Many universities have benefits of being a student that go beyond what you are learning and the degree you are pursuing. The benefits might be access to insurance at reduced rates, discounts on sporting event tickets or even discounts to retailers.

If you are enrolled in graduate school, or even if you already have graduated, check with the school to find out if there are any benefits or perks available to you as a current or past student. You may find out that you can get a discount on your cell phone plan. You might be able to get a special group rate on your car or homeowner’s insurance. If you are a current student, you are likely eligible for affordable health insurance.

In many communities you can use your graduate student ID to receive discounts at local merchants, both on and off campus. You may also qualify for very affordable housing on campus, particularly if you are a Graduate Assistant. Many graduate schools also have legal aid available to their students and sometimes even graduates. Another perk at some schools is discounted tickets to sporting events. Sometimes the allure isn’t even the discount…it’s just being able to get tickets. Thanks to my alma mater I am able to get Red Sox tickets each year. Those of you from New England may know that getting your hands on Red Sox tickets is not an easy thing to do, so this is a great benefit for fans.

Some other common perks are discounted movie tickets, museum passes and ski lift tickets (if you have ski resorts in your school’s area). Many schools also offer a program where you can get discounted passes for public transportation. You may also have access to free or very inexpensive career workshops. If your school has a gym you will likely receive either free or a greatly discounted rate on gym use.

Check with your school or alma mater to see what discounts, services and special access is available to you. A few minutes of your time could save you money and get you access to fun things to do with your time when you’re not studying.