Top 10 student discounts in Philadelphia

By Jen McShane
Collegian Staff
November 8, 2006

Another weekend at La Salle features many students trying to find new and innovative activities to do. There are only so many times one can go down to South Street or head to the numerous malls around the city. Now that autumn is here and the trees are changing color, what could be better then exploring the vast, exciting city of Philadelphia?

While there is a lot for the average college student to do around the city, the main complaint among college students is that they do not have the funds to constantly go hopping around the city. And let’s face it: many of us do not have much money left after buying books, dinner and school supplies. So what can be done?

Fear not, college students, there are many places around the city that offer discounts to help us out. The main thing that these various establishments require is a student ID from the current school year. Here are the top 10 places around the city that offer discounts to students:

10. The Mutter Museum—If you are interested in extremely odd objects in jars, such as human bones, severed limbs and pickled organs, then the Mutter Museum is the place for you. The museum is open every day until 4 p.m. The admission for students is $5 with a student ID.

9. The Opera Company of Philadelphia—If you are a fan of Phantom of the Opera or various other operas, then check out the Opera Company of Philadelphia at the Academy of Music. While you may not be able to catch Phantom, you might be able to see a Broadway version of Cinderella. The opera company offers student discounts for $15 or $25 (depending on seating) to students with a valid ID.

8. Academy of Music—Another great musical aspect of Philly is the Academy of Music and its various performances. The Academy of Music offers half price and $5 amphitheatre tickets to students two hours before a show starts. A student ID must be provided.

7. The Wilma Theater—The Wilma Theater on Broad and Bruce Streets is the place to go if you want to see a free show. Yes, free. However, to get to see a free show, the student must work as an usher and help seat the paying guests before settling in to watch the evening’s show.

6. The Kimmel Center—The Kimmel Center has many must-see performances, including acts like Yanni and the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The Kimmel Center, through Ticket Philadelphia, offers a 10 percent discount on all advance ticket sales to students with ID. The number for Ticket Philadelphia is 215-893-1999.

5. The Philadelphia Theatre Company—To see or not to see is the question to ask at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. The theater company offers student-only matinees (includes high schools), where the tickets to all shows are just $15. Student ID must be shown.

4. Rapunzel’s Salon—For those students who need a “mental health day,” Rapunzel’s Salon on North Broad Street is the place. It offers makeup application, massages, facials and hair cuts. During November, Rapunzel’s is offering a 15 percent discount to all students with a student ID. So grab a massage to help relax before the holiday season and the stress of finals.

3. House of Tandoor and the New Delhi—Now, if you are the type of student who enjoys Philadelphia cuisine, then two restaurants on Chestnut Street might be dinner spots in your travels. The House of Tandoor is an Indian restaurant, and the New Delhi is well known for its veggies. Both restaurants offer a 15 percent discount to all students with an ID.

2. Walnut Street Theater—The Walnut Street Theater, located at 825 Walnut St., is the “oldest continuously running” theater in the United States. It offers the best available seats to anyone under the age of 24 on days of the shows. Driver’s licenses or state IDs are needed to get the discount.

1. Philadelphia Art Museum—It’s one of Philly’s best-known sites, close to scenic Boathouse Row, and it’s where Rocky trained for the big fight. Yes, the Philadelphia Art Museum is one of the top places for college students to go to relax and enjoy color. The Art Museum is located at 26th Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway. With IDs, students can get in for $5, and admission is free on Sundays until 1 p.m.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu