Take advantage of the student discounts throughout Tampa

Be thrifty this semester just by showing your USF student ID. ORACLE GRAPHIC/COLE ABRUZZESE

It feels like everything is getting more expensive nowadays — and that’s not just an anecdote.

Food prices have risen a whopping 23.6% between 2020 and 2024, according to a 2025 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

At times, even coordinating a simple night out can feel like a nightmarish balancing act between collegiate and personal expenses.

Luckily, there are many Tampa and Temple Terrace-based businesses that understand this struggle — and will actually offer you discounts for being a USF student.

With prices on the rise, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of every discount you can find, especially when those discounts come complimentary with your college degree.

One of my personal favorites is Sun-Ray Cinema.

The indie theater is located at the University Mall, one of the stops for USF’s own Bull Runner bus system — which is itself another student freebie.

Movie tickets start at $8.75 for adults, but USF students can snag one for $6.

Additionally, the theater offers a “Tapped out Tuesday” event, where all tickets cost just $5.

I’ve been to Sun-Ray a few times, and the service has only continued to impress.

The seats are extremely comfortable, and the in-house restaurant offers a wide array of food, including hot dogs and pizza.

There are a lot of great movies coming out this semester, so if any pique your interest, I definitely recommend watching them at Sun-Ray.

If you’re in the mood for sandwiches, Jersey Mike’s Subs on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard has you covered.

The sandwich chain is offering any of its “regular subs” to USF students for a flat $7.99.

The chain’s most expensive sandwiches – such as the Cancro Special – cost upwards of $11.65, making this an over 30% off discount.

Hudson Pawluk, a sophomore finance major, said he’s been to Jersey Mike’s many times.

Pawluk said his favorite of the chain’s sandwiches is “easily” The Original Italian – a cold sub containing provolone cheese, ham, salami, cappacuolo and pepperoni – made “Mike’s Way.”

The “Mike’s Way” customization adds onion, lettuce, tomato, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend, oregano and salt.

I’ve also been to Jersey Mike’s many times, and The Original Italian happens to be one of my favorites as well.

But if this option doesn’t sound appetizing, don’t worry. Jersey Mike’s offers over two dozen types of sandwiches– including hot, cold, vegan and cheese steak options.

Chances are you’ll find something you love.

The Tampa Museum of Art is another must-stop destination for any USF student.

Adult tickets cost $25, but admission is free for college students.

Located in Downtown Tampa rather than Temple Terrace, the museum is a bit of a detour — but it’s still absolutely worth the trip.

I personally visited the museum during my first semester at USF and was blown away.

The pieces are stunning — my favorite being the awe-inspiring mural by self-taught Miami artist Purvis Young.

Current limited-time exhibitions include the works of Japanese ceramist Jun Kaneko, which runs through Aug. 23, and a photography collection from Tampa-based collector David Hall, which runs through Apr. 19.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events, so keep an eye out to see if any of those sound appealing.

Unfortunately, it would be impossible to list every business offering student discounts in a single article.

Thankfully, USF has you covered — the Student Government website contains a masterlist of student discounts throughout the Tampa, Temple Terrace, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee areas.

So, if none of the deals in this article appeal to you, consider checking the list out — you’ll be sure to find one that does.

Next time you go out, shop smart.

Take advantage of the benefits of being a USF student and support the businesses that support the Bulls.

Take advantage of the student discounts throughout Tampa

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