Student IDs are only valid for a few years, so make the most of them. Graphic by Abby Ayre. 

ABBY KIDWELL | ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR | arkidwell@butler.edu 

College is one of the most expensive experiences of a person’s life, especially if they spend it at Butler University. With the rising prices of tuition, housing and groceries, many are finding it necessary to tighten their belts. College kids also face constant pressure to spend money in order to have fun. Getting dinner off-campus with friends, going to a coffee shop or watching a new movie in theaters are all great ways to break free from the Butler bubble, but the associated costs can put a damper on even the best outing. Thankfully, many businesses offer student discounts to help college kids save money. 

Tinker Coffee Co.  

Tinker Coffee Co. is just a five-minute drive — or 20-minute walk for those without cars on campus — down the canal. As a staple of the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood, Tinker’s welcoming ambiance and delicious coffee make it the perfect place for students to work through piles of homework. A 20% discount is an added bonus for those who present a valid student ID.  

DoorDash 

On bleak days, when eating repetitive dining hall food is more soul-sucking than usual, DoorDash is a college student’s saving grace. Unfortunately, those dollars add up. For any student who frequently uses the DoorDash app, the student-discounted DashPass is a feasible way to save and enjoy convenient food. In return for $4.99 a month, pass-holders pay no delivery fees, receive 5% DoorDash credits back on pick-up orders and pay lower service fees. The $4.99 rate for students is a steal compared to the regular $9.99 rate. 

Indiana State Museum 

As lovely as Butler’s campus is, staying in any place too long inevitably creates feelings of suffocation and restlessness. The Indiana State Museum is an ideal weekend activity to combat cabin fever. Patrons can admire artwork by Hoosier artists, learn about Indiana’s founding Native American tribes and experience what the state’s natural landscapes looked like before colonization. Adult tickets cost $22, but students currently enrolled at any Indiana college or university receive $5 admission with a student ID. 

Peacock Premium Streaming Service 

Peacock TV is the home of beloved sitcoms like “New Girl”, “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” — staples for any college student in search of a light-hearted show to fill downtime between classes. For those without a family member’s subscription to use, there is a more feasible option available. The streaming service offers a discount for those with student emails. Instead of $10.99 per month for Peacock Premium, students can get a reduced price of $2.99 per month. The only drawback is the ad time. 

The New York Times

When a professor’s lecture is getting a tad boring, The New York Times Games are the perfect pastime. With a plethora of options — Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Sudoku and Strands — students can easily spend 45 minutes testing their knowledge and prowess on different puzzles. These games do not require a subscription to play, but a subscription does unlock additional features that The New York Times has to offer. As a publication, access to the Times ensures access to timely news updates, thought-provoking pieces, creative recipes and entertainment recommendations. For all of this, the Times charges a steep price of $129.99 for a full year. Luckily, Butler’s Student Government Association (SGA), Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and Butler University Libraries provide a free subscription for students to use throughout their time at Butler. To access it, visit Butler’s LibGuides. Unfortunately, the university could not find room in the budget for the Crossword or the Mini Crossword.

Canva Pro 

There comes a time in nearly every college student’s degree where they will be asked to do the unimaginable: create an informative, aesthetically pleasing graphic. Starting from scratch is daunting, which is where Canva Pro enters the fold. Canva expedites the entire design process by providing color palettes, formats and characters to peruse. Butler graciously covers the upgraded version of Canva for their student body. Gone are the days when the perfect template is gatekept behind a $120-per-year paywall. 

HBO Max

No single streaming service offers everything, so consumers typically purchase multiple, which can get cumbersome. This is why it is important to take advantage of free offers while they are available. Students can binge classic shows like “Sex and the City” and “Veep” on Butler’s dime through their partnership with Xfinity. To gain free access, follow the step-by-step instructions available on Ask.Butler. Instead of shelling out $9.99 a month on the subscription, put that money to better — albeit limited — use. 

For most students, every cent in their personal checking account matters. These seven discounts cut corners in necessary places, ensuring that all Dawgs can enjoy their stint at Butler without accumulating credit card debt.