Save Like a Student,
Even if You Aren't One

Remember the days of college, when you got lots of benefits that non-students did not? You could probably use the gym for free, get free or low-cost medical services, and watch movies for very little. Nowadays, you can even get free Internet access in college. Those days may be gone for you, but the savings are not necessarily gone. Many institutions of higher learning offer lower-cost services to the public as part of their training and community service goals. Below are some examples of how non-students can grab some of the benefits of higher education.

Many people don't know that they can realize substantial savings on gym memberships by finding one at a college or university; and they don't always have to be students. Memberships can be as low as $60 for the semester and another $40 for the summer. Some activities, like pools and running tracks, may be restricted due to class use, but if you can find such a college in your area, consider using it.

Many sport clubs and classes are available to the public. When I was in college, I belonged to a karate club in which several of the members were not students. The costs may be higher if you are not a student, but they are likely to be cheaper than those offered by non-college sources.

You can often get great travel savings by booking through college travel agencies. You don't always need to be a student, either!

Technical students frequently need the help of the public in their hands-on training. There is only so much that plastic models can teach them. As part of their training, dental students will clean your teeth for a huge discount at certain times of the year. Their professors supervise and check them. Although these cleanings may take up to two hours, you are assured of a thorough job, as the student's grade may depend on it! In addition to cleanings, some places offer X-rays, bite guards and other dental necessities, all for vastly reduced prices.

If it's beauty you seek, you can get a really inexpensive haircut or other beauty treatment at a technical school. As with dental training, senior cosmetology students seek the public for low-cost or even free treatments. Instructors supervise their work. If the service is given to you for free, however, it is customary to leave a tip.

Do you want to eat four-star food in a college cafeteria? A technical college with a culinary program may be just your ticket. For a price of about $10 to $20, culinary students will prepare a multiple-course meal for you, including elegant appetizers, entrees, desserts and wine. They will usually provide this in a nicely decorated room set aside just for these meals. There will also be neatly folded cloth napkins and fine dinnerware. All of this gives them real-world restaurant experience with preparing and serving classy food.

Graduate students in psychology may offer very inexpensive therapy sessions to the public. For students who are studying to become therapists, this is a part of their training. They generally work along with professors or established therapists when they do this. If you live in a big college town, you may see ads for these services in community newspapers.

Childcare programs at technical colleges may offer free daycare. Of course, instructors supervise this care.

In some cases, you may have to pay a little more for various services if you are not a student, but you will still save.

You will get even greater savings if you sign up for a one-credit class at your local college or technical school. Weigh the price of it against the savings on services you will get as a student. You may come out ahead this way. Depending on the school you go to, you may qualify for a free bus pass, free Internet access from home, and free health services, including testing and doctor visits.

Call up your nearest college or technical school and ask what low-cost services it provides the public. Or check its website for this information.

Finally, if you graduated from a university or college, consider joining the alumni association. There will be a fee, but it may get you discounts on movies, travel, courses, and professional services, such as career placement assistance.

Mike Marcoe is a writer and editor from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He has written about personal finance and self-help, as well as fiction.

If you enjoyed this article you might also want to check out:

• Student Expenses
• Savings Ideas for Students
• Save Like a Student, Even if You Aren't One
• Cheap Student Entertainment

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