Comprehensive Guide To Freebies And Cost-Saving Opportunities For College Students

College students in the United States face significant financial pressures beyond tuition. The cost of textbooks, software, housing, food, and personal supplies can accumulate rapidly. In response, many institutions and companies offer free products, services, and financial benefits specifically tailored to the student population. Based on current information, students can access a wide array of complimentary items and fee waivers by knowing where to look.

Institutional Freebies and Services

Prospective and current students can often secure essential items and services directly through their educational institutions. These offerings are frequently available on campus but are not always widely advertised to incoming freshmen.

Academic and Career Resources

• Application Fee Waivers: Before enrollment, students can often avoid application fees. Colleges may waive fees for applicants demonstrating financial need or through specific programs such as the Common App Fee Waiver, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Fee Waivers, and the Coalition for College.
• Software and IT Packages: Colleges frequently provide free access to essential software. Students should check with their school’s IT department regarding availability of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and antivirus or malware protection.
• Access to Scientific Journals: To support research and coursework, colleges often subscribe to databases of peer-reviewed journals. Students can typically access these resources for free through the library or by asking professors.
• Career Services: Most schools offer free career services, either in-person or online, to help students prepare for the job market.

Health and Wellness Products

• Health Services: College health clinics typically provide screenings for STIs, treatment for common illnesses, required physicals, lab work, and mental health counseling. While some services may incur costs, screenings, immunizations, and vaccinations are usually free.
• Contraceptives: To promote safe sex practices, many colleges distribute free condoms at student health clinics and within residence halls.
• Menstrual Products: Most schools provide free tampons and pads at student health clinics. Residence halls may also stock these supplies.

Living and Lifestyle Perks

• Bed Sheets: Gathering dorm supplies can be expensive. Students are encouraged to ask their dorm director or resident assistant if bed sheets are available to borrow or keep.
• Gym Memberships: On-campus gyms are generally free for students to use while enrolled.
• Entertainment and Sports: Colleges often allow students free entry to sporting events and games using their student ID.
• Hydration Stations: Campuses typically feature bottle-filling stations for free water refills.
• Campus Food: Free food is often available through student organizations hosting meetings, schools hosting free lunches, or events featuring free dinners.
• Food Pantries: Some colleges maintain on-campus food pantries for students in need; availability can be confirmed by contacting the student affairs office.
• Swag: Colleges frequently distribute free branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, pens, and drawstring backpacks to foster school pride.

Company and External Freebies

Beyond campus resources, various companies offer free products, trials, and financial services to college students.

Digital and Retail Offers

• Amazon Prime Student: Amazon offers a six-month free trial for students. This provides access to free shipping, Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Prime Reading.
• Newspapers: While digital subscriptions are common, communications and business schools often provide physical copies of major newspapers. Some schools may also offer discounted digital subscriptions.

Financial Services

• Free Checking Accounts: Several banks offer free checking accounts for students with no monthly service fees, no minimum opening deposits, and no overdraft fees. Specific offers include:
  • Chase College Checking Account: Free for students ages 17-24 for up to five years, with a $125 bonus for opening an account.
  • U.S. Bank: Offers a Visa debit card with no monthly maintenance fees and no ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs.
  • Bank of America: Free checking for students 25 and under with waived monthly maintenance fees and no overdraft fees.
• Budgeting Software: You Need a Budget (YNAB) offers its personal finance software to students for free for one year. Eligibility must be verified through SheerID.

Tuition-Free Education Opportunities

While not a "freebie" in the traditional sense, the landscape of tuition-free higher education is expanding for qualifying students. The "free college" movement has seen growth at the state and institutional level, even if federal legislation has stalled.

Income-Based and Need-Based Programs

• Princeton University: Offers free education for students from families earning under $150,000 annually.
• New Mexico: The state recently created the largest higher education trust to support students.
• General Landscape: BestColleges found tuition-free bachelor's degrees available at institutions in over 30 states. Many of these programs bridge the financial gap for students from lower-income families.

Specialized and Demographic Scholarships

• Native American Students: Some colleges offer scholarships for eligible Native American students regardless of financial need.
• Labor Shortage Fields: Schools are offering free tuition to students pursuing degrees in fields with labor shortages.
• Nursing and Medical Schools: Several institutions offer free tuition for all students:
  • University of Rochester School of Nursing
  • University of Olivet
  • New York University Grossman School of Medicine
  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Conclusion

The financial burden of college extends well beyond tuition. By utilizing on-campus health and living resources, taking advantage of corporate student programs, and exploring tuition-free degree options, students can significantly reduce their expenses. Students are advised to proactively contact their school’s IT department, student affairs office, and library, as well as verify eligibility for external financial and retail offers, to maximize these opportunities.

Sources

1. 17 Things Colleges Give You for Free
2. These Colleges Offer Free Tuition to Qualifying Students
3. 12 College Freebies You Need to Know About