Pocket Points: A PSU Student’s New Best Friend

Photo credit: Amanda Hunt

As college students, paying attention in class is life’s biggest struggle, getting enough sleep is a rarity and having enough money is more of a joke than a life skill. Sometimes, pure knowledge just isn’t enough of a reason to listen to our professors drone on. Other times, we turn a blind eye to our bank accounts just so we can have a substantial meal. But what if there was a way to kill two birds with one stone: making class a little more interesting while saving money on our foodie indulgences.

Behold, Pocket Points!

Pocket Points is a new incentive system that rewards students for not using their phones in class. Simply launch the app when class starts, lock your phone and earn points. The points can be redeemed for rewards at local shops and restaurants in your area. It’s a simple way to cash in class time for deals at your favorite State College hotspots.

Junior and print journalism major Mike Salem says the discounts are a major reason for using the app.

“My friend and I couldn’t decide what we wanted for dinner one night, so we used our points at the Fraser Street Deli,” says Salem. “We saved a lot of money, and I didn’t have to feel guilty about spending so much. Also, it’s a pretty good reason to not distract myself in class – which is usually pretty hard anyway.”

The app also features a level system, giving the process a game-like vibe for students. The more points you earn, the closer you are to leveling up and unlocking more rewards. It’s a win-win situation.

 

Pocket Points currently caters to the following Penn State locations:

409 Pizza and Wing

Are U Hungry

Bagel Crust

Bradley’s Cheeseteaks and Hoagies

Dwellings Boutique

Kildare’s Irish Pub

Pita Cabana Grill

Pita Pit

Qdoba Mexican Grill

Rotelli

The Student Book Store

Underground Burgers and Crepes

The app is available for free for iOS in the app store.