arts

Treat yourself to college freebies

Jamie Verwys

January 14, 2017

Phone and utility bills are two of the small costs associated with college. Many companies offer student discounts for their products and services.

There’s plenty of perks for being a student. While in college, young people get to experience new things, find what their passions are, make friends and earn that important piece of paper, a diploma.

Finding the money to attend college is not always easy for many students. At UA, the cost of tuition for 2016-2017 incoming students with full-time enrollment is $11,800 for in-state residents and $35,000 for out-of-state students. That is not including books, living arrangements and highly necessary caffeinated beverages.

Now that the image of cash being sucked out your bank account is seared into your brain, treat yourself to some of the spoils of being a student. There are some handy deals out there where you can get everything from drinks to computer programs for free or close to it.

Office

Regardless of a student’s major they will need to write something eventually. Microsoft Office normally costs about $150 for a one time purchase of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote .The same group of programs, plus more, are available to college students for free with a valid school email address . UA students must be enrolled in classes to remain eligible. Get it free, right here.

Microsoft also offers free, online training courses in computer coding basics.

Amazon

Almost everything a student might need can be found on Amazon.com . Many of Amazon Prime’s features are available for half the cost to students who sign up with their UA email address. Prime Student includes free two-day shipping and instant video streaming for $49 a year. Students receive a free six month trial which can be canceled at any time.

Creative Cloud Suite

The Adobe Suite is a standard for photographers and video editors. While it can be a costly group of programs, students and teachers can receive 60 percent off the Creative Cloud Suite. The special education rate is $20 a month.

The New York Times

UA students have plenty to read for free on campus right here in The Daily Wildcat, but if you want to read more news, we won’t stop you. Students and teachers can receive a discounted rate on a digital subscription to The New York Times. Students pay $1 a week for the duration of their education.

Computers

There are several companies offering students discounts on computers for school. There is no free iPad, but you can save up to $200 on a Mac with Apple’s education prices. Lenovo also offers various discounts to students. Right now, they’re offering up to 42 percent off their IdeaPad.

Getting around town

Skipped buying a parking pass or don’t have a car? The UA pays for 50 percent of Sun Tran bus passes sold to faculty and students. A U Pass for the Fall semester costs $90 and includes rides on the streetcar. Of course, you can get around for free in the evening as a Wildcat too. SafeRide will pick you up for no charge Sunday through Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Some of the best deals for students are scattered around campus. The university offers a plethora of free events and free admission to museums, and there are also plenty of coupon books for community discounts at the beginning of the semester.