Living on the Cheap

As often as students rifle through their handbags and wallets to search for their favorite form of plastic payment, they almost never use one of their most valuable cards - their student identification.

That small blue plastic card can open doors to little-known discounts across Western New York, which could make the difference between a skirt instead of Steve and Barry's sweats or a date at a restaurant instead of Hubie's.

Tony Scioli, owner of My Tomato Pie, an Italian restaurant on Sheridan Drive, offers a 15 percent discount with student ID.

"We try to be different, and entice the students to come off campus," Scioli said.

My Tomato Pie offers a large selection of Italian cuisine from pasta dishes to fresh personal pizzas.

According to senior computer science major Brian Alessi, the cost of food on campus makes it worth seeking student discounts when heading off campus to eat.

"I would be much more inclined to go to a restaurant that offers a student discount, rather than a restaurant that doesn't," said Alessi.

For city slickers, India Gate, a popular Indian restaurant on Elmwood Avenue near Buffalo State College, also offers a student discount.

Aside from getting food, students may also use their ID cards to do other things, such as exercise.

While the Alumni Arena fitness room remains a popular destination for folks looking to buff up, many students find it crowded during peak hours and inferior to off-campus gyms.

"Sometimes it is pain because of the time it takes to get a complete work out (at Alumni)," said Adam Zelasko, a junior music theater major who frequents the facility. "The only thing with gym memberships is that they are really expensive."

Though no gym can beat Alumni Arena's free membership for students - some can cost up to $650 per year - student discounts at gyms such at Gold's Gym can make it a viable option for some.

Gold's Gym offers $100 off its regular membership cost for students, which leaves the price at about $34.99 per month, about 20 percent off the regular price. In return, students get for the convenience of having a gym with lots of equipment, plenty of space, and longer hours.

"We give the discount for students because they are very good customers and we have a great area to draw from," said J.D. Yetman, location manager for Gold's Gym. "We are the most convenient location for most students around Buffalo who at this time are trying to get in shape for their spring break trips."

"I would definitely look into signing up for a membership that is not so expensive, even if Alumni is free," said Zelasko.

Many local retailers offer student discounts as well.

Several students said they were aware of the 15 percent discount at Sneaker Advantage, located at Main Street near North Forest Road in Williamsville.

"The only time I use my student ID for a discount is at Sneaker Advantage," said Brooke Lipstein, a freshman communication major.

However, discounts can also be found at trendy shops on Buffalo's West Side, including several clothing stores along Buffalo's Elmwood Strip.

Sophomore communication major Roshene Kemp frequents Damsel in a Dress, a woman's clothing and accessory boutique at 830 Elmwood Ave. She says the store, located near the corner of Lancaster Avenue, rivals many in New York City.

Kim Mathis, the store's owner, recently began offering a 10 percent discount to students.

"I need to increase the exposure of college students in my store," said Mathis. "I know I have the merchandise they need for formals and other events - it's just getting the young women to come into the store now, and have them realize that the styles I offer are not that pricey."

Mathis just opened her store in 2003, and it features many fashions that have appeared in magazines like Lucky and In Style.

Six blocks away at 582 Elmwood Ave., NYLA, a store that offers mostly club fashion, offers a 15 percent discount to students. Further down the street at 168 Elmwood Ave., tattoo parlor CowPok offers $5 off any piercing for students.

"I offer the discount because it helps the students out. Most don't have a lot of money," said Keith Krollman, CowPok owner.

Sometimes businesses do not promote these discounts well, according to senior business major Mike Huber. Some students have been given discounts at stores without knowing they existed - such as at The Men's Wearhouse inside the Boulevard Mall, which offers a 10 percent discount.

"I was unaware that Men's Warehouse offered a discount," Huber said. "I simply just mentioned I was student and received it."