College students are traditionally thought to live on the ultimate shoestring budget, and need to pinch their pennies when they can. But that doesn’t mean they can’t afford to get out, grab a decent meal, see something special and have some fun every once in a while. We asked our CL Summer Interns about their favorite student deals, discounts and freebies; here’s what they came up with.
Mario Baez (USF St. Pete)
Movies Theaters always accept student ID. Anywhere I go to watch a movie around the Bay area, whether it’s AMC, Muvico, or Regal, I can always get a student discount — so can you, as long as you’re a student, of course. It’s a great deal for film buffs everywhere. Multiple locations around the Bay area.
Museum of Fine Arts Located in downtown St. Pete, MoFA offers students a discount with an ID. A ticket is usually $17, but as a student it’s an even $10. The museum’s permanent collection masterpieces include Monet, Cezanne, and Renoir. Check the website to see what new exhibition is coming. They have sculptures in the garden, too, as well as a photography section. Don’t miss out. 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. fine-arts.org.
Jackie Braje (University of Tampa)
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Through Sept. 28, MOSI is offering $5 general admissions for exhibits, including "3D Printing the Future," to all USF students with valid ID. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. mosi.org/plan-your-visit/special-offers.aspx.
Tampa Museum of Art If you’re looking to bump up your artsy cred and seem really intelligent for a low price, the Tampa Museum of Art offers tickets to college students for half the price at $5. 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. tampamuseum.org/support/membership/.
Amy Daire (Florida State)
Busch Gardens USF Student Pass Trade in your schoolbooks and study hours for roller coasters and African safaris. Busch Gardens offers this school-year pass valid from Aug.-May for USF students for $50 per student — $30 less than a regular ticket. 10001 N. Malcom McKinley Dr., Tampa. seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa.
Tampa Bay Lightning Student Rush Tickets Drop by the ticketing office 15 minutes before the puck drops and get discounted tickets with a valid student ID. The team offers specials for the Stanley Cup finals (when available), and you can get them even earlier if you’re sporting your Lightning gear. Price vary depending on game. Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa. lightning.nhl.com/.
Zebrina Edgerton-Maloy (Washington and Lee)
Salvador Dali Museum USF students can get into the Salvador Dalì Museum in St. Petersburg for free with their student ID. This museum is home to the world’s most extensive collection of the iconic Spanish surrealist’s work. It has all 96 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings, and much more. 1 Dalì Blvd., St. Petersburg. thedali.org/.
USF Riverfront Park Visit the USF Riverfront Park and enjoy outdoor activities like disc golf and a ropes course. USF students can rent a kayak or canoe to go on the Hillsborough River for only $5 per boat. The limit is two boats per valid USF ID. Lettuce Lake Park, east of USF campus and golf course, E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. usfweb2.usf.edu/campusrec/Outdoor/riverfront.html.
Cody Smith (University of Florida)
Bull Country The appropriately coined “Bull Country” refers to the many restaurants surrounding USF. From the exotic chicken at Jerk Hut to the hefty offerings at Ho Ho Choy, Bull Country gives students a 10-15% discount on an seemingly endless amount of food and drinks. Various locations surrounding the USF Tampa campus, Tampa/Temple Terrace.
Walt Disney World By visiting the site orlandovacation.com online and using the password “usfsaves,” students can enjoy a discounted rate for Walt Disney World tickets. Lake Buena Vista. orlandovacation.com.
