University of Arizona Student Perks, Discounts, and Free Items

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Perks, discounts, and freebies – Wildcat style

At the University of Arizona, your CatCard is basically a passport to perks – think free stuff, major discounts, and essential resources that support your success inside and outside the classroom.

From free software and streaming to groceries, hygiene supplies, and even professional clothing, Arizona students have access to a wide range of tools designed to make life easier and more affordable. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best student perks, discounts, and totally free resources available right now.

Academic Perks That Pay Off

Pay-One-Price Textbooks

Textbook shopping stress? Solved. Through the Pay-One-Price textbook program, students pay a flat rate each semester to access all required digital textbooks and course materials through D2L. That means no more scrambling for last-minute book orders or paying hundreds out-of-pocket for access codes. You can even choose to opt out if it’s not right for you – but for most students, it’s a major convenience (and a serious money-saver).

Borrow Tech from the Library

Need a graphing calculator for calculus? Want to try out a DSLR camera for your digital storytelling class? The University Libraries have you covered. Students can borrow laptops, tablets, chargers, cameras, microphones, and other equipment – free of charge. Some gear can be checked out for a few hours, others for up to an entire semester. Whether you're recording a podcast or just forgot your charger at home, this resource is a total game-changer.

Free & Discounted News Subscriptions

Stay in the loop without emptying your wallet. University of Arizona students get free digital access to The New York Times – just register with your university email and you’re good to go. Bonus: you can even track your NYT Games stats (Wordle warriors, we see you).

For more variety, The Washington Post offers a student subscription for $1 every four weeks, and The Wall Street Journal offers its own discounted student rate. Whether you're scrolling headlines between classes or reading longform investigative pieces, these deals help keep you informed on a student budget.

Adobe & Microsoft 365 – Free for Students

Design, write, organize – all for free. As a Wildcat, you get full access to Adobe Creative Cloud at no cost, including industry-standard programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and more. It’s ideal for creative projects, portfolios, and class assignments.

You also receive Microsoft 365 for free, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive cloud storage – everything you need for writing papers, building presentations, collaborating with classmates, and keeping your digital life in order.

Apple Education Pricing

Thinking about upgrading your tech? Students can save up to $200 and get free AirPods through Apple’s Back to School Sale at the Campus Store. If you’re shopping online, similar deals are available through the Apple Education Store – just log in with your student email.

Fun, Music & Entertainment Discounts

Spotify Student Premium + Hulu

Yep, this one’s real. Spotify Premium for Students includes Hulu (ad-supported) for $5.99/month after a free trial. You’ll get ad-free playlists, shows, and movies all in one place, perfect for powering study sessions or taking a well-earned break. The deal lasts 12 months and can be renewed annually for up to four years while you’re in school.

HBO Max Student Discount

Avoid spoilers and dive into award-winning shows, buzzy releases, and cult classics with HBO Max’s student plan. It’s $4.99/month for the ad-supported version – nearly 70% off the regular price. Just verify your student status and start watching.

Peacock

Whether you're into live sports, crime docs, or reality TV, Peacock has something for you. With the student deal, it’s just $2.99/month for 12 months, giving you access to next-day episodes of NBC shows, The Office reruns, and more.

Apple Music & Apple TV+

Music for deep focus, shows for downtime – Apple’s student bundle has both. You get one month free, then pay just $5.99/month for Apple Music and Apple TV+ combined. With more than 100 million songs and exclusive original shows, it’s a solid deal for entertainment on the go.

Paramount+

Stream everything from Survivor and RuPaul’s Drag Race to NFL games and big-name movies – all at 50% off. Students can save on either the Essential (with ads) or Premium (mostly ad-free) Paramount+ plan. Sign up, verify your status, and get bingeing.

Movie Theaters & UA Museums

Your CatCard gets you into more than just campus buildings. Cinemark theaters (like Park Place, Tucson Marketplace, and El Con) offer student discounts when you show your ID. Prefer indie films? The Loft Cinema has $8.50 student tickets and a $60 student membership that includes free tickets, discounted snacks, and special event access.

