By Meghen Jones
It’s all a part of being a college student sometimes—or actually a lot of the time. You sacrifice what you want for what you need financially. Plain and simple. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that we still have those primal desires ingrained in us as humans—including satisfying your craving for delicious, mouth-watering food. Let’s face it: there are many times that we find ourselves hungry, craving a particular food that cannot be satisfied by cooking at home, but the search for a perfect place within our student budget is never an easy one.
Seriously, do you know what’s even tougher than being a college student on a budget? A college student that’s hungry and on a budget!
Whether you’re a foodie, or just a college student trying to grab a quick bite, we can totally sympathize. Knowing the struggle is very real, uCribs has put together a list of 10 food stops that dole out the ever-treasured student discount, and all you need is your student ID to allow the savings to begin.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Can you recall the number of times you made a stop at Buffalo Wild Wings? It’s hard to keep track when their wings are just so finger-licking good! Whether you order those tasty Honey BBQ wings or a more health-conscious chicken wrap, you will enjoy getting a 10 percent discount when you break out the ol’ student ID.
Burger King
Are you craving a burger, but you don’t want to spend a ton of money on the more artisan options? Not only does Burger King have some of the most affordable menu options, but the establishment also offers a decent student discount. So, what are you waiting for? Go enjoy a delicious Whopper combo meal while saving 10 percent!
Chipotle
I think we’re all guilty of loving an ultra-stuffed burrito that’s loaded with all of your favorite toppings. That’s why students are crazy about Chipotle—you are the mastermind behind how your burrito (or taco bowl) is constructed. But, have you ever had to nix the drink with your meal because you were lacking the extra funds? Well, did you know that students can get a free drink with their meal at Chipotle? I guess we really do love Chipotle for a reason…well, other than the burritos, brimming with deliciousness!
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is my favorite place when it comes to fulfilling a craving of a cheeseburger for lunch and of course, ice cream for dessert. It’s that typical American, diner-inspired meal that we just can’t separate ourselves from. There’s seriously nothing better than a Dairy Queen Blizzard—especially if it’s the New York cheesecake one, but, hey, I am not biased. You, too, can enjoy a selection from every single item on the Dairy Queen menu while enjoying yet another satisfying student discount of 10 percent!
McDonald’s
As a college student, fast food is one of the most convenient things—there’s simply no denying that fact. With that beloved dollar menu in mind, McDonald’s is one of the most common places students duck in for a quick meal. But, believe it or not, it’s not the only way you can keep the price tag down on your impromptu lunch or dinner—or even breakfast. Student receive a 10 percent discount when you show your student ID, so you can splurge more often on those regularly priced menu items.
Pizza Hut
There are quite a few of us (and I’m not naming any names) that would resort to pizza as a main form of nourishment, if we could. It’s perfect for a solo night in, or one spent with friends. It could even be the main course during your Netflix and Chill session with your sweetheart! But, on a college student’s budget, it just doesn’t make sense to indulge as frequently as we might like to. But with Pizza Hut’s 10 to 20 percent student discount, you might just be able to succumb to temptation a little more frequently.
Subway
Are you craving a hearty sandwich, but you are strapped for cash after paying your rent, settling your utility bills, or blowing your summer savings on those textbooks you need for the Fall semester? Well, you just might be in luck. Armed with your student ID, you could receive 10 percent off your total purchase at any Subway location. So, now you can afford a foot-long meatball sub instead of a mere six-inch— maybe you’ll even have enough to treat your roomie, too.
Taco Bell
Ahhh, Taco Bell. It’s helped us all through so many late nights spent out with the best of friends. Mexican pizzas, cheesy gordita crunches, or chalupa supremes…it’s easy to get carried away with the menu since it’s all fairly cheap, and the mere mention of these phrases is enough to make one’s mouth water. But if you already love Taco Bell, then you’re going to love them even more. College students that want to enjoy all the yummy goodness of Taco Bell can revel in the fact that they can receive 10 percent off their meal purchase. Now, you can live más.
TCBY
Yogurt is seriously the tastiest, most guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth when it demands sugar. TCBY has many options for yogurt, which also includes vegan-friendly flavors that you can top with tons of sprinkles, your favorite fruit, or both! Oh, and the best part is that students can receive 15 percent off their sweet purchase with their student ID!
Waffle House
If you love waffles as much as I do, then I’m pretty sure you have spent time at the one and only Waffle House. Like Taco Bell, it’s the perfect late-night spot to congregate with friends after a night out on the town. But do you know what’s even better than enjoying waffles and the countless other items on Waffle House’s extensive menu? Getting 10 percent off your meal for being a hard-working student, that’s what!
Between college tuition, textbooks, rent, and bills, it doesn’t hurt to save a few dollars where and when you can. With these 10 food stops that offer student discounts, you will get the exact type of cuisine you’re craving at the price you want. So, the next time that you happen to make a purchase at any one of these restaurant chains, be sure to flash your student ID for some big savings. You’ll see once you look at your bank account statements that even the smallest of charges can add up over time.