Perhaps one of the most useful skills you will learn in your first year as a student is how to stretch your money far enough to actually enjoy life. Every little bit you can save will help in the long run and you may find yourself with extra to spend on a few luxuries. If you are an out-of-province student you should look into Greyhound, Intercape, and SAA as a means of getting back home for the holidays. Each of these companies offers a student discount which can come in handy if you find yourself feeling a little homesick.
Varsity Vibe is an app that offers student discounts. The app has an annual membership fee of R200 but offers up to 20% discounts from brands like Cotton On and Typo, Takealot, USN, and exclusive offers on food from Nandos and Mr Delivery. With a constant offer of discounts throughout the year, the money you save through Varsity Vibe for some students makes the R200 membership fee worth it.
Be sure to enquire at your bank about what they can offer you as a student. From specific types of accounts aimed at students, to free data, vouchers, and travel discounts, each bank has their own incentive system for young account holders.
“Perhaps one of the most useful skills you will learn in your first year as a student is how to stretch your money far enough to actually enjoy life.”
Most places in and around Hatfield are geared towards students, so you are likely to find specials and competitive prices but there are some companies offering specials on food, entertainment, and tech too. Ster-Kinekor cardholders get discounts on movies, and Computicket offers discounts on event tickets. Apple and HP offer discounts on various kinds of tech like laptops and printers. Game has a discount available for students on things such as home goods, technology, food supplies, stationery and more.
The next examples do not necessarily count as student discounts because they are available to anyone, but they can be useful to university students. Make sure to sign up to UberEats. Signing up does not cost you anything and they will send you regular emails with discount codes or specials on delivery. Do your part for the environment and save some cash at the same time by taking a reusable mug to your favourite coffee spot; Vida e Caffé will give you R2 off your drink, Woolworths Café will take off R1, and Seattle Coffee Company will discount your drink by 10%. Be sure to enquire at cafes and coffee spots whether they have a loyalty program. Seattle will give you one free drink for every 10 you buy, and you can save money at Vida e Caffé by using their app to pay for your order.
Student life can be tough, and learning to budget is a new skill to many students, but with a little practice, self-control, and a few student discounts here and there you will be a master of your own finances in no time.
Illustration: Tshepang Rihlampfu
I’m Kendra! Coffee addict, cat lover, postgrad student. Usually found reading, napping, or doodling.