College can be a time to save money – not lose it.

Every college student and his or her parents know how expensive college is. First, there’s tuition, and then there’s housing, eating, car issues, and everyday life. Student loans can follow a student for his or her whole life. All in all, the price for education is steep. However, college students enjoy fiscal advantages that other people do not.

Everyone has heard of senior citizen discounts. Whenever students go to the movie theaters with their grandparents, students have to pay $10, while their elderly grandparents get away with paying six. Well, college students can enjoy similar advantages, but they just need to know where to look.

One of the best ways to get student discounts at popular retail stores is to buy the Student Advantage card. This card costs $20 per year but has great advantages for students. It is perfect for students who travel to visit loved ones. Students can save up to 15% on Amtrak and Greyhound fares. Discounts on participating airline/hotel fees also apply.

The card is still worth the price even for students who do not travel often. Forty percent off AMC movie tickets are great for any college student, and Verizon Wireless gives cardholders $100 off on new cell phones.

For students who like to shop, this card is a must-have. Shoe stores like Foot Locker offer $10 off, and stores as popular as Urban Outfitters and Macy’s give 10-20% off online purchases.

Even Cliffnotes.com offers products for 20% cheaper with the Student Advantage card, and what college student doesn’t use Cliffnotes.com? Allposters.com also sells their unlimited supply of posters for 20%. Dozens of other companies offer cheaper products for cardholders, and students could potentially save hundreds of dollars by using the card.

Of course, there are other ways to get discounts besides buying a Student Advantage card. American Airlines offers up to 10% off flights for all college students, and several ski/snowboard resorts like Squaw Valley offer cheaper lift tickets. Computer companies like Apple and Dell also have student discounts.

Most universities offer several programs that give students discounts. Many theatres offer student rush tickets. Students can arrive at the play a few minutes before the play starts and buy unsold tickets for cheap prices.

The Student Services department at universities usually offers discounts for extracurricular activities. Many universities in California sell Disneyland tickets at a reduced rate, while other schools have discounts for other amusement parks. Many colleges also have free concerts for students, which are not only great experiences, but extremely expensive in other settings.

Make sure to always be on the lookout and always ask if there is a student discount available. Many people are surprised about what they can get for less money.