The perks of being an NYU student

Pilar Melendez, Contributing Writer

That little purple NYUCard has a massive annual price tag — any of its redeeming financial benefits should be public information. While free condoms in dorm buildings and free transportation courtesy of Safe Ride have become common knowledge, students are also granted benefits like discounted movie tickets or free pregnancy tests.

To save time and money, here are five benefits to being an NYU student that not everyone knows about.

1. Free museums

Students have access to free admission to 12 museums across New York City. Notable ones include the Museum of Modern Art, the New Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Frick Collection. Looking for an interesting exhibition at these participating museums? Log onto the Museum Gateway page on NYU’s official homepage for a list of the best exhibits and shows for that specific month.

2. Free pregnancy tests, HIV and affordable STI testing

While it is known that NYU provides confidential exams and treatments for all enrolled students, free pregnancy tests are also offered at the Student Health Center. This benefit also covers HIV Rapid tests, pap smears and STI exams. To make an appointment for an HIV Rapid Test or women’s health test, log onto the NYU Student Health Center and click the link to select a time online or call during regular business hours.

3. Hotel, car and Amtrak discounts

All students are eligible for up to a 20 percent discount with Amtrak, participating hotels in New York City and Washington, D.C., and car rentals at Avis Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-a-Car with proof of university enrollment. To receive all these discounts, click “Book” on the main page of NYU Traveler. Reservations made through NYU Traveler will ensure the discount, though the percentage is determined by the city and time
of booking.

4. Student discounts from various retailers

Most food establishments like Space Market and Bare Burger around Washington Square Park make their discounts or acceptance of NYU Campus Cash known, but flashing your ID at Topshop, J.Crew and Club Monaco can save you at least 15 percent as well. The discount is not limited to food and clothes. A student ID card can get you discounts almost everywhere, including Sprint, The New York Times and Amazon.

5. Ticket Central

Look to Ticket Central specials to find deals on Broadway, sports and movies. In order to buy these discounted tickets, students can go to Skirball or Kimmel Center for University Life in person or order them online. While the availability is limited for these reduced tickets, $32 for “Into the Woods” and $27 for a Brooklyn Nets game are worth the attempt.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Feb. 23 print edition. Email Pilar Melendez at [email protected].