Ah, the student card. That little piece of red and white plastic that sports an unflattering photograph that will need to be carried around with you for the next three-plus years. Chances are, it is probably on a lanyard around your neck along with a variety of accessories that will, without a doubt, be gone by the end of the year. Thus far, its only purpose has been getting you through the turnstiles at the beginning and end of each day. However, did you know that there is so much more that you can do with it?
On campus, student cards do more than just letting you through the gates (and the dreaded AIM labs). You can access a myriad of facilities, allowing you to maximise your student experience. Whether that be going to the Merensky II library and making use of the study centre and discussion rooms, or visiting the Javett Art Centre in order to explore a variety of different art styles and mediums, campus is full of places to study and things to do. All you need to get in is a student card.
What about outside of campus? There are lots of options there too. Public spaces that charge an access fee often have a discounted rate for students, so bring your student card along. Nearby locations include the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, which feature beautiful hiking trails and a reasonably-priced restaurant to refuel at after exploring the waterfall. Other entertainment spaces may offer a student discount too. For example, Adventure Golf at Fourways Mall will give you a discount as long as you can prove that you are a student.
But the deals do not end there. Apps have been designed for students to maximise their benefits at a variety of different places. Specials on food, drinks, and even clothing can be accessed through the “Varsity Vibe” app. All you need to do is use your student email address to log in. Whether it is 10% off at Vida e Caffé on campus, or 22% off at H&M, this app allows you to spoil yourself without breaking the bank. DJOL is also a great app to have. While it does not give discounts itself, it spills the beans on where the good deals are. Drink specials from Square 2.0 and pizza deals from Bravo’s can be found here. Other apps offer their own discounts too, including Spotify. Spotify offers a student plan so that you can get premium access with a much cheaper subscription.
While it does not seem like much, every student knows that every penny counts. The R10 you save on your coffee may indeed make the difference between one packet of instant noodles or two!
