Things Canisius students should know

By: Madison Howard

Being a college student comes with plenty of expenses, but Canisius University offers programs and resources that can make everyday life a little easier. From free transportation to flexible dining funds, there are benefits available to students that can be easy to overlook.

One of the newest benefits is free, unlimited access to Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) buses and Metro Rail during the academic school year. Launched this fall as a pilot partnership between Canisius and the NFTA, the program allows students to tap their Canisius ID on NFTA fare readers when boarding. The pass covers all NFTA routes, including those reaching suburban destinations, Buffalo-Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls Airport. Students can use the program to get to work, appointments, events, hockey games at Harborcenter or simply explore Buffalo without paying for transportation. The program is available during the academic year and is inactive over summer break.

Transportation isn’t the only way students can save money. Griff Choice gives students another way to use their dining funds at the Golden Corner Store, Grubhub and Tops. Having access to off-campus options can be especially helpful when students need groceries or want something different from campus dining. Knowing where each type of dining fund can be used can also help students avoid spending their own money unnecessarily.

For commuter students, Canisius provides free lockers that can be reserved for the academic year. Located in the tunnel level of the Student Center, the lockers give students a place to leave belongings instead of carrying everything with them throughout the day. Students can reserve a locker through the Office of Event Services.

There are also smaller resources that can make a difference in everyday student life. Campus printers allow students to print, copy and scan without needing to purchase their own printer and supplies. The library provides research databases, technology and academic assistance while Canisius Cares connects students with campus and community resources when they are unsure where to turn for help.

Being a Canisius student also means having access to the wider Buffalo community. From student discounts to local events and attractions, there are opportunities beyond campus that students can take advantage of simply because they are college students.

With so many resources available, students may be paying for things they could be getting for free or at a lower cost. Whether it is tapping your Canisius ID to ride the NFTA, using Griff Choice at Tops or storing your belongings in a free commuter locker, knowing what is available can save students time, money and stress. Sometimes, the most useful college perks are the ones students never knew they had.