If you read my last blog post, you probably saw that my first OISE/University of Toronto 'life-hack' involved using your student card to get student discounts.
Wondering exactly where you can flash that card to save your hard-earned money?
I’ll save you the trouble of going door-to-door finding deals. Here’s a list of some of my fave discounts and deals as a UofT student and teacher candidate.
Note: Make sure to always have your student card on hand, as most of these discounts are only valid with your student card. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
THINGS TO DO
● Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Students can always get discounted tickets to the ROM, but free beats a discount anytime. Visit on a Tuesday to get in for free.
After spending some time at the ROM, why not visit the Gardiner Museum just down the street? Students get in free on Tuesdays.
● Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Students get into the AGO after 3 p.m. every day, and anyone can get in for free on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Students save $6 on admission. Science rules!
● TIFF
If movies are more your style, check out some of the latest films at the TIFF Bell Lightbox for only $11.50.
FOOD
● Insomnia
Whether you’re looking for some yummy brunch or need a late-night snack, Insomnia offers 20 per cent off your meal.
The Duke of York is great for a quick bite between classes! The 10 per cent meal discount is an added bonus.
If you want some pub food, East of Brunswick will give you 10 per cent off your meal.
● Fresh
Feeling something a bit healthier? You can get 15 per cent off take-out at Fresh on Bloor!
● Freshii
If the line’s too long at Fresh, you can get your healthy food fix at Freshii with $6 student lunch specials.
SHOPPING
● Metro
Try to plan your grocery shopping for the middle of the week! Metro on Yonge and College and Bloor and Spadina will give you 10 per cent off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
● Shoppers
Forget to wear deodorant? Allergies acting up? With your T-Card you can get 15 per cent off at Shoppers Drug Mart at Bloor and Bedford and Bloor and Spadina.
Wait until Wednesday to get 10 per cent off your Bulk Barn haul. You can even bring your own containers to fill!
TRAVEL
If you’re from out of town and your parents keep begging you to come visit, this is definitely a must-have. There are two types of unlimited passes - one that allows you to book during peak travel times/holidays, and one that doesn’t. You can also get student discounts without the pass.
To really save some money, consider taking a Greyhound! You can get 10 per cent off fares with your student card, and 25 per cent off fares with your ISIC card.
● GO Transit and TTC
Travelling locally? GO Transit and TTC both offer student discounts. You can save 18 per cent off GO Transit fare when you register for a GO Student ID, and the TTC Post-Secondary Monthly Metropass is $116.75. Don’t forget to register with a Presto card to make travelling that much easier.
DISCOUNT CARDS
As a teacher candidate, you’ll get an EdVantage card that gets you a ton of discounts, deals, and promos! From discounts on gym memberships to car insurance to Canada’s Wonderland, you can save a ton of money on almost anything.
The ISIC is another student discount card that is recognized internationally. You can get one on the spot at the University of Toronto Graduate Students Union office at 16 Bancroft Avenue from September 10th – December 18th, Tuesdays 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. and Thursdays 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Similar to the EdVantage Card and ISIC, the SPC can get you discounts at a variety of retail stores and restaurants. The card is $10 and you’ll have to show your student ID if you use the SPC.
What discounts have you found around UofT? Comment below.