Free Student Email Perks And Discounts For Us College And University Students

For many college and university students in the United States, a .edu email address is more than just a means of communication—it is a gateway to a range of exclusive discounts, software, subscriptions, and tools. These perks are offered by companies and educational institutions to support students in their academic, professional, and personal lives. By leveraging a valid student email, students can access free or significantly discounted services across various categories such as software, entertainment, cloud computing, and more. This article provides a detailed overview of the free and discounted offers available through a student email, including eligibility, benefits, and how to access them.

Free Software and Developer Tools

One of the most significant benefits of having a student email is the ability to access free or discounted software tools. These resources are especially valuable for students in STEM fields, graphic design, or software development.

Microsoft Office 365 Education

Students with a valid .edu email can access Microsoft Office 365 Education for free. This includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams. Office 365 Education supports real-time collaboration and is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The suite of tools is designed to help students manage their coursework, collaborate with peers, and stay productive both in and out of the classroom.

GitHub Student Developer Pack

The GitHub Student Developer Pack is a valuable resource for students interested in software development. It includes a range of tools and services typically available only through paid plans. Some of the key offerings include GitHub Copilot, GitHub Codespaces, and Visual Studio Code. Additionally, students gain access to over 70 practical courses on topics such as web development, Python, Java, and machine learning. Cloud hosting platforms like DigitalOcean and Microsoft Azure also provide credits for students using this program.

JetBrains Student Pack

Students can also benefit from the JetBrains Student Pack, which offers free access to several professional integrated development environments (IDEs), including IntelliJ, PyCharm, and WebStorm. These tools are essential for software developers and allow students to write, debug, and manage code efficiently.

Autodesk and Unity

For students in design, architecture, or game development, Autodesk offers free access to software such as AutoCAD, Maya, and Fusion 360. Unity provides a student plan with access to Unity Pro tools and tutorials, enabling students to create and test games without cost.

Cloud Computing and Data Services

In addition to software tools, many cloud computing platforms offer free or discounted resources for students. These services are often used for research, development, and project management.

AWS Educate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers the AWS Educate program, which provides students with access to cloud computing resources and training materials. Students can use AWS credits to run projects and gain hands-on experience with cloud technologies.

Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure

Both Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure offer cloud credits for students, allowing them to experiment with cloud-based applications and services. These platforms are widely used in data science, machine learning, and web development projects.

MATLAB, Simulink, and Wolfram Mathematica

Students at many universities have free access to MATLAB, Simulink, and Wolfram Mathematica. These tools are used for numerical computing, algorithm development, and technical computing and are essential in fields such as engineering, physics, and mathematics.

Learning Platforms and Courses

In addition to software and cloud services, students can access a range of learning platforms and courses at no cost or with significant discounts.

Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning

Many universities provide students with direct access to online learning platforms such as Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning. These platforms offer courses in a wide range of subjects, from business and computer science to arts and humanities. Students can take free or discounted courses, develop new skills, and enhance their resumes.

O'Reilly Learning Platform

Students can also access the O'Reilly Learning Platform through institutional logins. This platform provides access to a vast library of books, videos, and courses in technology, business, and design.

Oracle Academy and Red Hat

Oracle Academy and Red Hat offer free certification and training programs for students interested in IT and software development. These programs help students gain industry-recognized certifications and improve their employability.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Discounts

Beyond software and learning tools, students can also enjoy discounts on entertainment and lifestyle services.

Spotify Premium Student with Hulu

Students can access the Spotify Premium Student plan for $5.99 per month, which includes ad-free music streaming and offline playback. This plan also includes access to the Hulu (with Ads) plan, offering students a comprehensive entertainment experience. The offer is available to students at accredited higher education institutions and includes access to millions of songs and a variety of TV shows and movies.

Apple Music Student Plan

Apple offers a student plan for Apple Music, which includes Apple TV+ for free. This plan provides students with access to a vast music library and exclusive Apple TV+ content, offering a cost-effective way to enjoy music and entertainment.

Amazon Prime Student

Amazon Prime Student is another valuable offering for students. It provides six months of free Prime membership in the U.S., followed by a 50% discount for the first year. This plan includes benefits such as free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video and Prime Music, and exclusive deals on Amazon products.

Washington Post Academic Rate

The Washington Post offers an academic rate for students, providing an All-Access Digital subscription for a limited period. The subscription is free for the first four weeks, after which students are charged $4 every four weeks for one year. Following that, the cost increases to $12 every four weeks. This offer allows students to access news, analysis, and opinion pieces without paying the full price.

Headspace Student Plan

Headspace, a popular meditation and mental health app, offers a student plan at a discounted rate. This plan provides students with access to guided meditations, sleep sounds, and mindfulness exercises, helping them manage stress and improve focus.

Productivity and Creative Tools

Several brands offer student discounts on productivity and creative tools, allowing students to save money on essential products and services.

Student Advantage Card

The Student Advantage Card offers discounts on a wide range of products and services. Some of the key benefits include up to 40% off at AMC Theatres, discounts on Alamo Rent A Car, and savings on Book of the Month Club subscriptions. The card also provides up to 80% off at Office Depot and Office Max, as well as discounts on Lyft rides and Lenovo technology.

Razer Education Purchase Program

Razer, a leading brand in gaming hardware, offers exclusive discounts to students through its Education Purchase Program. Students can receive 15% off on Razer peripherals, gear, and accessories, and 5% off on laptops, monitors, and gaming chairs. This program is available in over 30 countries and allows students to upgrade their tech gear at a lower cost.

Samsung Education Offers

Samsung offers a range of education-focused discounts for students, teachers, and educators. These include exclusive deals on products such as the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series, Galaxy Z Fold5, and more. Students can also receive a free select cover, an extra 5% discount, and up to $350 in instant trade-in credit.

MLB.TV for College Students

For baseball fans, MLB.TV offers free access to its streaming service for eligible college students. This offer allows students to watch live games, on-demand content, and original shows without paying a fee. The offer is available through ID.me verification and is valid until the end of September.

Conclusion

Having a .edu email address opens the door to a wide range of free and discounted services, software, and tools for students. From essential software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud to entertainment services like Spotify and Hulu, students can save money while enhancing their academic and personal experiences. Additionally, cloud computing, learning platforms, and lifestyle services provide valuable resources that can help students succeed in their studies and beyond. By taking advantage of these offers, students can maximize their budgets and access tools that support their educational and professional growth.

Sources

1. Free Things with Student Email
2. Unleashing Hidden Gems: Free Stuff Every Student Receives