Why a CAA Gift Membership makes the perfect back-to-school surprise
3 Minute Read
Summary
- Back-to-school budgets stretch further with savings on dining, travel, housing essentials and entertainment.
- Discounts apply to hotel stays, truck rentals, mobile plans, fuel and furniture shopping.
- Benefits cover everyday student needs on and off campus during the academic year.
Starting college or university is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with new expenses. If you're looking for a practical gift for your child or grandchild as they head off to college or university, a CAA Gift Membership can help them get more out of their budget.
Starting at just $30 a year, a Membership includes savings on everyday purchases, from dining and shopping to travel and entertainment.
Make dining out more affordable
Between classes, study sessions and busy schedules, food is often one of a student's biggest day-to-day expenses.
Whether they're ordering takeout to residence, grabbing a quick burger from Harvey's between lectures, enjoying a pizza night with friends at Crust & Crate, or sitting down for a meal at Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario's, Montana's or Kelsey's, Member savings can help make those meals a little more affordable.
Plus, Members can enjoy a free treat from COBS Bread after spending $15, perfect for breakfast on the way to class or an afternoon study break.
Getting settled away from home
Moving into a residence or a first apartment often means packing up everything you need and starting somewhere new. Between move-in day, orientation and settling into a new routine, there's already plenty to think about.
For families travelling from out of town, Member savings are available at hotels including Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn and Marriott Hotels and Resorts, making move-in weekend a little more convenient. If you're helping transport furniture, boxes and other essentials, savings are also available through Enterprise Truck Rental and Penske Truck Rental.
Once the semester is underway, students may find themselves travelling for long weekends, reading week or visits home. Member savings through Alamo, National and VIA Rail can help make those getaways a little easier to plan.
Students can also access travel savings through CAA Travel when it's time for a winter escape or a post-exam getaway.
Set up their space for less
It doesn't take long for a dorm room or first apartment to start feeling lived in. A coffee maker appears on the counter; a few photos go up on the wall, and suddenly there are plenty of little things to pick up along the way.
Member savings are available at partners like Bouclair and Stokes for home essentials, as well as Simons, Bluenotes, PENN. and RW&CO. for clothing and accessories. Larger purchases, including furniture and décor from La-Z-Boy, can help turn a new space into a comfortable home away from home.
Support their student life, on and off campus
University and college are about more than coursework. They are also a chance to make new friends, explore a new city, and create memories along the way.
For students attending post-secondary school in the Ottawa area, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the city's vibrant sports and entertainment scene.
From winter favourites like the Ottawa Senators and Ottawa Charge to summer matchups featuring Atletico Ottawa, Rapid FC and the Ottawa Titians, local sporting events can be a fun way to make the most of the school year.
Members can save on tickets to these local Ottawa teams, making it easier to enjoy game days, weekend outings and memorable experiences throughout the school year.
Stay connected
A reliable phone plan is a must for student life. From checking class schedules and coordinating group projects to staying in touch with family and friends, a smartphone plays a big role in day-to-day life.
Through Rogers, CAA Members can access exclusive mobile plans and save $25 per month or more on eligible plans through Red Wireless. It's a practical benefit that can help students stay connected throughout the school year while keeping monthly expenses a little more manageable.
Save on fuel
For students with a car, those kilometres can add up quickly. There's a drive to campus, weekend plans with friends, and the trip home when a home-cooked meal or family visit starts sounding pretty good.
Members can save 3¢ per litre at participating Shell stations and receive 10 per cent off eligible in-store purchases, helping make those trips a little easier.
Ready for the school year
A CAA Gift Membership comes with benefits that can be useful on campus, at home and everywhere in between. Purchase a Gift Membership today and save 15 per cent on new Memberships with promo code SUN15.
Terms and conditions apply. Offer is valid until August 31, 2026 to residents of CAA North & East Ontario who purchase a new CAA Membership in-store, by calling 1-844-252-3648, or online by entering promo code SUN15. Must sign up on auto renew to receive fifteen percent (15%) discount. Fifteen percent discount is not eligible on RV coverage. Offer is not valid on previously purchased CAA Memberships, Group Memberships, Business Memberships, renewals, or upgrades. Offer is only available for a one-time use. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Other restrictions may apply.
