Last week I walked into Salad Kind and chose a random curry dish off the menu. I ordered, paid and waited a short 15 minutes for my food to be ready. When it was, a friendly guy behind the counter called my number and gave me my food. It wasn’t until I turned to walk away that I noticed a small, blue sign that said students save 20 per cent off of their food between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Food in hand I looked at my clock. It was 1:56 p.m.
I didn’t turn around and ask them to refund me $2 but I really wanted to.
If I had known about the discount, before walking in, I would have waited a few more minutes to order and maybe I could have bought a coffee, too. Losing money because I’m unaware of a discount is something that happens a little too often, especially in Toronto.
So, to save you the same $2 troubles, I present to you, #RULifeHack Number Two: Always ask about student discounts.
A good indicator that a restaurant or store has a student discount is its proximity to a school. The chances of a place having a discount go up when you can walk to it from campus. Anther good indicator is if there are a lot of students in the store. This one might seem silly but even in-demand retailers know who their customers are. If they’re selling trendy clothes for teens and 20-somethings or if they know students often buy their products, they probably have a student discount.
Here’s a list of places around campus that are offering discounts to students like us:
Food Discounts
Mick E Fynn’s – Ryerson students save 10 per cent on food but not if it is already on special
Lou Dawgs – Students save 10 per cent on food from Sunday to Wednesday
Salad King – Students save 20 per cent between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Pickle Barrel Atrium – Students save 15 per cent on their entire bill
Bulk Barn – Students save 10 per cent on Wednesdays
Dairy Queen – Students save 10 percent on every purchase
St. Louis Wings Bar and Grill – Students save 10 per cent on regular priced food
Subway – Students save 10 per cent on their purchase with a valid student card
Gallery Discounts
Royal Ontario Museum – Students save on admission when they show a valid student card
Art Gallery of Ontario – Students save on admission when they show a valid student card
Retailer Discounts
Urban Outfitters – Students save 10 per cent on certain days but you have to sign up for their Student Program to find out when it happens
Roots – Students save 20 per cent on regular priced items and 10 per cent on sale items
Curry’s Art Supplies – Students save 10 per cent on regular priced items when they present a valid student card
Top Shop – Students save 10 per cent when they show a valid student card
Henry’s – Students save 10 per cent on all used gear
FedEx – Students can save 20 to 30 per cent on shipping when they show a valid student card
Flights
Air Canada – Students save 15 per cent on eligible flights when they sign up for Air Canada Altitude Students Program
Porter Airlines – Student save on flights using an International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Software
Adobe Creative Cloud – Students save 60 per cent on their first year
Discount Services
SPC Card – Students save when they show their card at participating retailers
International Student Identity Card – Named a “passport” to student discounts
UNiDAYS – Free service that keeps students up-to-date on currently offered discounts
Know of any other student discounts not on the list? Let us know @RUStudentLife. Happy saving!
