Money can be a touchy subject for post-secondary students with tuition and supply costs continuing to climb and most facing a mountain of debt by graduation. With little money left over to play with students are always looking for a bargain. Thankfully there are plenty of Calgary businesses and organizations that will help students save a buck or two.
Jaimee Turner a second-year SAIT student who previously took classes at Mount Royal University is no stranger to student discounts. “Always carry your student ID” she says. “A lot of places don’t advertise student rates so always ask.”
If you’re among the post-secondary students trying to stretch your money as far as it can go here are some other savvy tips that will help make every loonie count.
TAKE A TRIP
Full-time students at most post-secondary schools in Calgary receive a UPass which takes care of their local transit needs. For those who don’t including students at Bow Valley College you may qualify for a low-income pass. A standard adult pass with Calgary Transit costs $96 per month compared to $44 per month for a low-income pass so the savings are substantial. All you need is documentation that shows you are a resident of Calgary photo identification and proof of yearly income.
For students from out of town Greyhound Canada offers discounted fares for those times when you’re craving a home-cooked meal or two. “Being able to save that little bit encouraged me to visit home [Canmore] more often than I would have without the discount” says former Mount Royal University student Connor Martin. “I probably went home once a month.”
For travel between major cities tickets can be bought at a student rate over the phone and most destinations offer a concession on tickets bought at the local terminal just off Bow Trail. Students also have the option to purchase a Greyhound Alberta Student Discount Card available with valid student ID which provides four one-way or two return trips for a flat rate.
For longer distances Air Canada’s student flight passes are an affordable option. These passes must be purchased by September 30 2014 and are valid for six flights that must be used by June 30 2015. There are numerous prices and zones available from a simple Calgary-Edmonton commuter pass to a North American student pass that allows for travel to and from select American cities.
HAVE A NIGHT OUT
Getting out and enjoying the town is especially important if you’re living on campus in student residences. There are huge benefits to being able to roll out of bed mere minutes before your first class of the day but the sound of your upstairs neighbours’ endless parties and the lingering scent of skunky smoke can get old in a hurry. Luckily you can take a break from studying and take in the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene without ending up in the red.
That $10 Ticket Thing available from Alberta Theatre Projects is a card that allows students to enjoy live theatre for — you guessed it — $10. Tickets may be purchased at the Martha Cohen Theatre box office or booked in advance over the phone but valid student ID must be presented upon pickup. Theatre Junction also has a deal for students (as well as artists and people under 30) that offers a six-ticket passport for $100.
If you’re not the type to plan ahead LiveRush offers students a chance to purchase last-minute below-cost tickets to local art events including music theatre and dance for less than $20.
Turner recommends checking out some of Calgary’s arts and culture destinations — Glenbow the Military Museums and Fort Calgary are just some of the places in the city that offer affordable student admission rates. “A lot of venues that promote art and theatre want to raise awareness and share that culture with young people” she says.
JOIN THE CLUB
Don’t overlook your students’ association — some of the biggest benefits to being a student are right in front of your nose. If your school fees include a health and dental plan take advantage of them. Let’s face it you’re paying for it anyway and a visit to the dentist on your own dime might make your wallet weep.
U of C economics graduate Cole Schultz says the best way to take advantage of student perks is to join one of the numerous campus clubs. Benefits vary from club to club — for example Ski Club members receive 10 per cent off equipment rentals at Sports Rent during winter months while the Scene & Heard Club provides their students with discounted tickets to various art events.
Beyond club membership U of C students are also rewarded with free admission to the Den’s student night on Thursdays a popular hangout and a good place to score discount drinks. Select plays and performances presented by the university’s fine arts department are also free of charge to students.
At SAIT Polytechnic the students’ association (SAITSA) has a variety of options for students to get off campus and enjoy the city. Take in some serious sports action with your peers at a Calgary Flames or Calgary Stampeders game or stop by the student resource centre for a sweet deal on Cineplex movie vouchers. You can even pick up discounted ski and snowboard lift passes. The Gateway bar located on campus hosts a number of concerts that are free for both SAIT and Alberta College of Art and Design students.
Another benefit for SAIT students are the Good Food Boxes loaded with fresh produce at a good price which are available for order through the student resource centre. For a cheap meal on campus check out the Station Market’s legendary student-friendly priced $2 hotdogs.
Mount Royal University also provides its students with the opportunity to purchase movie tickets at a discounted price and its peer support centre offers a free breakfast program Good Food Boxes and healthy snacks for students.
