Going to college comes with a hefty price tag, which we are all well aware of. Itās not just about tuition. There are additional expenses like textbooks, school supplies, accommodation, and various other costs to navigate as you start your journey towards higher education. Even with scholarships, college remains a significant financial commitment. Fortunately, there are so many opportunities for college students to access freebies and discounts, provided you know where to seek them out.
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With this concept in mind, we compiled a list of complimentary offerings tailored to college students, aimed at easing the financial burden. We’re talking about freebies encompassing entertainment, food, and technology.
College Freebies, Discounts & Deals š
1. Waived Application Fees for College Students
Before you can reap the benefits of college freebies or student discounts, you need to secure that acceptance letter! Application fees can vary, typically ranging from $50 to $100. While many colleges and universities waive application fees altogether, those that do charge often have designated free application days or weeks.
To ascertain whether your preferred college maintains zero application fees throughout the year or provides a window of free applications during certain periods, it’s advisable to visit their website or contact their admissions office.
Certain colleges and universities may waive application fees for students who demonstrate financial need or meet other specific criteria. For further details on eligibility for application fee waivers, contact the admissions department of your selected institution.
2. Online Services Discounts
Adobe Creative Cloud
Students and educators qualify for a discount of over 60% on Adobe Creative Cloud, and you can save over 70% on Creative Cloud All Apps.
Amazon Prime College Discounts
Amazon Prime provides complimentary 2-day shipping, access to a vast video library, and various other benefits. Instead of the usual annual fee of $139, Amazon Prime Student membership (18-24 years old) offers the initial six months free, making it a standout among college freebies. Following the trial period, be sure to cancel the subscription to avoid being charged the student rate of $69 per year or $7.49 per month. Membership includes:
- Free 1-day delivery,
- Prime Video,
- Early access to deals,
- Subscription to Amazon Music Prime,
- Amazon photo storage,
- Prime Reading,
- Prime-exclusive deals,
To get these perks, you must be enrolled at a qualifying college or university.
Amazon also provides complimentary subscriptions to several services for a limited duration. Just ensure to cancel before the trial period ends. Here’s what you can anticipate:
- Grubhub+ Student:
- $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible delivery orders that meet the subtotal minimum at select off-campus restaurants
- 5% back in Grubhub+ credit per eligible pickup order, which can be used on future Grubhub orders (except on-campus orders)
- Exclusive offers on eligible orders
- Calm: A three-month free subscription. Afterward, you’ll only need to pay $8.99 for an annual subscription (valued at $69.99).
- StudentUniverse: This free membership offers up to 10% off flights and hotel bookings.
- CourseHero: Benefit from one month of complimentary 24/7 homework assistance. Subsequently, it will be $9.95 per month (typically $24.99 per month).
Apple Music
Students enrolled in degree-granting universities and colleges have the opportunity to subscribe to Apple Music at a reduced monthly rate for a maximum of 48 months. Additionally, with an Apple Music student subscription, you receive complimentary access to Apple TV+ for a limited period.
Apple Accessory
College students or parents buying for eligible college students can shop Appleās Education Store when you verify with UniDays can get free select AirPods or an eligible Apple accessory, like an Apple Pencil, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Keyboard, with the purchase of an eligible Mac or iPad.
Select an eligible Mac or iPad through the Apple Education Store, and add one of the eligible promotional accessories during checkout.
Audible
Get 30% off for the initial six months of your Audible membership plan.
Headspace
Get 85% off with Student Plan – $9.99 for the year, or 83 cents per month.
Pandora
Students get Pandora Premium for $5.99 per month (nearly half the price) for up to four years. You can cancel anytime.
Sculpt Society
Students get 30% off Sculpt Society subscription.
SiriusXM
For as little as $1, you can enjoy the first three months of subscription through the Student Streaming Platinum Plan. Following that, it’s just $4 a month, inclusive of applicable taxes and additional fees. Gain access to a diverse library of broadcasting channels.
Skillshare
Skillshare is offering 50% off one year membership for college and university students.
Spotify
Get Spotify with Hulu for 1 month for free and then $6.99 a month after that!
The New York Times
Students get 1 week for free and $1 a week of digital subscription after that for the first year, then $30 thereafter. Cancel or pause anytime.
The Wall Street Journal
They are offering: discounted rates for students ($4/a month for the 1st year), unlimited access to WSJ.com and the WSJ App, curated WSJ newsletters, including The 10-Point
Podcasts and discussions with editors and notable influencers.
YouTube Premium
Get 1 month of YouTube Premium for free, then $8.99/month.
Free Money Budgeting Subscription
In times of financial constraint, a service such as You Need a Budget (YNAB) can prove incredibly beneficial. YNAB is a personal finance tool that synchronizes with your bank account, aiding in the cultivation of improved spending habits, savings, and more.
Typically priced at $14.99 per month, You Need a Budget extends its software to students at no cost for a full year.
