Being a student is expensive. Between groceries, transit, clothing, and entertainment, the costs add quickly. This term, I realized just how much money I’ve saved thanks to services and discounts offered through the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA). From affordable food to discounted transit and exclusive deals, WUSA makes student life more affordable in ways I didn’t even fully appreciate before. 

Everyday Discounts

One of the easiest ways to save is through the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association’s deals page (wusa.ca/deals), which offers exclusive discounts on everyday services and major brands. 

For example, students can save on travel with partners like Flight Hub and VIA Rail, making trips home or weekend getaways more affordable. There are also discounts through SPC, FREE subscriptions like The New York Times, and student banking perks through CIBC. 

You can also get discounted movie tickets for the Princess Cinemas through the Turnkey Desk. 

These are savings that go beyond campus, whether it’s booking a train home or getting student pricing on everyday purchases. 

Affordable Food & Essentials on Campus

WUSA’s commercial services keep food affordable on campus, with student‑friendly pricing at spots like Chaska, Flock Stop, Wok Stop, Smarty Pants, and The Bomber. Students can also find rotating deals and exclusive offers on the WUSA Member Portal throughout the term, making it even easier to save. 

Another major highlight is the SLC Fruit & Veggie Market, which runs every Wednesday. The market offers affordable fresh produce to students, including a $10 bag of assorted fruits and vegetables, making healthy eating more accessible while helping lower weekly grocery costs. When grocery prices are high everywhere else, having a lower-cost option on campus makes a huge difference. 

Saving on Transit

The GRT U–Pass is one of the biggest ways WUSA saves students money. 

The U–Pass gives students unlimited access to Grand River Transit buses and the ION light rail for the entire term. Instead of paying monthly transit passes or individual fares, students get unlimited travel included in their student fees, saving hundreds of dollars over the term compared to regular transit costs. 

This makes commuting, grocery shopping, and exploring the region far more affordable and accessible. 

Sustainable & Affordable Fashion at WUSA Thrift

Clothing can be surprisingly expensive but WUSA Thrift makes it easy to save. 

At WUSA Thrift, most items cost $10 or less, making it an extremely affordable way to buy clothes.  Not only does this help students save money, but it also promotes sustainability by giving clothing a second life. 

Whether you need winter clothes or something new for an event, WUSA Thrift offers budget-friendly options. 

Saving on Bike Repairs at the Bike Centre

For students who bike, the WUSA Bike Centre helps cut transportation and maintenance costs. 

The Bike Centre provides affordable repairs, tools, and support so students can fix and maintain their bikes without paying expensive repair shop prices.  

This makes biking one of the most affordable transportation options on campus. 

Stay Updated on All Things Savings

One of the easiest ways to discover new discounts is by following @savewithwusa on Instagram. 

They regularly share: 

• New student discounts 
• Limited-time deals 
• Campus promotions 
• Money-saving opportunities 

This makes it easy to stay informed and maximize your savings. 

Before this term, I didn’t realize just how much I relied on WUSA to make student life affordable. 

From saving hundreds of transit to affordable groceries, clothing, and exclusive discounts, WUSA plays a huge role in reducing the financial burden of being a student. These savings aren’t just small perks they make a real difference. 

And honestly, this term made me realize: WUSA didn’t just support my student experience it helped me afford it. 

Maliha Karim 

Communications Assistant