THE PENDULUM

The average college student enjoys saving money whenever he or she can, and Elon University students are no exception. Saving money for Elon students just got easier with the installment of a new coupon-based website called AroundCampus.com.

This website, currently active at only 200 campuses around the United States, has an assortment of coupons that provide significant discounts to everything from local eateries to hair salons. AroundCampus.com is a great way to promote local businesses in the area and also to provide Elon students with money-saving coupons. The website also provides a directory of local businesses arranged by type of service.

"I think it's a great idea," junior Mary Nease said. "I could see it being really useful for freshmen who are new to the area."

The coupon selection on AroundCampus.com is geared specifically toward college students. The discounts offered for Elon University were chosen in part by a group of Elon students who expressed a desire for services they would use more if a discount was provided.

Some of the discounts are significant: for instance, a student could save 50 percent on any dinner entrée at 116 Oak or get a free bloomin' onion at Outback Steakhouse.

The website allows students to print, e-mail, text to a cell phone or post to Facebook the coupons they wish to redeem. Membership is not required and coupons may be printed multiple times, as long as they are still active on the website or within expiration dates.

Because these coupons are geared toward a specific audience, AroundCampus.com is able to promote deals that are not often seen on generic coupon sites.

But while AroundCampus.com is a relatively new website, it has not been advertised very well it seems, and as a result, students like freshman Hilary Leslie have not yet been able to take advantage of the deals.

"I haven't heard of the website, but I think it would be helpful," Leslie said.

The website offers a 10 percent off coupon at the Alamance Family Practice, as well as a coupon for Harasuki Fusion Sushi & Buffet that offers a free crunchy roll with the purchase of a signature roll.

With the latest installment of AroundCampus.com, there is yet another opportunity to save a little cash for the extra expenses off-campus. The next time you and your friends want to go out for dinner at Hibachi Seasons Buffet or get a manicure at Elite Spa Nails, make sure to check out AroundCampus.com and save yourself a few bucks.