said the discounts help with tight budgets.

“Some of the best student discounts I have found are online streaming services, such as Hulu, Spotify and Amazon,” said Kyle Casey, a sophomore History major. 

Casey, who works part-time at a local retailer, said he gets a 60% employee discount and a 15% student discount.

But he acknowledges that he sometimes skips the savings.

“I’m guilty of not always using student discounts,” he said. “I don’t use them to the fullest just because it can be tough to register for them online.”