More of a live performance fan? The Gaslight Theater offers discounted tickets, and you can get 10% off single tickets for select Broadway in Tucson shows. If museums are more your speed, your CatCard unlocks free or reduced admission to the UA Museum of Art, the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, and other local spots.

Must-Have Discounts for Everyday Life

Student Beans, UNiDAYS & More

Your student email is a golden ticket. With free platforms like Student Beans and UNiDAYS, you can access student-only discounts on clothes, food delivery, beauty products, travel, and tech. Brands like Nike, DoorDash, and ASOS often show up with solid deals – all you have to do is verify your student status.

Pro tip: always check for student discounts before checking out online. You never know where your .edu address might save you a few bucks.

Amazon Student

Need something ASAP? Amazon Prime Student gives you a six-month free trial of Prime, then a discounted membership afterward. You’ll get free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, exclusive student deals, and more. It’s extra handy during finals, move-in week, and honestly… most of the time.

Local Discounts

Your CatCard’s got pull around Tucson. On-campus, it unlocks free bike rentals (Cat Wheels) and CatTran shuttles, while off-campus you’ll find even more perks:

• Fry’s at 555 E. Grant Road: 10% off groceries on Tuesdays

• Safeway at 1940 E Broadway Blvd: 5% off groceries on Tuesdays

• Goodwill on Fourth Avenue: 20% off daily

• Amy’s Donuts at 101 E. Fort Lowell Road: 10% off your order

• Every little bit adds up – and your CatCard helps you save from campus to curb.

Wellness, Comfort & Care

Campus Pantry

Need groceries? No questions asked. The Campus Pantry helps fight food insecurity by offering free nutritious groceries to all students. Bring your CatCard and a reusable bag, grab what you need, and go. Distributions happen each week in the Student Union Memorial Center and the Health Sciences Library.

Campus Closet

Whether you’re prepping for a job interview, a class presentation, or a career fair, Campus Closet has your back with free professional clothing. Students can use allotted shopping points to browse and take home gently used business attire – all at no cost. Confidence really is a great accessory.

Feminist Pharmacy + Hygiene Supplies

Run by the Women and Gender Resource Center, the Feminist Pharmacy provides students with free health and hygiene products like pregnancy tests, condoms, pads, liners, tampons, and more. It’s discreet, inclusive, and easy to access.

And don’t forget: Campus Health also stocks free safer sex supplies, available for pickup at Free Condom Friday every Friday from noon to 2pm starting August 29, 2025 until March 11, 2026. 

Basic Needs Coalition

The Basic Needs Coalition is your one-stop-shop for support. Whether you’re facing food or housing insecurity, need help applying for public assistance, or just don’t know where to turn, the team can connect you with the right resources – including Campus Pantry, Campus Closet, emergency funding, and more.

Apps, Tools & Academic Support

The Student Success & Retention Innovation (SSRI) team curates a wide range of tools and services to help Wildcats thrive in and out of the classroom. Their Apps & Tools page is a goldmine for staying organized, managing deadlines, and improving study habits.

Organization & Productivity Tools

Make college life a bit smoother with digital tools like Google Calendar, Google Drive, and MyLifeOrganized. For research and writing, try Mendeley (for citations), EasyBib (for bibliographies), and Grammarly (for editing). You can also use MindMeister for mind maps, Lucidchart for diagrams, or CliffsNotes for quick lit recaps.

CatCloud & Trellis Progress

CatCloud is your academic dashboard, with calendars, assignments, appointments, and updates all in one place. Trellis Progress keeps you looped in if an instructor sends feedback about your performance – and shares it with your advisor so you can get help early if needed.

Tutoring, Coaching & Support Services

Need some extra help? The THINK TANK offers free tutoring, test prep, study skills workshops, and writing support. If you’re looking for encouragement and personalized guidance, the Thrive Center connects you with peer mentors, success coaches, and resources for first-gen and transfer students. These services are also great if you're adjusting to college-level academics or managing learning challenges.

Whether you're a planner, a visual learner, or just trying to pass your next exam, these tools are designed to help.

Make the Most of It, Wildcats

You’re working hard to earn your degree – don’t forget to use the support systems around you. Whether you need groceries, tech, study help, or a solid playlist, your student status gives you access to a wide range of helpful (and often free) resources.