Simply reach out to support@youneedabudget.com, provide evidence of your enrollment, and they will send you a license key valid until the conclusion of the academic year.
3. Software & Tech Discounts for College Students
Ableton Live
If you are a student or employee of an educational institution, you can save 50% on Live Intro, Standard, or Suite licence. This discount also applies to purchases of Live with Push.
Evernote
Get 40% off Evernote Professional. The offer is extended to students who are not currently subscribers to any Evernote Paid Service.
Free Autodesk 3-D Design Software
If you’re a college student pursuing studies in engineering or architecture, or if you simply have an interest in 3-D design, you have access to over 50 different software downloads for free through Autodesk, valid for a year.
Normally, obtaining these programs would entail a big investment, potentially costing thousands of dollars annually. However, with one of the most remarkable college student discounts available, you can access these tools at no cost. Autodesk’s software suite is compatible with MAC, Google Cloud, Linux, and Windows platforms.
To register, you must be a student or educator. Autodesk verifies your student status during the account creation process by asking a series of questions. Additionally, there’s the option to renew your access as long as you maintain your eligibility.
Github
Get a discounted Student Developer Pack: gain access to collaborations with software developers and programmers worldwide.
HP
Get up to 40% off their latest technology.
Lenovo
College students and school employees with valid .edu email address or ID.me verification get an extra 5% off sitewide at Lenovo.
Microsoft Freebies
College students can get Microsoft 365 Personal for only $2.99 per month.
Use your college email address to enjoy one year of premium features and offline access to powerful productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, 1 TB of cloud storage, identity and device protection, social media templates, and video editing software.
Additionally, students, parents, teachers, and military can save 10% off eligible computers and accessories, and get free Office 365. The discount will automatically be applied in your cart.
Notion
Students and educators get the Personal Pro plan for free. This note-taking app offers numerous customization and ease-of-access features at no cost.
Ulysses
Students can access the Ultimate Writing App for just $10.99 every 6 months.
4. Free Career Development Services
Find Relevant Jobs & Internships
Explore Handshake if you’re in search of internships or positions relevant to your field of study. Handshake is an exclusive platform for college students, designed to assist you in securing that crucial first internship opportunity.
To begin, simply complete a profile using your school-provided email address. From there, you have the option to check out internships by either browsing through job boards or reaching out to recruiters directly.
The platform also offers valuable resources such as interview tips, assistance with resumes and cover letters, explanations of job roles, and avenues to explore various career paths. Additionally, you have access to inspiring student success stories.
Free Career Analysis
The Ladders resume review service is free and provides guidance to enhance your resume, enhancing your prospects of securing a job. Considering that many services typically charge for such a review, this offering for college students is quite a bargain.
For those seeking additional benefits from their Ladders account, there’s the option to subscribe to their premium service for $25 to $50 per month. This premium service enables you to automatically apply to jobs directly from your account. On top of that, there’s a dedicated career advice section aimed at assisting you in navigating the interview process and negotiating salaries.
Free & Discounted Certificates & Skill Learning
A lot of websites are available to support your ongoing education and professional skill development. Here are some offering some of the finest student discounts:
- Coursera: You can enroll in several selected courses at no cost. And if you want unlimited access to the platform, it comes at a price of $399 per year.
- Skillshare: You’re entitled to a one-month complimentary trial, so there’s no risk in signing up. If you choose to continue beyond this trial period, students enjoy a 50% discount on a premium membership, reducing the monthly fee to $8.25 instead of $15.
- LinkedIn Learning: Although LinkedIn no longer provides a dedicated “student discount,” you can still access a free month-long trial. Subsequently, the subscription costs $40 per month.
Tuition Reimbursement by Employer
There are a lot of employers out there that offer tuition reimbursement for their employees, some of them even in full. Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, to name a few. You can check out the full list here.
Chick-fil-A: Scholarships for Eligible Team Members
Full and part-time employeesĀ who work at a company-owned, franchised, and/or affiliated Chick-fil-A restaurantĀ can get a Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarships of $1,000, $2,500, and $25,000. Since these are paid upfront, you can use them at any accredited college, university, or technical/vocational school.
There are no requirements for hours worked or length of employment to apply. You’ll need to show financial need and how you have demonstrated care and service over the previous year.
Employees canĀ apply for a Chick-fil-A scholarshipĀ in the fall. But do note that they are not guaranteed to fully cover your tuition.
Papa Johns: Dough & Degrees Tuition Assistance
EligibleĀ Papa Johns corporate team membersĀ who have been employed at least 60 days and who have work a minimum of ten hours per week can get pre-paid tuition, books, and fees up to $5,250 per calendar year. Then you can apply for theĀ Dough & Degrees Tuition Assistance Program.
Free Membership at Professional Networking Societies
Becoming a member of a professional society presents fantastic networking prospects and provides access to mentors within your area of study. Here are several groups that college students can join without charge:
- National Society of Professional Engineers
- American Planning Association
- Society of Petroleum Engineers
- American Institute of Physics
5. Food Deals for College Students
There are many discounts for students at a lot of restaurants. Just keep in mind that they almost always vary by location, so make sure to call ahead and confirm. Also make sure to always have your student ID with you.
