Living in New York City as a student is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The energy, the opportunities, and the culture are unparalleled—but so is the cost of living. However, being a student comes with a hidden perk → discounts! From textbooks to Broadway shows, students can save big if they know where to look. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best student discounts in NYC and how to make the most of them.
1. Books and Supplies
One of the biggest expenses for students is textbooks and school supplies. Fortunately, there are several ways to save:
- BrokeScholar offers up almost 1000 student discounts on all of your favorite brands in the form of promo codes. Search the website and see how you can save money on the things you use every day.
- Amazon Prime Student offers a six-month free trial and then half off the regular Prime membership, which includes free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, and more. This is particularly useful for buying textbooks and supplies online.
- Chegg and Textbooks.com often have student discounts and promotions up to 90% off retail price, making it easier to rent or buy textbooks at a lower cost. They also offer services like textbook rentals and eTextbooks, which can save even more money.
2. Entertainment
NYC is famous for its cultural offerings, and students can enjoy many of these at a fraction of the cost:
- Broadway Shows: Students can score discounted tickets through the TKTS Booths or online platforms like TodayTix. Additionally, many shows offer rush tickets or lottery entries specifically for students. The Student Rush through NYTix program allows you to purchase same-day tickets at significantly reduced prices.
- Museums and Galleries: Many of NYC’s top museums offer free or pay-what-you-wish admission for students. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the American Museum of Natural History are just a few examples. Always bring your student ID to take advantage of these offers.
- Movie Theaters: Chains like AMC offer student discounts on movie tickets. Some independent theaters also have special student pricing, so check before you go on their website and be sure to bring a valid student ID.
3. Transportation
Navigating NYC can be pricey, but there are ways to cut costs on transportation:
- MTA Student MetroCard: Full-time students in NYC can apply for a Student MetroCard from their school, which offers free or discounted subway and bus rides. While primarily for K-12 students, some college students may also qualify, especially those attending city colleges.
- Citi Bike: If you prefer cycling, Citi Bike offers discounted annual memberships for students. Depending on the annual plan you choose, you get unlimited 45-minute rides, making it a cost-effective and healthy way to get around the city.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Companies like Uber and Lyft often have student discount codes or promotions. While these can’t replace the subway for everyday use, they’re useful for late-night rides or when public transit isn’t convenient.
4. Food and Dining
Eating out in NYC can add up, but student discounts can help ease the burden:
- Chipotle, Subway, and many other fast-food chains often offer 10-15% discounts to students. Just ask at the counter and have your student ID on you.
- Many local cafes and restaurants near college campuses offer discounts to students, especially during off-peak hours. This is a great way to enjoy a meal out without breaking the bank.
- Meal Kits and Grocery Delivery: Services like Blue Apron and HelloFresh offer discounts to students, making it easier to eat healthy and save money. Additionally, Instacart and Amazon Fresh may have student promotions for grocery delivery, as well. Meal delivery services, like DoorDash, offer a discounted charge of $4.99 monthly/$48 annually, instead of $9.99 monthly/$96 annually.
5. Fashion and Retail
Looking stylish in NYC doesn’t have to be expensive:
- ASOS, Topshop, and Urban Outfitters offer student discounts of 10-20% both online and in-store. These discounts are often stackable with sales, making it easier to refresh your wardrobe on a budget.
- Sign up for UNiDAYS or Student Beans—both platforms aggregate student discounts across a wide range of brands, including fashion, tech, and more. These services are free to join and provide access to exclusive deals.
6. Tech and Software
For students in need of tech gear or software:
- Apple and Microsoft offer education discounts on laptops, software, and accessories. You can save hundreds of dollars on a new MacBook or Surface Pro with their student pricing.
- Adobe Creative Cloud offers up to a 65% discount to students, providing access to essential tools like Photoshop and Illustrator at a reduced rate.
Maximizing Your Discounts
To make the most of these discounts, always carry your student ID with you. Sign up for discount programs like UNiDAYS or Student Beans to stay updated on the latest deals. Also, don’t be shy about asking for a discount—many places don’t advertise them, but they’ll give you a break if you ask and show your ID. Check out our other Financial Tips for Students & Young Professionals to discover more ways you can save money and manage your budget this school year.
