Being a student comes with its fair share of financial pressures, from covering tuition and books to managing rent and groceries. But here’s a money-saving secret you might not be fully tapping into yet: educational subscription services. Many companies offer student-exclusive discounts on services that range from essential software for your coursework to streaming platforms for winding down after a long day of studying. These deals can help you save money while enhancing your education and lifestyle at the same time.

Software and Tools for Academic Success

Students are often balancing assignments, presentations, and research projects all at once. Luckily, some major software companies offer discounted subscriptions designed to help you stay productive and achieve academic success without blowing your budget.

1. Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft understands that students need access to reliable productivity tools. That’s why they offer their Office 365 suite completely free to eligible students. This includes popular programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as cloud storage through OneDrive. Simply sign up with your school email address, and you’re good to go.

Pair Office 365 with free collaboration tools like Google Docs or Slack to streamline group projects.

2. Adobe Creative Cloud

For students pursuing creative fields like design, marketing, or media, Adobe’s Creative Cloud is a must-have. The student plan allows you to access Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and over 20 other apps for as low as $19.99 per month, which is a steep discount from the standard pricing.

How to Maximize This Discount:

  • Use Adobe tutorials to master new skills.
  • Take advantage of free stock images and templates included in the subscription.

3. Grammarly Premium

If writing is a big part of your curriculum, Grammarly Premium can save you hours of proofreading. Students often receive special discounts on the premium plan, which comes with advanced grammar suggestions, tone adjustments, and even plagiarism detection.

Use Grammarly to polish your essays and email correspondence with professors or future employers.

Streaming Services for Study Breaks

Everyone needs downtime, and streaming services can help make your breaks more enjoyable. The good news? Many popular platforms have discounted plans just for students.

4. Spotify Premium with Hulu and Showtime

Spotify’s student plan is like hitting the discount trifecta. For only $5.99 per month, you get Spotify Premium for ad-free music streaming, plus access to Hulu and Showtime. This bundle has everything you need to vibe to your favorite playlists, binge your favorite shows, and unwind without the interruptions.

Create a study playlist on Spotify to keep you focused during long study sessions.

5. Amazon Prime Student

Amazon Prime Student offers a six-month free trial and a discounted monthly rate of $7.49 after that. With this subscription, you not only get free two-day shipping but also access to Prime Video for great shows and movies, plus exclusive student deals on electronics, books, and more.

Combine Prime Student with the Kindle app to access free textbooks and save on study supplies.

E-Learning Platforms for Enhanced Skills

Whether you’re boosting your resume or exploring new interests, e-learning platforms provide invaluable skills at reduced costs for students.

6. Coursera and edX

Leading educational platforms like Coursera and edX collaborate with universities and businesses to offer premium courses at affordable rates. While some classes are free, many offer verified certificates for a small fee, with special discounts for students.

Best Features to Leverage:

  • Take advantage of the free trials for skill-building.
  • Look for career-specific specializations that come with flexible deadlines.

7. Skillshare

Skillshare offers students a 50% discount on access to thousands of classes ranging from graphic design to entrepreneurship. It’s perfect for picking up skills outside your curriculum or finding a creative outlet.

Search for short, practical lessons that align with your career goals or hobbies.

8. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers a free trial and ongoing student discounts on courses covering business, technology, and creative skills. Once completed, these courses even allow you to display earned certifications directly on your LinkedIn profile.

Use LinkedIn Learning to explore certifications tied to in-demand skills like data analysis or web development.

Other Handy Discounts

Here are some unique subscription services that might not fall under traditional categories, but they bring huge value to students.

9. Headspace

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during stressful times like exams. Headspace, a leading meditation and mindfulness app, offers steeply discounted rates for students.

Dedicate just 5-10 minutes a day to guided meditation sessions for better focus and reduced stress.

10. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal

Stay informed without breaking the bank. Both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal offer student subscriptions at dirt-cheap prices, helping you stay on top of current events, industry trends, and global news.

Use these resources when writing papers or participating in class discussions about current events.

Tips for Finding and Maximizing Student Discounts

Now that you know the best subscription services for students, here are some tips to ensure you never miss a great deal:

  • Always Use Your Student Email Address: Many companies require verification through a .edu email address. If you don’t have one, check if your institution offers an alternative way to validate your enrollment.
  • Look for Partnerships: Some universities partner with specific brands to offer free or discounted access to tools like Grammarly, LinkedIn Learning, or cloud storage. Check with your campus resource center to see what’s available.
  • Ask Customer Support: Even if a discount isn’t well-publicized, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support. Some smaller companies offer unlisted student deals if you ask.
  • Tap into Free Trials: Many platforms offer extended free trials for students, so use this time to your advantage. Set reminders to evaluate whether the service is worth the cost before the trial ends.
  • Keep Your Student ID Handy: Some subscription services require you to upload your student ID for verification. Always keep a clear photo of it on your phone.
  • Plan Your Subscriptions Short-term: Need access to a course platform or design software for just one semester? Canceling after your plan ends helps you avoid unnecessary recurring charges.

Student discounts on subscription services are more than just a way to save money; they’re tools to improve your education, enhance your skills, and bring some entertainment into your busy life.