Students in Canada have access to a variety of discounts and freebie opportunities across restaurants, retail stores, entertainment venues, and service providers. These offers typically require verification of student status through a valid student ID, enrollment documentation, or third-party verification platforms such as ID.me, UNiDAYS, or Student Beans. The following guide outlines the specific offers and eligibility requirements documented in available sources.
Restaurant and Food Discounts
Several national restaurant chains offer discounted pricing or complimentary items for students who present a valid student ID at participating locations.
- Subway: Participating locations offer a 10% discount on the total bill when a student ID is presented.
- Chipotle: Students receive a free drink with any food purchase.
- Burger King: A 10% discount is available on purchases when a student ID is shown.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Students can receive a 10% discount on wings by showing their ID.
- Dairy Queen: A 10% discount is available on purchases with a valid student ID.
- Qdoba: Student burrito deals are available, though specific discount details are not provided in the source material.
- McDonald’s: A 10% discount applies to value meals when a valid student ID is presented.
Retail and General Merchandise Discounts
Clothing and Accessories
Multiple apparel and accessory retailers provide student discounts ranging from 10% to 20%.
- Roots: Offers 20% off regular-priced items and 10% off sale items.
- Eddie Bauer: Provides 15% off all full-price merchandise with student ID verification.
- TOMS Shoes: Students receive free shipping, and the company continues its "One for One" donation model with each purchase.
- Levi’s: Offers 15% off in-store purchases, with the option to register for the same discount online.
- Under Armour: Provides 20% off for college students.
- Bellroy: Offers a 15% discount on all purchases after student status verification.
- Converse: Students receive 20% off.
- Crocs: Offers 25% off all full-priced styles; verification through ID.me is required at checkout.
- Vera Bradley: Provides a 10% student discount, also available to teachers, first responders, medical professionals, and military personnel, verified through ID.me.
- Tommy Hilfiger: Offers a 15% discount for students through ID.me verification.
- Stanley 1913: Provides exclusive discounts through ID.me for students, hospital employees, medical providers, military members, nurses, first responders, and teachers.
- Redbubble: Offers a 15% student discount on artist-designed products.
- Purple: Provides a 10% discount for teachers and students on sleep products including mattresses, pillows, bedding, bed frames, and seat cushions.
- Boohoo: Students can receive up to 70% off during Summer Sales plus an extra 10% student discount by verifying through UNiDAYS or Student Beans.
- Champs Sports: Current students can save up to 20% on orders of $99 or more.
- Vivid Seats: Offers $10 off orders of $150 or more; verification through Student Beans is required to receive the code.
Beauty and Health Products
- Perricone MD: Offers a 25% discount when spending $200 or more.
- The Economist: Students aged 16 and above can get 75% off an annual digital subscription, paying $62.25 per year after verification. The Economist Espresso is also available for free, providing daily updates, select articles, and newsletters. Both offers auto-renew annually but can be canceled anytime.
Technology and Education Discounts
Apple Education Pricing
Students can access education pricing on Apple hardware including MacBook, iMac, and eligible iPads. Bundle savings are available with AirPods or other accessories, with potential savings of up to $199 on select purchases.
Service and Membership Discounts
Sam's Club Membership
Qualified college students who join Sam's Club online as new members can receive: - 60% off a Club membership, or - $50 off a Sam's Club Plus membership
Plus members receive additional benefits including free Curbside Pickup, free delivery on eligible orders of $50+, free shipping on select items, and early shopping at certain locations. Eligibility requires being 18 or older and actively enrolled in an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution. Verification is completed through ID.me.
Target Circle and Target Circle 360
Verified college students can get: - 20% off one storewide purchase with Target Circle - 50% off a Target Circle 360 membership, reducing the cost to $49 per year (regularly $99)
To qualify, students must upload their student ID, class schedule, or tuition receipt. Target Circle 360 members enjoy unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35, monthly freebies, and other perks.
Walmart+ Membership
Students can receive a 50% discount on Walmart+ membership, paying $6.47 per month or $49 annually.
Entertainment and Cultural Venues
Ontario-Based Venues
Several cultural institutions in Ontario offer discounted admission for students:
- Cineplex: Movies are available for $8 on Thursdays with a student ID.
