Membership has its privileges

When you’re spending all your cash on tuition and textbooks, there’s not much left for the finer things in life—like food, shelter and iTunes. That’s why your student ID card is crucial. That little piece of plastic with the unflattering mug shot is your pass to half-price theater tickets, discount hotel rooms, free apps and more.

As former SN&R intern Katie Hanzlik told us, “Even a year after graduating, if I can get away with a student discount, I’ll take it! The most devastating moment of the past year was probably losing my UC [Santa Barbara] ID card when I was in New York. That may only kind of be an exaggeration.”

Revel in your student status, and enjoy the savings while you can. Here are some of the best perks in town:

Technological marvels

The Apple Store offers one of the most generous student-discount policies in the country. Students who purchase qualifying Mac computers between now and September 20 will receive a significant discount, plus $100 to spend in the App Store or on iTunes. You can also save hundreds of dollars on select software packages. Visit http://store.apple.com/us or talk with the geniuses at the Apple Store in Arden Fair mall for details.

If you’re a PC user, Microsoft is offering students a free Xbox 360 4GB with the purchase of a qualifying computer this fall. Visit www.microsoftstore.com for more information.

Cinematic delights

Support your local independent movie theaters while they support you! Indie movie houses usually have more fascinating films than the cineplexes, and, unlike the chains, they show love to locals. Students get a dollar off movie tickets at the swank art deco Varsity Theatre, located at 616 Second Street in Davis. Save $3 per ticket at the Tower Theater, easily spotted under the glowing neon tower on the corner of 16th Street and Broadway. Students save $3.50 on movie tickets (and sometimes more on special events) at the gorgeous Crest Theatre. Just look for the radiant marquee at 1013 K Street. While you’re there, enjoy organic popcorn with real butter!

Mondavi magic

UC Davis students receive a 50 percent discount on any show at the Mondavi Center, any time. Visit www.mondaviarts.org for this year’s lineup of artists and speakers.

Museum excursions

Students save $1.50 on admission to the California Museum, located at 1020 O Street, and $2 off at the Crocker Art Museum, located at 216 O Street. The Crocker’s Thursdays ’Til 9 series offers film screenings, live bands and interactive art activities in addition to the museum’s regular exhibitions. Go grab some culture!

Theater on a shoestring

The Sacramento Theatre Company offers excellent student discounts—sometimes more than half off the regular ticket price. Visit www.sactheatre.org for rates and upcoming performances. In the summers, students receive $3 off tickets to the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival held outdoors in William Land Park. It’s a great way to keep up your literary education over vacation.

Spontaneous opera

The Sacramento Opera has a unique deal for students. If you bring your student ID card to the Sacramento Community Center Theater box office one hour before curtain time, you can get two tickets to that night’s show for $13 each. Availability is limited, so make sure to be first in line. Visit www.sacopera.org for details.

Discount travel

Student Advantage cards offer discounts for travel on Amtrak and Greyhound, flights booked via Orbitz or CheapTickets, and 15 percent off stays at participating hotel chains. The cards are available at $20 for one year (or $50 for four years) at www.studentadvantage.com.

More, more, more

Many local restaurants and shops have special deals with individual schools. Check your college’s website for a list of places you could be saving. UC Davis students should also consult the “discounts and freebies” section on Davis Wiki. A penny saved is a penny down on that spring-break vacation!