“Yaar, college ke dino mein bade maze hain,
Muft resources ke saath, khelenge hum maze ki game.
Kitabon ki dukaan hai library, jahaan jaake ghoomenge,
Padhenge, likhenge, honge hum topper, jaan lo yeh vaada.
Online courses hai baap, free hai unki fees,
Naya skill sikhenge, apne talent mein josh badhaayenge.
Discounts aur deals ki duniya hai student ID ke peeche,
Shopping karenge sasti, har cheez pe payenge thoda kam price.”
Being a college student can be an exciting and transformative time in one’s life, but it can also be financially challenging if you don’t exploit the available free resources for college students.
From rising tuition fees to the cost of textbooks and living expenses, students often find themselves on a tight budget.
However, the good news is that there are numerous free resources available to college students that can help alleviate some of the financial burdens and enhance their educational experience.
In this article, we will explore a range of valuable free resources that every college student should know about.
What are Some Free Resources which a College Student could Easily Get?
Who doesn’t like getting and enjoying free resources whether it’s for entertainment like Amazon Prime, studies like many online courses or creativity and career like Canva Pro, etc?
We will have an overview of various resources for free for students whether it’s discount coupons for students, online resources for students or college-provided resources, which you should utilise effectively.
Library Resources – Books ka bhandar
One of the most valuable assets available to college students is their institution’s library. Libraries offer access to a vast collection of books, e-books, journals, research databases, and other scholarly resources.
These resources can support your academic research, help you deepen your understanding of various subjects, and provide valuable references for assignments and projects.
Many libraries also offer workshops and training sessions to enhance research skills.
How can you effectively use your college library?
Access to Reliable Online Resources
College libraries prioritise access and convenience, subscribing to databases that provide thousands of newspaper articles, magazine publications, and scholarly journal articles that your instructors will require for research assignments.
As a student, you can log in to these resources using your campus-provided password from the comfort of your dormitory, virtually 24/7, through most university libraries.
Utilise Study Rooms
Group study rooms are designed to provide students with spaces for discussion, group projects, exam preparation, and other assignments. It’s advisable to inquire about the room reservation policies at your library.
Some libraries operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others offer online reservations. Planning ahead can make a significant difference, as these study rooms tend to fill up quickly during exam seasons.
Take Advantage of Course Reserves
Many instructors require students to read multiple textbooks or hard-to-find articles for their classes. To save you money and provide convenient access, instructors often place these resources on “reserve” in the library.
You can easily use this free resource for college students either through offline mode or even online mode if your college library has an online established mechanism.
This means you can read the materials within the library for a specific period. Once your designated time is up, you simply return the item, making it available for other students.
Online Learning Platforms – The Greatest Boon
Several online learning platforms offer free courses on diverse subjects, allowing you to expand your knowledge beyond your regular coursework.
Websites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy provide access to a vast collection of courses from reputable universities and institutions. You can learn at your own pace, acquire new skills, and even earn certificates to showcase your achievements.
These platforms often offer free access to courses, providing access to course content without paying for the certificate.
Some of the Best Online Learning Platforms for College Students:
| Name of Platform | For more info, click on the link below: |
| Udemy Business | Click here |
| Skillshare | Click here |
| LinkedIn Learning | Click here |
| Coursera | Click here |
| edX | Click here |
| Kajabi | Click here |
| Podia | Click here |
| iSpring Learn | Click here |
| SAP Litmos | Click here |
| Learn Upon | Click here |
| Canvas | Click here |
| Moodle | Click here |
Student Discounts and Offers
As a college student, you may be eligible for a range of discounts and special offers for students. Many businesses, including software companies, streaming services, and retail stores, provide discounted rates to students.
Websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans offer exclusive deals and discounts on various products and services.
Make sure to take advantage of the students’ offers by presenting your student ID or utilising specific discount codes when making purchases.
Websites to look for student discount coupons in India:
| Name of Platform | For more info, click on the link below: |
| Student Edge India | Website |
| UNiDAYS | Website |
| CollegeDunia | Website |
| GrabOn | Website |
| CouponRaja | Website |
| FreeKaaMaal | Website |
| Coupons Wala | Website |
Where can students get discounts in India?
As an Indian student, you can avail discounts that are incredibly valuable, surpassing even the aromatic spice of coriander. Following are the areas where any college student can get a discount:
Educational Software and Technology
Several software and technology companies provide discounts or free licences to Indian students. For instance, Microsoft offers Office 365 Education, which includes popular tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, completely free of cost for college students.
These resources can be invaluable for academic projects and for enhancing your technical skills.
Online Shopping Platforms
E-commerce has revolutionised the way we shop, and as a student, you can take advantage of exclusive deals and discounts on various online shopping platforms in India.
Websites like Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal offer special student discounts, seasonal sales, and promotional offers on a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, books, and more.
Keep an eye out for special student-centric sales like “Student Shopping Festivals” to grab some fantastic deals.
Travel Discounts
Travelling is an integral part of college life, whether it’s going back home during breaks or exploring new places.
As an Indian student, you can avail yourself of various travel discounts and benefits. Major airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India often have discounted fares exclusively for students.
