By: Maddie Mumford
According to collegemarketinggroup.com, on average college students spend anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 a year on their education. To help students save money, many businesses offer student discounts.
Collegemarketinggroup.com also said, “Student discounts can earn stores new customers in the college demographic, help build loyalty that lasts a lifetime, create word-of-mouth excitement about your products.”
These discounts benefit the companies and college students appreciate them, creating a win-win situation.
Businesses near colleges often have special deals or discounts for college students because of the revenue they bring in.
Shenanigans Irish Pub on Bardstown Road constantly has Bellarmine students eating, drinking and hanging out at the restaurant.
“We love how many Bellarmine students come in and are regulars here, they bring in tons of revenue,”said a Shenanigan's worker who identified herself only as "Sarah.” “We don’t exactly offer student discounts, but we do have a rewards point system we recommend to our Bellarmine student customers.”
The reward system is a physical card that students are given, and each time they purchase food or drinks, points are added to their cards. Each point equals a dollar and once a student reaches $200 dollars in points, Shenanigans awards a $20 gift certificate to use at the restaurant.
Senior Abbie Stefanon said she and her friends love going to Shenanigans. “My friends and I try to go once a week,” Stefanon said. “It is close enough for us to walk, and they are always so welcoming of Bellarmine students and it’s such a fun environment. We’ve become regulars there so all have rewards cards.”
The Student Government Association provided a list of some more local businesses that offer student discounts. These include Suntan City, AMC and Tinsel Town movie theaters, The Speed Art Museum, Actors Theater of Louisville, Louisville Ballet, The Muhammad Ali Center and Kaelin’s 80/20.
Students must show their Bellarmine student ID when paying at these businesses to receive the discounts.
Many companies also offer online discounts for students who prefer to online shop. Most websites have students prove their student status by submitting the university name and a picture of the student ID.
Junior Emily Ernst, like most college students, said she is frugal with spending her money. “Honestly, I am pretty cheap.” Ernst said. “I love online shopping and adding items to my cart, but I don’t love actually purchasing the stuff. My one exception is when I’m shopping on the Princess Polly website because of their generous student discount.”
Princess Polly is a U.S. online fashion boutique that is popular among teens and Gen Z consumers. Princess Polly offers a student discount of 20% off the total purchase. This discount can be used an unlimited number of times.
“Never be afraid to ask stores and companies if they offer student discounts,” Student Government Association President Alexa Glass said. “We all work hard and pay a lot for our education, so we deserve a little something back every once in a while, even if its just 15% off a meal.”
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