I have purchased two things recently with a student discount. A MacBook and Spotify. However, there are plenty of offers for students as companies would like to make you a profitable lifetime customer.
Apple and Best Buy
Apple offers some good prices for their products if you can prove you are in college. During the summer they even gave a pair of Beats with the purchase of a MacBook. At Best Buy there is a much larger variety of items you can get with a student discount. Just because there is a discount don’t buy unless you need it.
I got the MacBook from BestBuy during its 50th anniversary sale in the summer. It was discounted from $1599 to $1099, with my student discount I was able to get another $100 off. I got a non-Pro one and sold my previous one which worked out well because this one is so light and I carried it to school daily. However, just the other day I saw a refurbished one on eBay for $799. It may have been a year earlier model, but I’d buy it for that price. I was suckered by the student discount!
Amazon Prime
I have left Amazon Prime behind, but at the student price I’d be tempted to go back. I don’t mind waiting for my packages, but maybe you could get your friends together and split one membership. You could even make a business out of this. Charge people $1 as your white-glove delivery fee. You may want to read through the terms of service, I’m not promoting doing anything illegal.
Spotify
As a student in Europe last year I was able to take advantage of Spotify’s pricing there. Instead of paying $10 a month I get it for €3.50, less than half price. You can also get music for free if you listen to commercials. Hulu and Spotify have a pretty good deal going on for students, but maybe it would be better to watch less and spend time with friends. That would definitely be my takeaway from college, enjoy your time there because working life isn’t as free.
Transportation
Often you can get discounted public transportation if you are a student. I love public transportation, so any discounts you can get are excellent. At Berkeley you could get a free bus pass as a student and I hear it is the same for UT Austin. Many dealerships will knock off $500 if you are a recent college graduate.
Conclusion
I didn’t list out every student discount that exists, nor do I think I should tempt you into buying stuff. If you are in the market for an item, first look at the deals available, including student discounts, and then make your decision. I still think buying used is an excellent strategy.