9 Best Companies That Give Freebies for Students: Ranked & Reviewed (2024)

Do you know how far your student ID and .edu email address can take you? Let’s help with that.

As a college student, academics is just one of the two things you’re always concerned about. The other one is how to budget your cash every month effectively.

You might have thought of ways to earn extra cash in your free time.

Luckily, some companies have freebies for students like you! Even better, some of those we’ll mention may also be your source of extra income.

You’ll be amazed by how much money you can save from these companies and how likely you’ll benefit from them when building a career.

Read along to learn how you can score great perks and stretch your dollars!

An Overview of Freebies for Students

Anything free sounds exciting, especially if you’re a student who lives on an allowance, as gaining free food or free access to anything can be a game changer.

What Is a Freebie for Students?

A freebie for students refers to any item, service, or perk offered to them without charge or at a discounted rate.

These can range from free food to free access to exclusive events. These could also take the form of complimentary memberships and discounts on various products and services, both online and offline.

Why Are Freebies for Students Important?

Student freebies such as discounts play a vital role in supporting college students’ financial well-being.

You’ll often face limited budgets and expenses constraints as you navigate your academic journey. For instance, you may be managing student loans and living through part-time jobs that may not pay well.

These promotions allow you to save money on daily necessities. And with an abundance of student freebies, you’ll have more budget for other essential things you need to survive school.

Do I Need a Student Freebie?

Absolutely! If you’re a college student, taking advantage of available student freebies is essential. They’re designed just for you, and nothing should stop you from going after them.

Just note that these are typically provided to students who can verify their enrollment with valid IDs.

The Best Company That Gives Freebies for Students at a Glance

Ready to enjoy your perks as a college student? Consider our top picks.

What Is the Best Company That Gives Student Discounts?

The best company to get a student promotion is Microsoft.

Microsoft Office 365 is packed with useful apps college students can use in whatever course they may be taking.

Which Gives Both Student Discounts and Rewards?

Swagbucks offer both discounts and rewards.

You can answer surveys to receive coupons as well as cash.

Features to Look For in a Company That Offers Freebies for Students

College students are always on the lookout for opportunities to save and earn. For instance, you may want to know how to make money from your dorm and get the best value for your coins.

But you shouldn’t sign up with a company that gives student discounts immediately. Some companies may promise you great perks, whereas others may claim that you’ll save money in the process.

And if you go ahead without careful consideration, you can be taken advantage of.

Read each point to ensure you make the most of your experience and get the freebies you deserve without any unnecessary hassles.

1. Accessibility

You should look at the ease of accessing your discount.

Most companies should only ask for your valid student ID or school email address. Stay away from those who ask for unnecessary and sensitive information.

2. Transparent Monthly Service Fees

Be aware of any associated monthly service fees the company charges. A legit company should provide transparent information about these fees upfront.

For your safety, think twice about going to ones that may charge a subscription fee to access their student discount platform.

3. Partnerships with an Array of Organizations

Consider companies that have partnerships with many merchants or student organizations. This can help you score discounts and freebies tailored to your field of study or interests.

For example, you can look at companies that provide free digital textbooks related to economics if that’s your major or those that give free painting materials if you’re into art.

4. Additional Perks for an Enhanced Experience

Look for companies that offer additional perks to make your experience even better. These are benefits that can maximize the value of the student discount program.

Examples are free shipping, extended trial periods, and free tickets to exclusive events.

Best Companies That Give Freebies to Students: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

We’ve searched high and low and listed the best places college students can get freebies and discounts.

Microsoft 365 Personal: Our Pick

This could be the perfect solution for college students seeking affordable access to Microsoft Office.

What made this our top choice is the benefits it could give to college students in the long run. The apps included in this software could be used even after college.

Let’s say you’re looking into making a career in corporate, like being a consultant. Knowing how to work with Microsoft apps may give you an edge when job hunting.

And with its flexible monthly payment option of $2.99, it offers incredible value. All you need is your .edu email address to unlock access to storage discounts, essential software packages, and project management tools.

What’s more, you’ll no longer have to resort to unsafe applications that could potentially risk your files and compromise your privacy.

Key Features of Microsoft 365 Personal

Here are a few reasons why this is our top pick for college student discounts.

• Lets You Stay Organized and Productive:  Microsoft Office has a variety of applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You may use these to tackle your academic tasks effectively.
• Simplify Collaboration: You can collaborate on group projects and share files with classmates seamlessly. And since Microsoft Teams is also a go-to app for academic meetings, you could stay on top of your subjects even virtually.
• Access Your Files Anywhere: You may want to enjoy the convenience of storing your files in the cloud. You’ll be sure that they’re accessible across devices and safeguarded against loss. There’s no need to worry about forgetting your homework at home!
• Develop Essential Skills: Microsoft Office is commonly used in various industries. Mastering it during your college years can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
• Protect Your Data: You may want to know how Microsoft 365 Personal offers robust security measures. It could be a great way to keep your files and personal information safe from online threats.