10-20% Off
- Arby’s (10% off)
- Buffalo Wild Wings (10% off)
- Burger King (10% off)
- Dunkin Donuts (10% off)
- Firehouse Subs (10% off)
- Pizza Hut (20% off Main Menu items (Sunday ā Thursday))
- Shoney’s (10-15% off)
- Sweet Tomatoes (10% off)
- Taco Bell (10-15% off)
- TCBY (10-15% off)
- Waffle House (10% off)
- IHOP (20% off)
Free Drinks
- Chick-fil-A (with purchase)
- Chipotle (with purchase)
- Qdoba Mexican Grill (with purchase of any entree)
š Money Saving Tips
- Many of these savings can be used with additional promotions. For instance, consider Subway’s BOGO 50% off deal on footlong subs. The terms and conditions of the offer don’t explicitly prohibit combining it with other discounts, so grab that opportunity. However, do verify that your specific location is part of the promotion and offers a student discount before placing your order.
- Certain locations may require you to register with third-party platforms to access a student discount. The most prominent ones are UNiDAYS and Student Beans. Signing up is free of charge. Simply create an account, verify your student status, and you’re good to go.
- Dining at a buffet? Head there just before closing time to grab any remaining food. Take advantage of your student discount for a discounted entrance fee, but ensure you arrive approximately 45 minutes before the establishment shuts down. As the crowd disperses, politely ask with the staff about the possibility of taking home any surplus pizzas and salads. While there’s no guarantee they’ll permit it, remember, you miss every opportunity you don’t pursue, so no harm in asking.
- Pocket Points offers a brilliant concept by rewarding college students with coupons and complimentary items for abstaining from phone usage while driving and in class. To begin earning credits, simply register for Pocket Points and install the app. You can then redeem your credits for rewards such as a complimentary Chick-fil-A sandwich or a 25% discount at Papa Johnās Pizza. Additionally, if your instructor signs up, they can establish rewards for their students. For instance, by refraining from phone usage for 20 hours of class time, they might grant you 10 bonus points or exempt your lowest assignment grade.
6. Travel Freebies for College Students
Amtrak
Students get 15% off Amtrak tickets in certain regions in the USA. The discount will automatically be applied when qualifying travel is selected. Or, use the Amtrak app and enter code V307 when booking your trip.
General Motors
They offer varying discount prices. Currently, students can receive $500 off eligible new Chevrolet vehicles and 90 days of deferred payments. This offer is available to qualified students and recent graduates.
New Jersey Transit
Students of colleges under the University Partnership Program get 25% off NJ Transit monthly rates.
University Transport
Consult your university to explore the transportation options they provide. Many colleges also offer complimentary shuttle services for students commuting between campus and residential areas.
Zipcar
Students get Zipcar driving rates of $9.50 an hour, or $79 a day.
7. Telecom Student Discounts
AT&T
Save 20% off per line on AT&T‘s unlimited plan with student discount. Plus additional benefits based on your school or university.
8. Entertainment Discounts for College Students
AMC Theaters
Discounts at AMC Theaters will vary by location, but they do offer them every day of the week.
Art Institute of Chicago
Students get a discounted rate, plus students who attend one of their University Partner schools get free admission.
Cinemark
Present your student ID at the box office when you buy movie tickets at your local Cinemark theatre, and enjoy a steak dinner show for ramen noodle prices. Check your local theatre box office for restrictions.
Regal Cinemas
They offer various discounts based on location. Just make sure to bring your student ID with you.
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Admission is $20 with a student ID. On Thursdays, visiting the MFAH Permanent Collections is free. An ALL ACCESS ticket, which includes entry to both the Permanent Collections and Special Exhibitions, is $10. Additionally, students from any college or university can receive free admission any day the Museum is open by presenting an art-related assignment and their college ID at the admissions desk.
9. Shopping Discounts for Students
Adidas
Get a special student discount and free shipping at Adidas.com.
Best Buy
Students of all ages get a special discount.
Brooklyn Bedding
Students get 5% off their entire order and free shipping. Need to verify through ID.me.
Corkcicle
Get a special discount when you verify with ID.me.
Costco
Log into MyUniDays and get a $20 Digital Shop Card.
J.Crew
Students and teachers get 15% off online and in-store at J.Crew.
Nike
Nike offers a 10% discount off most items on Nike.com and in the Nike App to eligible high school, college, and university students in the US.
Stanley
Verify through ID.me and get a special discount.
The Happy Planner
Get a 15% discount when you verify through ID.me.
TOMS
Verify through UniDays and get a 15% off discount.
10. Insurance Discounts
State Farm
Save as much as 25% to help reduce teen driver insurance costs. Varies by area.
Great discounts ! Thank you
Most welcome Elena!
Nice discounts
N no I