As college students, we are all on a budget of some kind. We want a dollar to stretch as far as possible when it comes to shopping and eating downtown. Many places offer discount days or feature sales and some shops offer a student discount. Some, accept reward cards like the Belly card and Pocket Points too. When looking for the best bang for your buck here are a few places to keep in mind.

Carnaby Street Style offers discount days at prime times during the semester. Like them on Facebook to get updates about when these sales happen. Owner, Emma Kennell talked about the one it hosted right before spring break.

“We advertise these days on social media and on campus,” said Kennell. “We are hosting the next one probably right before finals.”

Gracy Lane is another store downtown that offers sales throughout the semester. They host special sales on brands such as Brighton, Alex and Ani and Vera Bradley. Jordan Finn, sales associate and nutrition major talked about the awesome deals on Vera Bradley accessories.

“They will retire about three patterns at a time and those will go 50% off,” said Finn. “Some weekends, you can get an additional 25% off of the 50%.”

The Belly Card is another great way to rack up savings. It is the blue card with the dog on the front that appears in a variety of downtown Kent shops. Check in with your card every time you shop or eat somewhere that offers it and collect points that turn into free things. Look for it at Fresco, Grazers and Twisted Meltz. Emmalee Ducoeur, a junior communications major uses hers and pocket points all around downtown.

“I love getting rewards for doing virtually nothing!” said Ducoeur. “In the end it pays to scan your card or stay off your phone for a while.”

Many stores offer coupons in places such as the “What’s Up?” calendar students receive in their dorm rooms and postcards mailed out. Campus Book and Supply offer coupons in there for everything from books to apparel items. It also offers brand name Kent State gear at a reduced price. Get on their email list to receive updates about when sales happen or new inventory comes in.

If you head into FedEx, All Media Art Supply and Valvoline Oil and show you FlashCard, they will knock anywhere from 10-15% off your bill, just for being a student.

Shopping local is a big trend this year and something very doable on a budget, you just have to keep your eyes peeled for the deals.