By Togzhan Baikenova, Contributing Writer
As a Saint Leo University student, you swipe your student ID every day, but did you know there are ways to use it to save money?
Saint Leo students spend thousands of dollars on their education, including the cost of tuition, meal plans, and student fees. However, many students are unaware that being a student can help them save money on things like food, traveling, entertainment, computer programs, online purchases, and local businesses.
One of the most well-known and accessible student benefits is free access to the Wellness Center. Saint Leo students can use the gym and pool for free with their student ID. Students can also participate in group fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates. They can even get a personal trainer. Since students pay for this with their student fees, using the Wellness Center can save students hundreds of dollars compared to going to a regular gym.
Amazon offers a six-month free trial for its student plan, while Spotify and Apple Music offer discounted student subscriptions. Students can also save money on services such as YouTube Premium and Hulu. Software discounts are also widely available, including reduced pricing for Adobe Creative Cloud and free access to Microsoft Office through Saint Leo Okta.
“It’s not necessarily a student discount, but I get into Wellness for free, which is big for me. I’ve used tutoring websites with my student ID number a couple of times. I also used the student subscription for Apple Music,” said Iza Nicole, a freshman majoring in Early Childhood Education.
Many major clothing brands, including Nike, Adidas, H&M, and Hollister, offer student discounts ranging from 10 to 30 percent. Also, platforms such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans help students find verified discounts from hundreds of brands in one place.
Moreover, the student ID can also be used for local entertainment. Mirada Lagoon, about 15 minutes from Saint Leo, offers students a 15 percent discount on admission.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a College Pass, which provides students with unlimited admission until May 31, 2026, at a reduced price. Students can enjoy the benefits of local entertainment without overspending.
Being a college student also means that the local businesses are eager to serve students. There are many cafes in the surrounding area where students like to hang out. Some examples are Treehouse Mercantile in Dade City, Provisions Coffee & Kitchen in Wesley Chapel, and Qamaria Yemeni Coffee in Temple Terrace. Students can also get discounted prices at the cafes by simply asking.
One of the least known financial benefits available to Saint Leo students is the hotel discount program. Several hotels in Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel offer reduced rates for Saint Leo students and visiting family members. These discounts can range from about 10 to 25 percent and can be helpful when parents or friends visit campus. The full list can be found under the DIRECTIONS, PARKING, ACCOMMODATIONS section on Saint Leo University’s official website.
Another benefit that many Saint Leo students do not fully use is the bonus bucks. Each semester, students on a 19-meal plan receive $100 bonus bucks that can be used at campus dining locations such as the Fuz Fusion Eatery, Coffee 36, or Benedict’s Coffeehouse. Students can also use meal swipes at these locations. An example is the Fuz meal equivalency option, which is the “Penny Meal”.
Taking advantage of these deposits can help reduce spending on snacks and meals throughout the semester.
“I didn’t know about the $100 dining deposit before coming here. I didn’t even realize you could use your student ID to pay for things on campus,” said Nicole.
“If you know about the student discounts, it’ll help you a lot to save some money,” Nicole said.
Being a student is expensive, but Saint Leo students have many opportunities to save money. By using their student ID and making the most of the benefits they receive, students can make their daily expenses more affordable and avoid paying full price for items.