Additionally, bus and train services like RedBus and Indian Railways offer special concessions and discounts for students. Be sure to carry your student ID card and inquire about student-specific offers when booking your tickets.
Mobile and Internet Plans
Staying connected is essential for students and several telecom providers offer exclusive plans and discounts for students in India. Companies like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea provide special student packages that include discounted rates, additional data, and other benefits.
These plans can help you stay within your budget while enjoying uninterrupted mobile and internet services for academic purposes and staying connected with friends and family.
Government Schemes and Scholarships
The Government of India has implemented various schemes and scholarships to support and encourage higher education.
These programs cater to different categories, including merit-based scholarships, scholarships for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and scholarships for specific fields of study.
Research and apply for these scholarships to potentially receive financial assistance that can significantly reduce your educational expenses.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Open Educational Resources are freely accessible educational materials that can be used, modified, and distributed without any cost. These resources include textbooks, lecture notes, videos, and interactive learning modules.
Platforms like OpenStax, MIT OpenCourseWare, and Khan Academy provide a wide range of OER materials across various disciplines.
By utilising OER, you can save a significant amount of money on textbooks while still accessing high-quality learning materials.
Advantages of OERs
Immediate and Continued Access
One of the primary benefits of Open Educational Resources (OERs) is that they provide students with immediate and continued access to educational materials.
Unlike traditional textbooks that may have limited availability, OERs can be accessed anytime and anywhere in the world. This accessibility allows students to start preparing for their courses ahead of time and continue their learning even after the courses have ended.
Enhancement of Regular Course Content
OERs offer a wide range of materials, including multimedia resources, that can be used to enhance regular course content. These resources can help engage students by providing dynamic and interactive learning experiences.
OERs can serve as supplementary material, offering additional explanations, examples, or case studies that support the main course content. They can also be utilised when students require background information or have a particular interest in extending their knowledge on a specific topic.
Adaptability
OERs provide instructors with the flexibility to customise the content according to their specific needs. Unlike traditional textbooks where instructors may feel obligated to cover the entire book to justify the cost to students, OERs can be easily modified.
Instructors can add, remove, or edit content to align with their curriculum, teaching style, or students’ requirements. This adaptability empowers instructors to create a tailored learning experience that suits the unique needs of their students.
Increased Diversity
OERs offer a vast selection of resources that promote diversity and inclusion in education. Instructors can utilise a variety of resources from different authors, institutions, and perspectives, ensuring a wider range of voices are represented.
OERs enable educators to include resources that reflect diverse cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, allowing students to gain a broader understanding of the subject matter.
Additionally, instructors have the flexibility to edit resources to ensure they are inclusive and relevant to their specific student population.
Continual Improvement
OERs provide the opportunity for continuous improvement and collaboration among educators. Since OERs are openly licensed, they can be edited and improved by instructors, students, and subject matter experts.
Any errors or inaccuracies can be quickly identified and corrected without the need to wait for a new edition or go through a lengthy review process. This dynamic nature of OERs ensures that the materials remain up-to-date, accurate, and aligned with the evolving educational landscape.
Academic Support Services
Most colleges and universities provide free academic support services to their students. These services include tutoring programs, writing centres, and academic workshops.
Tutors can help you understand complex subjects, improve your study techniques, and prepare for exams. Writing centres offer guidance on essay writing, proofreading, and citation styles.
These resources can significantly enhance your academic performance and help you succeed in your coursework.
Health and Wellness Services
College can be a demanding and stressful time, so it’s important to prioritise your well-being.
Most campuses offer free or low-cost health and wellness services, including counselling and mental health support. These services can help you cope with academic stress, manage personal challenges, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Take advantage of these free resources to ensure your overall well-being and seek assistance when needed.
Software and Technology
Several software and technology companies offer free or discounted licences to students.
For instance, Microsoft provides Office 365 for Education, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other useful tools. Adobe Creative Cloud offers discounts on software like Photoshop and Illustrator.
Additionally, many colleges and universities provide access to specialised software and tools relevant to specific courses or fields of study.
Free software available to students in India:
| Name of Platform | For more info, click on the link below: |
| Microsoft Office 365 Education | Click here |
| G Suite for Education | Click here |
| Autodesk Education Community | Click here |
| GitHub Student Developer Pack | Click here |
| Adobe Creative Cloud for Students | Click here |
| Tableau for Students | Click here |
| IBM Watson | Click here |
| JetBrains Student License | Click here |
Conclusion
College is a time of growth and exploration, and it’s essential to make the most of the resources available to you. College students have an abundance of valuable and free resources at their fingertips, ready to enhance their academic journey and personal development.
From online textbooks and research databases to educational platforms and student discounts, these offerings empower students to overcome financial barriers and expand their horizons.
By taking advantage of these free resources, students can access a wealth of knowledge, sharpen their skills, and build a strong foundation for future success.
It is essential to explore and make the most of these free resources for college students, as they hold the potential to shape their educational experience and pave the way for a brighter future.
So, seize the opportunity, dive into the world of free resources for college students, and unlock the endless possibilities that await you as a college student.
