Boston Student Discounts: Your Guide to Saving Money in the City

Boston, a city steeped in history and brimming with cultural attractions, can be an expensive place to live, especially for students. However, numerous discounts are available to college students, making it easier to enjoy all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank. This guide will help you navigate the world of student discounts in Boston, from entertainment and transportation to shopping and everyday essentials.

Arts and Culture Discounts

Boston is a hub for arts and culture, and many institutions offer discounted admission to students.

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA): The MFA, the 14th largest art museum in the world, offers free admission to students of schools participating in the University Membership Program. Special exhibition tickets are also available for just $7.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: This museum offers a unique artistic experience, blending artwork and gardening. Any student with a college ID receives a $7 discount on tickets.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA): Students at ICA University Membership schools receive free admission to the ICA.
ArtsEmerson: College or high school students with a valid student ID can get up to two day-of rush tickets for $10 each or up to two advance tickets for $20 when purchased at the box office. Emerson students can get one free day-of rush ticket to any in-person theatre performance, film screening, or concert when purchased with a valid student ID at the box office. For advance tickets, students can purchase up to two $10 tickets to any production.
American Repertory Theater: Full-time students can purchase a Student and Under 25 ticket in advance for $30 plus fees. For anyone under age 25 or a full-time college, university, or high school student, rush tickets are available day-of for $25 by phone at 617-547-8300 or in person at the Loeb Drama Center only.
Boston Ballet: With a valid student ID, $20 cash-only rush tickets are available for select performances two hours before a show.
Boston Symphony Orchestra: A $35 BSO student pass grants admission to most performances.
Celebrity Series of Boston: Students can purchase two rush tickets for $20 each with a valid student ID. Student rush tickets must be paid in cash and go on sale either one or two hours before the performance, depending on the venue.
Coolidge Corner Theatre: Students can purchase a $14 ticket for showings from Sundays to Thursdays with a valid student ID.
Huntington Theatre Company: All performances for full-time students are $25 with a valid student ID. Students can use promo code DISCOUNT to access the tickets online.
Lyric Stage: Student tickets can be purchased online, in person, or over the phone with a valid student ID from a degree-granting institution for $20.
Constitution Museum: Admission is free, with a suggested donation between $10 and $15 for adults.

Sporting Event Discounts

For sports enthusiasts, Boston offers several options for discounted tickets.

Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox offer the Student9s ticket program, where students can buy tickets for select home games for just $9. Register for the program by texting STUDENTS to 23215, and bring your ID with you along with your ticket. Student tickets are available starting at $9 at select Red Sox home games and Fenway Park events. Students must register for the Student9s program to receive ticket offers.
Boston Bruins: Students can purchase tickets beginning at $60 for select Bruins home games through College Nights.

Transportation Discounts

Navigating Boston can be expensive, but several transportation discounts are available for students.

MBTA: Most Greater Boston schools offer students discounted MBTA fares on semester passes. The MBTA discounts semester-long ‘T’ passes by 11% for students at certain universities, with some schools offering bigger discounts. Check with your school’s student affairs or transportation office to find out how you can get one. The MBTA's Youth Pass Program also offers reduced fares to young adults with low income. The program is a partnership between the T and participating cities and towns.
Amtrak: Students between 17 and 24 years old receive 15% off Amtrak’s regular adult fare for bookings made one day in advance. Valid student ID is required upon request. Amtrak offers students between ages 17-24 the chance to save 15% on purchases made one (1) day in advance with their national student discount.
Blue Bikes: The City of Boston provides discounted passes for its public bike share program, Blue Bikes, to people who participate in public assistance programs or otherwise have a qualifying income.
Zipcar: Join Zipcar through Emerson College and save up to $55 on an annual membership.

Shopping and Retail Discounts

Many retailers offer discounts to college students, both in-store and online.

