The best college discounts for students on a budget in Boston

Watching a home game at Fenway Park is basically a Boston rite of passage, and the Red Sox make it possible for college kids to take part in this otherwise expensive experience. Through the team’s #Student9s program, fans enrolled at school can purchase $9 Sox tickets. They have to register online beforehand (providing proof of their school and graduation year are mandatory) to become eligible for this deal. Keep in mind that these standing room-only tickets are limited for each game and that valid student IDs are mandatory for entry into the ballpark.

With almost 500,000 works of art, The Museum of Fine Arts (aka MFA) is both a world-renowned institution and one of the best cultural destinations that can be found around Boston. Recognizing that art is a crucial component of an enriched education, this establishment offers free admission to people attending schools within its University Membership Program. In addition to being able to admire the MFA’s usual collection without charge, students from participating colleges are able to purchase exhibition tickets for just $7.

Students can experience the celebrated Boston Symphony Orchestra on a regular basis—and for a bargain—thanks to its BSO High School and College Card programs. Student cards cost $15 for high schoolers and $30 for college kids, allowing them to attend concerts at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood at no additional charge. While most shows are available for cardholders, be aware that there are exceptions, with certain blackout dates throughout the season.

Situated directly on the Seaport waterfront, the Institute of Contemporary Art is worth a visit for its breathtaking harbor vistas alone. The ICA spotlights some of the most remarkable works of our time with an ever-changing wave of exhibitions and artistic programming. Students enrolled in schools within the nonprofit institution’s University Membership Program can reserve free tickets online and present their student IDs to enter the museum without charge.

Looking for a bougie night out on a college budget? The Boston Ballet offers full-time university students the opportunity to purchase rush tickets for $30 when shows are not sold out. There are several stipulations for snagging these discounted seats: They are sold on a first-come, first-served basis; they are available at the Citizen Bank Opera House starting two hours prior to a performance and must be paid for in cash only; a valid student ID is required for buying them and only one rush ticket is allowed per ID and person. It’s also important to note that this offer isn’t available for all Boston Ballet performances—specifically, you won’t find them for the company’s pillar shows like The Nutcracker or Swan Lake.

See the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for a fraction of normal admission prices (if not for free), regardless of the school you attend. The beloved Boston institution is known for its stunning architecture (it was inspired by a Venetian palace), serene courtyard garden and impressive, permanent collection of works—not to mention the infamous, unsolved heist that left the Gardner without 13 pieces of priceless art. Anyone with a valid college ID can get a $7 discount on tickets, while folks studying at select universities can enter without charge.

ArtsEmerson’s student deals are honestly a tough act to follow. Full-time high school and college students can see live theater shows—whether they be at the Emerson Paramount Center, the Emerson Cutler Majestic or virtual—for a steep discount with a couple of different options. For $10 a piece, people can purchase available student rush tickets at the box office on the day of a production—or they can splurge and snag advanced tickets for $20 each. Just be aware that there’s a limit of 2 tickets per person at these prices, and a valid and current student ID must be provided.