We’re all struggling on a student budget. It’s been a big adjustment for me to go from getting 2 paycheques a month to….nothing. So how can we still enjoy some of the luxuries while on a budget?
Some of you know, I am a die hard Starbucks drinker. Your first step to saving some money at Starbucks (besides not going) is to register your Starbucks card. Registration is free, and you get a few perks with a registered card. Let me start off with the more simple perks.
1. You get a free drink on your birthday!!
2. Free refills on brewed coffee and tea!!
3. (My most used perk) Free customization on your drink.
This last perk takes a little bit of explanation. I used to drink a Grande Soy Cinnamon Dolce Latte, which costs $4.65. Now, with the registered card, it would be $1 cheaper because you get the soy for free. However, if you’re not too picky, you could order this latte as an Americano Misto, which is an americano (espresso with water) and steamed milk. My revised order is a Grande, Cinnamon Dolce, Soy, Americano Misto. In addition to getting milk and soy for free, you also get flavoured syrups for free. So at the end of it all, you are only pay for an americano. My registered card price is $2.93.
Now, time for some dinner. Every week at Smiley’s (911 W. Pender St.) they have free chili or hot dog during NFL games (Sunday’s, Monday’s, and starting Nov. 11 on Thursday’s as well). You can go in, just order a bowl of chili and leave. But, if you don’t want to look like a the cheapest person ever, then you can also order some beer. They have beer specials on Monday’s in addition to buy one get one free appetizers. Also, if you fill out a comment card, they will give you a $5 gift certificate towards your next visit. There’s not limit to how many comment cards you fill out. So you could fill in a comment card each time you go.
There are also some coupon books that are well worth the money. One is the Entertainment Book (http://vancouver.entertainment.com/discount/browse.shtml). This will give you coupons to restaurants and other retailers (like spas, oil changes, groceries) throughout Metro Vancouver. For example, they have coupons for Trees Organic, Smileys, and Yaggers, which are all within walking distance from Segal.
Another great discount card is the Student Price Card. You can get this online at http://www.spccard.ca/get-the-card.aspx or at the SFU Bookstore. The SPC gets you mostly clothing discounts, and some deals on fast food.
There are also many different group – coupons for Vancouver such as Groupon, Living Social, Wagjag. If you don’t want to receive 10 different emails from all these blogs, check out www.onespout.com This website compiles all the daily deals into one email, and the links within the email takes you to the vendor of that deal.
Also, Club Monaco gives 20% off all items with a valid student card, and Taco Time in Pacific Centre has 99cent tacos on Tuesdays.
Lastly, it never hurts to ask if the retailer offers student discounts! 🙂