Unlocking Savings: A Guide to Remarkable Student Discount Programs

College is a significant investment. Beyond tuition fees, students face expenses such as textbooks, school supplies, accommodation, and other necessities. While scholarships can alleviate some of the financial burden, many students still seek ways to manage their budgets effectively. Fortunately, numerous student discount programs and college freebies are available to help students save money on various aspects of their lives, from education and technology to entertainment and everyday expenses.

Educational Opportunities and Savings

Free Application Fee Waivers

The first step toward accessing college freebies and student discounts begins with the application process. While many colleges and universities charge application fees, which can range from $50 to $100, there are avenues to avoid these costs. Many institutions offer free application days or weeks, and some waive fees for students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific requirements. Contacting the admissions department of the chosen school is advisable to inquire about potential application waivers.

Software and Design Tools at No Cost

In today's digital age, software programs are essential for academic success. Microsoft Office 365, with its Word, PowerPoint, and Excel applications, is a staple for creating documents and spreadsheets. Qualified students can access Microsoft Office 365 for free, along with 5 GB of free OneDrive online storage. Microsoft also provides training tutorials for those new to the suite.

For students in engineering, architecture, or those interested in 3-D design, Autodesk offers over 50 different types of software downloads for free for a year. These programs, which would typically cost thousands of dollars annually, are accessible to students and educators who register and verify their status with Autodesk. The software is compatible with MAC, Google Cloud, Linux, and Windows platforms, and renewal options are available as long as eligibility is maintained.

Remarkable 2 Student Discount

reMarkable 2 offers a paper tablet designed to provide a paper-like writing experience. It allows users to take handwritten notes, read, and review documents. Key features include:

Read also: Remarkable 2 for Students

Paper-like writing: A textured surface provides a tactile writing experience.
Effortless organization: Folders and tags help sort notes and documents.
PDF Annotation: Users can write directly on PDFs.
Handwriting Conversion: Handwritten notes can be converted to typed text.
Cloud Integration: Integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.
File Compatibility: Easily imports Microsoft Office files and web articles.
Long Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks of battery life.

The device is ultra-thin at 4.7 mm and offers hours of use without backlight, glare, or eye strain. Users can write with the Marker, type with Type Folio, or switch between the two. Regular software updates ensure that reMarkable 2 remains up-to-date with new features.

Retail and Subscription Discounts

Amazon Prime Student

Amazon Prime Student offers a free six-month trial with numerous benefits. These include free 2-day shipping, access to a video library, and other perks. After the trial period, students can continue their membership at a discounted rate. The membership includes:

Free 1-day delivery
Prime Video
Free Grubhub+ membership
Subscription to Amazon Music Prime
Amazon photo storage
Prime Reading
Prime-exclusive deals

To take advantage of these perks, students must be enrolled in an eligible college or university.

Apple Higher Education Discounts

Apple provides special student discounts, typically during the back-to-school season (June to October). As part of the Higher Education Back-to-School offer, students can receive free AirPods or an eligible accessory with the purchase of an eligible Apple product, such as an iPad, iMac, or MacBook Air.

Unidays: A Hub for Retail Discounts

Unidays is a free verification platform that compiles numerous student discounts in one place. By uploading proof of admission, students can access discounts at various retailers, including:

Adidas: 30% off all online orders
Aerie: 20% off all online orders
Ray-Ban: 25% off + free shipping

Career Development Resources

Handshake: Internships and Job Opportunities

Handshake is a free platform designed to help college students find internships and entry-level positions in their fields of study. Students can browse job boards, connect with recruiters, and access resources such as interview tips, resume and cover letter assistance, job role explanations, and career path exploration.

The Ladders: Resume Analysis

The Ladders offers a free resume review service that provides feedback and suggestions for improving resumes to increase job prospects. This service can be a valuable asset for students preparing to enter the workforce.

Skill Development Platforms

Several platforms offer opportunities to earn certificates and learn new skills:

Coursera: Offers select courses for free, with an option for unlimited access at a yearly cost.
Skillshare: Provides a one-month free trial, followed by a monthly subscription fee.

Financial Assistance and Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs as a benefit to their employees. Companies like Walmart, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Papa Johns provide tuition coverage to eligible employees. For instance, Starbucks pays 100% of tuition and fees for eligible employees to earn a bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program. Chick-fil-A offers scholarships through their Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures scholarship. Papa Johns offers 100% tuition coverage at Purdue University Global and University of Maryland Global for team members. Chili’s and Maggiano's have a free online education program for employees who want to get a GED, certificate, associate’s degree, citizenship preparation, or tutoring.

Professional Networking Societies

Joining professional societies provides networking opportunities and access to mentors in a student's field of study. Many of these societies offer free membership to college students, such as the National Society of Professional Engineers, American Planning Association, and Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

Financial Management Tools

Managing finances effectively is crucial for college students. You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a personal finance service that helps students track spending habits and save money. YNAB offers its software to students for free for a year upon verification of eligibility.

Banking and Financial Services

Free Checking Accounts

Students can avoid monthly fees for checking accounts by opting for student-specific accounts. Banks like Chase and Bank of America offer free checking accounts for students with waived monthly maintenance fees and other benefits. Chase College Checking Account is free for students ages 17-24, comes with no service fees for up to five years, plus students unlock a bonus for opening an account. Bank of America offers free checking accounts to students 25 and under with waived monthly maintenance fees and no overdraft fees.

Additional Tips for Saving Money

Download The Krazy Coupon Lady App: This app provides information on various ways to save money every day.
Explore Refurbished Options: Consider purchasing certified refurbished paper tablets and accessories for more sustainable and affordable options.

tags: #remarkable #student #discount #programs