Being a student comes with a surprising number of free perks if you know where to look. Your school email address is the key to most of them. Here are the most useful freebies and student trials, plus what to check before signing up.
Table of Contents
Free software and tech
- Microsoft 365 for students: many colleges provide Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive) free through your school account. Check your school’s IT page or Microsoft’s education site.
- GitHub Student Developer Pack: free access to developer tools and services for verified students.
- Autodesk education licenses: students and educators can get free access to tools like AutoCAD and Fusion for learning purposes.
- Notion for students: Notion offers its paid Plus plan free for students with a school email.
- Your school’s software catalog: many schools license statistics, design or antivirus software for students. Check before you buy anything.
Student trials and discounted subscriptions
- Amazon Prime Student: a free trial period for eligible students, then a discounted membership.
- Music and streaming student plans: several services offer student pricing, sometimes bundled with extra streaming services.
- News subscriptions: many universities provide free access to major newspapers through the library.
Trials turn into paid plans, so set a reminder before the trial ends.
Free on campus
- Library resources: textbooks on reserve, free e-books, databases, laptop and equipment loans.
- Career services: free resume reviews, mock interviews and sometimes free professional headshots.
- Health and counseling services: many are included in your fees.
- Gym and recreation centers: usually included in tuition or fees.
- Campus events: free food, concerts, movie nights and speakers.
- Public transit passes: some schools include local transit in student fees.
Free learning outside class
- Free online courses from universities and platforms that let you audit for free.
- Free museum days and student discounts at museums, theaters and sports events.
Discounts that are almost as good as free
Student pricing on laptops and tablets, software, clothing and travel can save a lot. Retailers often verify students through services like UNiDAYS or SheerID.
Stay safe when claiming student perks
- Sign up directly on the company’s website or your school’s portal.
- Don’t give your school login password to third-party sites unless your school uses that service for sign-in.
- Be skeptical of “free laptop for students” or “student grant” messages asking for fees or bank details.
FAQ
Do I need a .edu email?
Many offers require a school email or a verification service. Some accept other proof of enrollment.
Do student perks end when I graduate?
Most do, though some convert to a regular plan. Check terms so you aren’t surprised by charges.
Are these offers available to part-time or online students?
Often yes, as long as you’re enrolled at an eligible institution. Read each offer’s terms.
Md. Emam Hasan is the founder of Freestuffbase and a digital marketer and SEO specialist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He researches free samples, gift card policies and sweepstakes rules from official sources, and writes practical guides to help readers save money and avoid scams. More at emamit.com.