Top 5: Students can save on transportation, food, entertainment in LA County

By Jessie Recendez, Nov. 12, 2024

While many Cal Poly Pomona students juggle several on- and off-campus jobs to cover university and life expenses, there is a variety of discounts that can help them save money in Los Angeles County. Here are five useful discounts students can take advantage of when presenting their Bronco ID cards. 

1. Transportation discounts
The Metrolink Student Adventure Pass is free for students until June 30, 2025. Students can use the pass to ride the Metrolink San Bernardino line to the Pomona-North station and then catch the free Bronco Express Shuttle to get to campus. This pass makes it easier for students to get to the Ontario International Airport, Burbank Airport or ride a train to the Los Angeles Union Station, where they can catch the metro buses to explore the city. 

“I also use the Foothill Transit and Metro discounts, usually to go to downtown LA,” said Nathan Brown, a computer science major. “The bus and light rail passes make it really easy to go to downtown LA, and it’s the same amount of time as driving without having to worry about parking.”

Photo courtesy of metrolinktrains.com

2. Dining discounts
Students can access discounts on food delivery services like Uber Eats and Grubhub by verifying their student status with their Bronco ID. By signing up for programs like Uber One for Students, they can enjoy benefits such as $0 delivery fees and up to 10% off eligible orders, though a monthly fee of $4.99 or annual $48 still applies. Similarly, Grubhub offers exclusive deals for students, but they should be aware of potential service fees on their orders, which can vary based on the restaurant and location.

3. Retail discounts

Many retail stores offer discounts to students who show their Bronco student ID. Students can often receive a discount of 10-20% on purchase. It’s a great way to save on clothes, accessories and more. Students can enjoy exclusive discounts from major retailers like Amazon, Nike and Adidas.

Amazon offers a reduced Prime membership rate of $7.49 per month or $69 per year for students, providing benefits such as free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video and exclusive deals. Nike provides a 10% discount for students who verify their status with a valid student ID, applicable to a wide range of footwear and apparel available on its website or in stores

Similarly, Adidas offers a 15% discount to students who verify their status through tits Student Discount program.

4. Music and museum discounts
Bronco student IDs are useful for scoring some concert and museum discounts. The LA Phil accommodates the student budget by offering $10-$20 tickets for the LA Phil-presented concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford. Students who visit The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) can save $9 on the entrance fee if they reside in LA County, and those who reside outside of LA County will save $4 with a student ID. The Bronco ID also saves students $6 for the Grammy Museum —  students who would like to visit this museum will pay $12.   

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens offer a daily discount for students of $24.    

Evan Romero, CPP student majoring in apparel merchandising and management, said he recommends the Huntington Library annual membership that is heavily discounted to $36.   

“Typically, it costs upwards of $175 for a year for non-students,” Romero said. “It’s a really cool place to explore rare art and botanical gardens. You can go as many times as you want within that year. If you don’t use the student card, they also offer a student price for one-day admission at $24, but why not just buy the membership?”

Outside the BRIC facility where students can take classes at no additional costs. Photo courtesy of CPP.edu

5. Fitness and recreation discounts
CPP’s Bronco Recreational and Intramural Complex, whose services are already included in students’ annual fees, offers classes and facilities students can use at no additional cost. For those who don’t have time to hang out on campus after classes, many gyms and recreational facilities in LA County offer student discounts. Additionally, local parks and recreation centers may offer discounted rates for activities and classes when you show your Bronco student ID.

“I love hanging out at Cal Poly Pomona,” said Jason Polanco, a junior at CPP majoring in geography. “I love hanging out at the BRIC during my free time. It is not a place just to unwind; it’s free access to a great workout and the perfect way to stay active while connecting with friends.”

Feature image courtesy of Teresa Acosta

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