Featured above is an interactive map containing over 70 locations in the Fitchburg area that offer student discounts. Red markers indicate dining, yellow markers indicate entertainment, green markers indicate shopping, and blue markers indicate services. Click on a marker to view the name of the business and the discount offered. Student discount information was obtained from https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/campus-life/campus-services/onecard-office/onecard-discount-program.

College is already expensive enough, so it can be stressful for students to think about all the costs surrounding it. The fact of the matter is that in day-to-day life there are a multitude of essentials, products, and services needed to survive in college. Especially for residents or students living away from home. Luckily, there’s a solution that will help to soothe your aching wallets and bank accounts: student discounts. 

Fitchburg State offers a variety of local discounts ranging from dining to entertainment to essential services. Over 70 local businesses offer discounts through Fitchburg State, and you can find the specifics at any time by visiting the OneCard Discount Program page on the Fitchburg State website. On top of the local discounts, there are also many big name brands and services that offer some outstanding student discounts that will be sure to save you money. As a student, you have access to a range of deals and discounts that you won’t find again until you reach retirement age, so you might as well take advantage of them while you still can!

Most FSU students know that dining on campus can be a challenge on the weekends. With limited hours, Holmes Dining Hall can disappoint students looking to grab a bite to eat. Fortunately, there are six pizzerias in the area that all offer some form of discount: Brotherz Pizza, Mike’s Pizza, Pizza King, Country Pizza, Doughboys, and Espresso Pizza. Out of the candidates in this heated pizza competition, one location stands out as supreme, and ironically enough, it’s not Pizza King. The best discount is offered by Brotherz Pizza, which will give 20% off to all students, staff, and alumni who order. Many of the other pizzerias offer similar discounts, however they do not apply to delivery.

If you’re in more of a mood for Chinese, Gold Bowl offers a 10% discount for pickup or dine-in orders for students or staff. The Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street not only accepts Fitchburg Gold, but will discount 5% off your order or give you a free donut. If Dunkin’ isn’t your thing, Strong Style Coffee offers a 15% off discount for students.

It’s important to balance work and fun in college, and the entertainment discounts offered will certainly help with that. Cinemaworld offers both discounts and surprising value that aren’t typically offered by theatres anymore. Students save $1.00 on admission, which brings the price down to $8.00. This discount is valid every day of the week except Tuesdays, where admission is $6.00 for all shows. If you can catch the matinee screenings before 5p.m. each day, tickets are only $6.50. For the value offered, Cinemaworld stands out as the best cinema value offered in the area.

Nothing beats free, and there are two locations that are worth your time and offer free student admissions. For any students looking for something active, the ice rink at the Wallace Civic Center offers free public skating to students. If you don’t have your own pair of ice skates, rentals are available for $5. On the other hand, if you aren’t so much of a fan of the ice, the Fitchburg Art Museum is completely free to experience for Fitchburg State students. With a rich history, and frequently rotating exhibits, FAM is definitely worth the trip for students with an eye for the arts.

In need of a fresh cut while away at college? The Alexander Academy School of Barbering and Cosmetology offers free men’s haircuts and half priced women’s haircuts to Fitchburg State students. If you don’t want to take the risk of going to a barber school for a haircut, both Great Clips locations in Leominster offer $9.99 haircuts for students, and Joey’s Barber Stylists offers a 20% discount on any haircut. If you still want to change up your style, Forever Bold Tattoo Company offers 15% off all tattoos and 10% of all piercings for students, staff, and alumni. 

For those in need of transportation, students can ride the MART bus system throughout Fitchburg and Leominster for free. One issue on campus that is seemingly never improved is parking for commuters. For commuters that may not worry about money, but are infuriated by the university’s parking nightmare, Blue Hill Limousine offers a 10% discount. Avoid the constant parking headache and arrive at campus in luxury. 

While FSU offers students a wide variety of discounts, there are also many offered outside of the university that can help students save. Student Beans provides students with discounts and deals from many partnered brands and services, all you have to do is sign up. Some examples of big name brands that offer discounts through Student Beans include Crocs, Forever 21, Reebok, Foot Locker, Keen, Redbubble, Samsung, and HyperX. Discounts often cycle in and out of the service as well, so it’s worth checking out Student Beans before you make a purchase.

College isn’t easy, and the costs associated with it can build up stress and anxiety. However, with the comprehensive discounts offered to students from both the university and outside services, it is always worth researching student discounts before making a purchase. Next time you order a pizza or get a new haircut, don’t forget to bring your OneCard!