Free museum admission, discount computers and more available with ID.
By Katherine Garcia
kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu
A student ID isn’t just for reminding students what their banner number is. They also help students save money at various restaurants and stores.
For getting to and from school, students can head to the business office of Fletcher Administration Center for a free VIA bus pass for fall 2015.
Passes are good the day they are received until Jan. 31, said Destiny Martinez, a field representative for VIA.
The pass covers student fare for any bus and trolley in the city.
As of Sept. 1, free wireless Internet was available on all buses. To access this, users can connect to the VIAFreeWifi Network and read and agree to the terms of service.
But an Alamo Colleges ID does more than just get students on the bus.
Other perks include movie discounts with a student ID. Tickets at the Alamo Drafthouse drop from $10 to $7. This discount does not apply when ordering tickets online.
“I love the Drafthouse,” liberal arts sophomore Gilbert Votion said. “I go there all the time, so it would be even cooler to get a discount.”
Students looking for back-to-school gear can visit wwwssl.bestbuy.com/profile/a/emailsub/student and sign up for email coupons.
Students, faculty and staff can take advantage of Microsoft and Apple’s education discounts. Those looking for a Microsoft computer can go online to www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/edu and search for their school name to receive a 10 percent discount on all computers.
Those who prefer Apple can go online to the discount store at www.apple.com/shop/browse/campaigns/education_pricing and save up to $200 on new Mac computers and laptops and $20 on iPads.
Other discounts include free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay Art Museum and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Special exhibits or events may charge an extra fee.
“I’ll go to the museum a handful of times in two months,” said Sabrina Paredes, liberal arts freshman.
She said the discount inspired her to visit museums more often.
Spurs fans can get a seat in the upper level HEB Fan Zone for $5 or a lower-level seat for $40 with an Alamo Colleges ID. Tickets go on sale two hours before the game.
Students agree the discounts are helpful.
“It’s nifty,” history freshman Cameron McFly said of the discounts. It’s something to appreciate.”