UNiDAYS: UNiDAYS is a free digital platform offering exclusive discounts and deals to verified students. By signing up, students gain access to savings from over 300 popular brands across various categories, including fashion, technology, food, and travel. Notable brands featured on UNiDAYS include Apple, Nike, Samsung, and Disney+. UNiDAYS provides discount codes for food and drink and various retailers, like Levi’s, Dr. Martens, Express, Apple, Adidas, and more.
Amazon Prime Student: Designed for college students, Amazon Prime Student is a service that offers benefits such as free two-day delivery on many Amazon orders, unlimited streaming of Prime movies and TV shows, and exclusive deals on phone cases, snacks, apparel, personal-care items, and more. Students are then eligible for half off ($7.49 a month) regular Amazon Prime membership.
Apple: Apple provides discounts on numerous electronics, including education pricing discounts on iPads and MacBooks, AppleCare, and software like Final Cut Pro.
ASOS: ASOS, the popular British online fashion and cosmetics retailer, offers stylish clothing lines for both men and women.
American Eagle Outfitters: If you’re looking for reasonably priced jeans or a timeless top, clothing and accessories store American Eagle Outfitters is the place for you. The store sells men’s and women’s apparel: jeans, hoodies, sweaters, jackets, coats, and more. It emphasizes body positivity and diversity, with women’s sizes from 000 to 24 and extra short to extra long.
Adidas: If you’re looking for a great pair of running shoes, sweatshirts, fleece tops, running shorts, or pants, Adidas has it all.
Madewell: Madewell is known for its colorful women’s tees, dresses, sweaters, skirts, and accessories, as well as for its sustainably produced denim jeans. The company also has a vibrant men’s clothing line, available at the Newbury Street location.
J.Crew: A must for those who prefer a preppy, tailored look, J.Crew offers classic clothing and accessories for men, women, and children.
H&M: With affordable prices on clothing fit for every occasion, H&M is the ultimate back-to-school shopping brand.
Steve Madden: Inspired by runway trends and street fashion, Steve Madden caters to young, fashion-conscious shoppers by offering high-end looks at more affordable prices.
Converse: A staple of casual fashion, Converse offers timeless footwear styles that complement every outfit.
Goodwill: Goodwill isn’t just a chain of thrift shops. The national nonprofit organization provides job placement and skill-building training for tens of thousands of people each year. Your purchases at Goodwill stores help to support those efforts.
Moleskine: Moleskine is known for its timeless, elegant notebooks, planners, wallets, and pens.

Food and Drink Discounts

Eating out can be expensive, but several options are available for students to save on food and drinks.

Grubhub: Grubhub is an indispensable online food delivery company. Some popular local restaurants offering Grubhub delivery are T. Anthony’s Pizzeria, Sweetgreen, and Zaftigs. Various student discounts and promotions are available on the app.
Hello Fresh: Love to cook, but unsure what to buy? Hello Fresh is for you. The online food delivery service provides ingredients and recipes for easy-to-make and nutritious meals. The service has four meal-plan options: meat and veggie, veggie, family friendly, and low calorie.

Technology and Software Discounts

Apple: Apple provides discounts on numerous electronics, including education pricing discounts on iPads and MacBooks, AppleCare, and software like Final Cut Pro.
Emerson IT Help Desk: Emerson IT Help Desk technicians can work to diagnose issues with personal student machines (not Emerson-owned) on a no-risk, best effort basis, at no cost to the student. IT also offers free or low-cost software for Emerson Students.
CollegeData: CollegeData highlights various discounts available to students to help them save on college expenses. It covers deals in categories such as electronics and software, entertainment, and more, with specific offers like Adobe's 66% discount on Creative Cloud and Apple's education pricing on Macs and iPads.

Entertainment and Streaming Discounts

Spotify Premium Student with Hulu: Designed for college students, this deal offers two essential entertainment services on one bill (with the first three months free). On Spotify, listen to millions of songs, curated playlists, and original podcasts, and, on Hulu, watch full seasons of Hulu Originals. It is free for three months and $5.99/month after that.
AMC Theatres:
- AMC Boston Common 19, 175 Tremont St., Downtown Boston
- AMC Assembly Row 12, 395 Artisan Way, Somerville
- AMC South Bay Center 12, 25 District Ave., Dorchester

Other Resources and Discounts

The Boston Public Library (BPL): The Boston Public Library (BPL) offers books, movies, magazines - both in print and online; they also have great events, contests with fun prizes, and classes and training, at no cost. Study spaces are also available at the Library. The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) provides access to books, magazines, and films, and also offers wireless printing. From Fast Company, to The Hollywood Reporter, and even Vogue, you can find anything you're looking for.
Iwasaki Library: Access streaming video databases via the Iwasaki Library to watch thousands of films, news footage, and documentaries. The Iwasaki Library provides laptop computers for full-time Emerson students to use within the Library.
Good and Cheap Cookbook (PDF): Good and Cheap is an excellent resource for nutritious recipes, with meals costing no more than $4 per day. It’s a perfect go-to for budget-conscious students looking for quick and easy meal ideas!
FreeForStudents.org: FreeForStudents.org is a platform dedicated to providing students with exclusive deals and freebies across various categories, including education, software, technology, shopping, entertainment, and health.
Localite Boston: Localite Boston features student discounts for Bostonians - 80 verified specials, deals, and freebies near you!
Orange Theory Fitness - Fenway: Students get 15% off current rates, and the first class is free for everyone.
Coit Observatory: Free admission to the BU Coit Observatory Public Open Nights with registration in advance. Public Open Nights are held on most Wednesday evenings.

Tips for Maximizing Student Discounts

Always carry your student ID: Many discounts require a valid student ID, so make sure to have it with you whenever you go out.
Ask about student discounts: Don't be afraid to ask if a store or service offers a student discount, even if it's not advertised.
Check online for deals: Many retailers and service providers offer exclusive discounts online, so be sure to check their websites before making a purchase.
Sign up for student discount programs: Services like UNiDAYS and Amazon Prime Student offer access to a wide range of discounts and deals.
Take advantage of free events and activities: Boston offers many free events and activities, such as free museum days and outdoor concerts.

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