The start of the fall semester marks the return of college students—from local universities like Towson, Loyola, Johns Hopkins, Morgan State, and MICA—back to Charm City. And now that classes have started, it’s easy for undergrads to fall back into the monotony of the class-homework-sleep cycle.
But as a student, it’s also important to take advantage of your time in Baltimore and experience all that the city has to offer—and do it on the cheap. Don’t forget that the handy student ID in your wallet can save you money all around town. Use your student discount to check these local attractions, museums, department stores, and bars off of your Baltimore bucket list.
Get Busy
Orioles: Attending an Orioles game is a Baltimorean right of passage. There’s nothing like donning your orange gear, pre-gaming at one of Baltimore’s many sports bars, and then heading over to Camden Yards to watch the big game. And every Friday game, students in groups of 15 or more can purchase discounted Left Field Upper Reserve tickets for just $10. So grab a group of friends, make a plan, and get bird watching! 333 W Camden St., 888-848-BIRD
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Get your daily dose of culture at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, an internationally recognized music hall founded in 1916. The orchestra offers a special $35 student pass for access to unlimited concerts, admission to BSO College Nights, and insider access to all BSO events. Think of it as the perfect upgrade to date night. 1212 Cathedral St., 410-783-8000
The Senator Theatre: The Senator Theatre is one of Baltimore’s greatest treasures. The historic single-screen movie theater premiers new releases, shows artsy films, and features some of our favorite classic flicks. The restored theater displays the original terrazzo floors and still has massive gold curtains that dramatically reveal the screen before each showing. So skip the Friday night party and head over to Towson—student tickets are only $9. 5904 York Rd., 410-323-4424
Get Smart
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! See all of your favorite zoo animals at the Maryland Zoo as well as lesser-known critters like bald eagles, Anglo-Nubian goats, and Kunekune pigs. With 50 percent off ticket prices for students, a self-imposed field trip to the zoo is definitely the ideal place to waste an afternoon. One Safari Place, 410-396-7102
Maryland Historical Society: There’s no better way to get to know Baltimore than to visit to the Maryland Historical Society. Grab a $6 ticket and head to this Mt. Vernon museum, featuring collections with historical artifacts, portraits, pottery, and archaeological objects that represent virtually every aspect of Maryland history. Perfect for history buffs, this educational opportunity is way better than reading a textbook. 201 West Monument St., 410-685-3750
American Visionary Art Museum: The American Visionary Art Museum, located in Federal Hill, is hard to miss. The metallic exterior and bedazzled school bus sculpture parked out front welcome all Baltimore creatives. The museum houses unconventional work, and all of the pieces can be described as visions of spontaneous inspiration. Take advantage of the $6 student tickets, or for groups of 10 or more, try the $5 student package. 800 Key Highway, 410-244-1900
Edgar Allan Poe House: English majors, voracious readers, and aspiring poets: come one, come all to this historic Baltimore landmark. The little house was presumably built in 1830 and is famously the place where Edgar Allan Poe lived with his aunt (and he’s even buried around the corner at Old Westminster Hall). With $6 student tickets, this is a must-see for writerly students and macabre enthusiasts alike. 203 N. Amity St., 410-462-1763
Get Stylish
Madewell: This Inner Harbor style staple is a great place to kickstart your back-to-school wardrobe. With distressed jeans, relaxed tees, and comfy sweaters, Madewell has something for everyone (even men!). And since there’s a 15-percent off discount for students, there’s nothing to stop you from shopping-’til-you-drop. 811 Aliceanna St., 410-244-0378
Banana Republic: Grab this student discount coupon to get 15 percent off your entire purchase at Banana Republic. Whether you’re looking to revamp your business casual wardrobe for fall internships, prepare for job interviews, or stand out at the career fair, Banana Republic has all of the essentials to make you workforce ready. Multiple locations including 201 E. Pratt St., 410-244-1345
Topshop: Looking for a last-minute formal dress or a date-night ‘fit that’ll impress a new crush? Topshop has tons of flirty dresses, silky skirts, and casual tops at prices that won’t break the bank. The best part? Get 10 percent off your student purchase using this code. 700 Fairmount Ave., 410-296-2111
Goodwill Industries of Chesapeake: Goodwill is a great place to shop for theme parties, vintage looks, or to grab that must-have item that no one else can find. And with 30 percent off your purchase for students on Wednesdays, Baltimore Goodwill stores are becoming an essential part of Fall wardrobes. Multiple locations including 715 S Broadway, 410-327-2211
Get Drinking
iBar: This neighborhood hangout, located between Charles Village and Station North, serves up $1 Natty Bohs and Rolling Rocks for college students every Saturday night. Bring your friends, take advantage of the discount, and give thanks for freakin’ weekend. You can also grab a plate of Chef Jeffrey’s or “Cheffrey’s” famous Buffalo wings. 2118 Maryland Ave., 443-759-6147
Luckie’s Tavern: Located in Power Plant Live, Luckie’s Tavern caters to all kinds of rowdy crowds. And every Thursday night is college night, featuring $3 Miller Lite and Coors Light cans, $4 Smirnoff, Jack Daniels, and Captain Morgan cocktails, and $5 Miller and Coors tallboy cans. The patio bar is perfect for big groups, and the space has flat screen TVs to watch the birds play. 34 Market Place, 410-727-5483
HomeSlyce Pizza Bar: This newly-opened Homeslyce location is right next to Johns Hopkins’ Homewood campus. And the bar has everything a college student needs for a great night out. Pair your pitchers with late-night pizza, and use your student I.D. to get varying food and drink deals every Thursday-Sunday night. 3333 N Charles St., 443-315-4046