Being a student can be rough. Between textbooks, tuition, and grocery bills budgets are tight. There's often not much wiggle room for crazy nights out, However, that doesn't mean you have to stop celebrating altogether, especially when it comes to birthdays. The secret to partying on a budget is knowing how to be frugal, and I've got ya covered.

Listed below is a list of restaurants and merchants that provide free items on your birthday (Although they often require you to sign up for their email services... pros and cons, right?).

1. Barnes and Noble

This glorious establishment not only provides a quiet escape from loud roommates and busy campuses in order to study but also generously provides customers with a free cupcake on their special day.

2. Dairy Queen

America's favorite ice cream joint offers a free 16 oz birthday Blizzard of your choice... that's a medium for reference's sake.

3. IHOP

Surpassing other establishments, IHOP provides an entire meal...FOR FREE. Birthday pancakes, anyone?

4. Denny's

Following suit, Denny's offers its customers a free Grand Slam meal.

5. Ruby Tuesday's

Upon signing up for their discount email club, Ruby Tuesday's offers participants a free burger on their birthday.

6. Buca di Beppo

This popular Italian establishment offers free desserts, and in case you've never been, the restaurant is known for its traditional Italian portion sizes, meaning they are LARGE.

7. Starbucks

It's a well-known (not-so-secret) secret that Starbucks rewards members have the option a free drink of choice on their birthday.

8. Redbox

In case you need a break from all the food, or you're just looking to chill out on your day, Redbox provides a free rental of choice.

9. CVS

Contrastingly, in case you don't just hang out, CVS gives customers $3 in ExtraCare bucks so you can stock up on the day-after essentials. (Advil and Gatorade, anyone?)

10. Auntie Anne's

On your special day, you can finally give in and treat yourself to the tantalizing stand of America's favorite pretzel, because it's free! That's right, you can enjoy an entire delicious pretzel all by yourself without spending a cent (except maybe a drink to wash down the salt and cheese dip).

No matter where you end up on your birthday, most establishments offer some sort of special deal. Don't be afraid to ask (or to embarrass your friends and families on their special days by making announcements). After all, the first unwritten rule of college is: Never turn down free stuff, especially food.

If you plan right, you might not have to spend a cent all day.