study abroad/travel discounts

I'm hoping to be abroad in Rome this Spring, and am currently looking around for the cheapest airfare possible. My regulars (orbitz, travelocity, etc.) are coming up with $1100+ but other sites geared toward student travel (statravel, travelzoo, studentuniverse) are giving me lower prices ($830-$900, including tax).

Do any of you out there have experience with any of these sites? Are they reputable? Are there other places I should be looking?

Any help is appreciated.

(Happy New Year!)

edit: Travel dates are 3/23 & 6/1. Both are Fridays.

Thanks for all the help so far. :o)