Students across the country have a new way to save money by connecting with local
businesses through a new website called The University Network.
Through the website, students can log onto www.tun.com and type the name of
their college into the search bar. Once they click their school, they will see a page
that shows a map as well as all of the deals and promotions that are currently
available to students through local businesses.
“It’s similar to Groupon, but for college students,” said Helen Trieu, public relations
intern at TUN. “Deals are claimed by students showing their school ID.”
The website also has a free mobile app called “TUNdeals,” available through any
iPhone or Android. It allows students to have handheld access to any present deals.
After downloading the app, students can choose a map of the area, a list of local
deals or a live setting. The live setting works with your current location as you
walk along the street, aiming your phone at different buildings to see if they are
giving discounts. Students can also filter the results to find specific deals such as
restaurants or entertainment.
“Our company is specifically targeted towards college students because we know
how hard it is for them now managing their money,” Trieu said. “We’re trying to
generate more interest about TUNdeals in the college community.”
According to Trieu, both the website and app are available to any college student,
but are most beneficial towards those who attend one of the 600 or more U.S.
colleges participating in the network.
Peter Corrigan, CEO of The University Network, said in a press release, “Our goal is
to help students save money every time they open their wallets.”
Corrigan added that along with making students aware of current discounts, they
are also working toward having local businesses create deals worthy of being put on
the website and app.
The website was first available in 2010 and has since gained more attention and
popularity among college students.
“It lets us be able to support local businesses and still be fiscally responsible,”
said Monica Tedesco, a junior dietetics and nutrition major at Buffalo State. “If the
website was more well known, then maybe more businesses would participate in
the program and prosper themselves.”
According to the press release about TUNdeals, students are an essential part in
helping to shape the website and app by flagging expired deals and adding new
ones. Students can also request more deals and certain businesses to be added to
the list.
“I know how hard it is to save money, I’m in college too,” Trieu said. “For once,
things are now working (in) our favor.”
Lauren Coppola can be reached by email at coppola.record@live.com.