Before you make your next purchase, it’s worth investigating college student ID discounts. This guide breaks down how to find and redeem them and explores some of the most popular and beneficial offers available.
Physical vs. Digital Student IDs: What You Need to Know
Colleges can issue student IDs in digital or physical formats, with both typically featuring your photo and student identification number. A physical card looks similar to a driver’s license, and you can show it to in-person retailers, restaurants, and other businesses to redeem a student discount, if one is available.
Many schools have transitioned to using digital IDs, which you can store in a digital wallet or dedicated school app. You can either present it in person or enter the information from your card online.
How Student Discount Verification Works
With your college ID, you can qualify for benefits like discounts or free shipping at certain stores. Some digital retailers require you to provide your school email address to verify your discount eligibility. You can also use a platform such as UNiDAYS, SheerID, Student Beans, or ID.me.
These platforms verify your ID and store your information for use with future discounts. You typically have to create an account and enter your school email address and institution name. You may also have to provide a photo of your student ID or other identifying documents.
Getting Your CityU Student ID: Step-by-Step
As a student at City University of Seattle, you’ll need a copy of your student ID before you can take advantage of discount programs. To get your student ID, you’ll need your name, student ID number, and photo.
When taking a photo, make sure to follow these requirements:
- Don’t wear a hat or head covering unless you wear it daily for religious purposes.
- Your full face must be visible, and your head covering cannot cast shadows on your face.
- Don’t wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
- Use a plain white or off-white background.
- Position your head so it’s directly facing the camera with your full face in view.
- Take your photo with a neutral facial expression or a natural smile and both eyes open.
- Don’t use a selfie.
Send the required information and your photo in an email to [email protected].
Categories of Student Discounts To Explore
Higher pay is one of the many benefits of a graduate degree, but you’ll have to complete your program before you can enjoy those advantages. In the meantime, you can get discounts for being a college student by showing your student ID.
Clothing and Fashion Deals
When you need to restock your college wardrobe, consider using one of these student deals:
- Adidas free shipping and 15% off
- ASOS 10% off and access to special deals
- H&M 20% off
- J. Crew 15% off purchases
- Nike 10% off most items
Redeem your student discount online or in store.
Technology and Software Savings
Computers, tablets, smartphones, and software are essential tools for most students, and these are some of the best tech discounts you can get with your college ID:
- Apple’s Education Store
- Microsoft device discounts and special student rate for Microsoft 365
- The Samsung University Students Store
- Adobe Creative Cloud Pro subscription for 57% off for the first year
Regularly reverifying your student ID allows you to maintain your software discounts throughout college.
Transportation and Travel Discounts
When you want to go on vacation or head home for spring break, you can save 15% on train tickets through Amtrak. While United Airlines doesn’t have a student-specific program, its young adult discount gives you 5% off when purchasing tickets. Local transportation services in your area, including buses and subways, may also offer reduced rates for students.
Food and Dining Offers
Many restaurants offer student ID discounts of around 10%. These and other chains sometimes have discounts at individual locations:
- Chipotle
- McDonald’s
- Waffle House
- Chick-fil-A
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Dunkin’
If you prefer to get takeout, DoorDash also has lower membership rates for students.
Other Perks for CityU Students
Many other retailers and service providers offer student discounts, including:
- Wholesale clubs and retail stores
- Streaming services
- Movie theaters
- Museums
- Cell phone plans
You can also use your student ID to qualify for financial products with special benefits. You can often find credit cards offering cash back, reward points, or lower fees for students. Banks and credit unions often have student-specific debit cards.
Finally, you may be able to save money through CityU’s university partnerships. If you work for a qualifying employer, you can pay reduced rates and stress less about tuition.
Making the Most of Your College Student ID
For many students, the importance of a college education makes the financial investment worthwhile, but expenses can still be challenging. Using your student ID strategically can help.
How do you redeem your student discounts?
When visiting stores or restaurants, you will most likely need to show your physical or digital ID card. When shopping online, you may need to enter a special discount code or verify your ID through your email or a student portal.
How can you find companies offering student discounts?
You can find out about student discount programs by checking individual retailer websites or asking businesses about their policies. You can also follow deal platforms, such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans, which provide lists of offers.
Do you have to renew your student discount verification?
Many companies require you to reverify your student status once a year. If you fail to reverify, your discounts will become inactive until you complete the renewal process.
How long do student discounts last after graduation?
Student discounts often end as soon as you finish school, but companies occasionally have extended programs. Some discount platforms, including UNiDAYS, offer continuing discounts following graduation.
Enjoy All the Benefits of Your CityU Student ID
From private student loans to credit cards, college students have complex finances — and every dollar matters. Regularly using student ID discounts can save you money from your first day of class through graduation.
If you’re unsure how to get a student ID or how to find your student ID number, the team at CityU is ready to help. Request information from our student services team to learn more.