- Ontario Science Centre: Admission is $16 with valid student ID.
- TIFF Bell Lightbox: Year-round movie tickets are available for $10.50 each.
- Royal Ontario Museum: General admission tickets cost $14.50 with valid ID. Free admission is available on Tuesdays.
General Motors
Students receive special discounts on GM models, including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac vehicles.
Internet and Mobile Services
Xfinity Internet Deal
Students can access an exclusive internet deal for $50 per month for one year. The plan includes: - Gig (1000 Mbps) WiFi - Unlimited data - Free WiFi equipment - Up to $200 in Uber Eats or Amazon gift cards after signing up - One free unlimited mobile line for one year with 300 Mbps or faster internet
Student status must be verified through SheerID to unlock the offer.
Verizon Fios and Mobile Plans
- Fios Home Internet: Students can receive up to $20 off monthly with the 300 Mbps plan when using Auto Pay.
- myPlan: Students save up to $12 per line on a 2-line Unlimited Welcome plan with Auto Pay and paper-free billing, plus applicable taxes and fees.
Spotify Premium Student Plan
The Spotify Premium Student plan includes ad-free listening, offline track saving, full catalog access, DJ app integration, and high-quality audio.
Educational and Training Programs
Ontario Personal Support Worker Training
The Ontario government offers an enhanced Personal Support Worker (PSW) Training Program designed to train more PSWs across the province. For eligible students who enrolled between June 1 and September 30, 2022, financial support of up to $13,690 was available to cover tuition, books, other mandatory fees, and a stipend for clinical work placement.
George Brown College Early Childhood Education Program
George Brown College offered a fully funded Early Childhood Education (Compressed) program for a limited time.
NAU Canada Online
NAU Canada Online provides 100% online programs including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, allowing students to study when and where needed.
Digital Platforms and Apps
UNiDAYS App
UNiDAYS is a free application available on the App Store that connects students with exclusive deals and discounts. The app requires users to verify their student status to access offers. According to the App Store listing, UNiDAYS may use usage data to track users across apps and websites owned by other companies. The app collects contact information, user content, search history, identifiers, usage data, and other data linked to user identity. Diagnostic data may be collected but is not linked to user identity.
Student Status Verification Methods
Different offers require different verification methods:
- Student ID: Physical or digital student identification card
- Enrollment Documentation: Class schedules, tuition receipts, or official enrollment verification
- Third-Party Platforms:
- ID.me: Used by Sam's Club, Crocs, Vera Bradley, Tommy Hilfiger, Stanley 1913, and others
- UNiDAYS: Used by Boohoo and other retailers
- Student Beans: Used by Vivid Seats and Boohoo
- SheerID: Used by Xfinity for internet deals
Important Considerations for Students
Geographic Limitations
The available documentation primarily focuses on offers available in Canada, with specific emphasis on Ontario-based venues. Some offers, such as Sam's Club membership discounts and certain retail discounts, may also be available to U.S. students, but verification requirements and specific terms may vary by location.
Offer Availability and Expiration
Many offers are subject to change or expiration. For example: - The Ontario PSW Training Program financial support was available for students enrolling between June 1 and September 30, 2022 - The George Brown College fully funded ECE program was offered for a limited time - The Economist subscription auto-renews annually but can be canceled anytime
Students should verify current offer terms directly with the provider before making purchasing decisions.
Verification Requirements
Most substantial discounts require active verification of student status. Students should be prepared to provide: - Valid student identification - Proof of enrollment in an accredited institution - Access to verification platforms (ID.me, UNiDAYS, Student Beans, SheerID)
Privacy Considerations
When using third-party verification apps like UNiDAYS, students should review privacy policies carefully. The UNiDAYS app, for example, collects significant personal data including contact information, user content, search history, and usage data that may be used for tracking across other apps and websites.
Conclusion
Canadian students have access to a diverse ecosystem of discounts and freebie opportunities spanning food service, retail, entertainment, technology, and educational services. The most valuable offers typically require active student status verification through established platforms. While many offers are available across Canada, specific cultural venue discounts are concentrated in Ontario. Students should maintain current enrollment documentation and familiarize themselves with required verification platforms to maximize savings opportunities.