Pros of Microsoft 365 Personal

• Budget-Friendly: Monthly payments make it accessible for most college students.
• Up To Date: You can access the latest versions of Microsoft Office applications.
• Storage: Integration with OneDrive may provide ample storage space and could help with file management.
• Simple Sign up: The .edu email address verification process ensures eligibility for student discounts.

Cons of Microsoft 365 Personal

• Long-Term Cost: Monthly fees apply as long as you’re using it.
• Not Widely Available: Only available for students enrolled at Title IV accredited colleges or universities in the United States.

Microsoft 365 Personal Pricing

The monthly fee for Office 365 is $2.99 per month for students.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Microsoft 365 Personal?

If you’re a college student in need of reliable and feature-rich software, Microsoft 365 Personal might be a good choice.

For its price, it offers an extensive suite of applications you can use for schoolwork. Whether you’re in fine arts or business, it could offer tools you can use to ace your subjects.

Apple Student Discount: Runner-up

Apple is a notable contender when it comes to being generous with student offers.

They have a dedicated back-to-school promotion you may want to browse through.

Let’s say you want to make extra cash with your MacBook. This might be an effective way to purchase this laptop for less and make money while still in school.

Other than that, they provide a lot of other deals for those with student status.

Key Features of Apple Student Discount

Here are a few things you may want to know about Apple as a student.

• Wide Range of Products: A lot of their products may be valid for student discounts. This may be a good option to save some bucks if you want to take notes on an iPad or work on assignments with a MacBook.
• Compatible with Essential Software: Apple products could seamlessly work with the software you need for school. You can use it with popular programs like Microsoft Office and Google Docs. It’s also compatible with specialized tools like Autodesk, AutoCAD, and MATLAB.
• Apple Music: If you’re enrolled in a degree-granting university or college, you could join Apple Music at a discounted rate for up to two years.
• Free Software and Creative Tools: Apple provides powerful software applications like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote for free. These tools may help you create impressive documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

Pros of Apple Student Discount

• High-Quality and Reliable Products: Apple products are known for their performance and user-friendly experience.
• Compatibility: They offer hassle-free integration with essential software commonly used in schools.
• Student Inclusive: Exclusive pricing and discounts specifically designed for students, helping you save money on your Apple purchases.
• Good Choice for Entertainment: Affordable Apple Music subscription gives you unlimited music streaming
• Accessibility: A student ID is all you need to take advantage of discounts.

Cons of Apple Student Discount

• Costly: Apple products can be pricier compared to other brands.
• Availability: Your chances of getting discounts will depend on where you live and which educational institution you attend.

Apple Student Discount Pricing

This will depend on the specific Apple product you purchase. You can save between $50 to $200 in the process.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Apple Student Discount?

This will depend on your current situation. If you have a budget for Apple in the first place, you may want to take advantage of their student discounts. These devices may not only support your education but also prove valuable when starting your career. 

However, if your current laptop or tablet is functioning well, you may want to prioritize other expenses or explore alternative options.

PocketPoints: Also Great

PocketPoints is a rewards program app that offers fantastic benefits for students.

Its main purpose is to help students focus on their studies by staying away from their phones. The longer you don’t use your phone, the more points you receive.

Let’s take a closer look at its key features and why it’s worth considering.

Key Features of PocketPoints

• Free Membership: You could enjoy the perks of free membership. There’s no need to worry about monthly and annual plans. They promise to give access to a range of exciting offers and rewards at no cost.
• Free Meal: As a student affiliate member, you could earn points and redeem them for free food at participating restaurants and cafes.
• Free Tickets: The app also offers the opportunity to earn free tickets you could use for various events and activities. Just note that this will still depend on the merchant.
• Free Drinks: Sometimes, you just need a ‘pick-me-up’ drink for those long nights of studying. Another feature of this app is the chance to earn free drinks at select establishments.

Pros of PocketPoints

• Easy to Use: It provides a user-friendly interface. It’s simple to use, especially for techy students.
• Helps You Focus: The nature of this app could help you stay concentrated while in class.
• Unlimited Access: You could enjoy unlimited access to the platform’s benefits and rewards, ensuring you can make the most of your membership.

Cons of PocketPoints

• Limited Availability: The availability of offers and rewards may vary depending on your location and participating establishments.
• Point System: You may need a lot of points to redeem a reward.
• Waiting period: You need to wait three business days if your school is not yet included on their platform.

Pocket Points Pricing

You don’t have to pay anything to use this app.

Conclusion: Should You Choose PocketPoints?

You may want to look into this app as a student. More than the freebies you can redeem, it could help you perform better in school. After all, that’s your goal as a college student.

What’s even better is that it may help you stretch your budget. By being able to score free meals, you could plan your expenses more effectively.

You can also save a few bucks and buy other necessities.

Notable Mentions: Other Companies That Give Freebies for Students to Check Out

Here are a few more places you can score perks as a college student.

Bank of America: Best for Money Management

If you’re looking for something more valuable than a free drink or a free meal, you may want to look at this option.

Bank of America offers a range of benefits tailored to meet the needs of students. This could be a great way to open a bank account and build your financial profile while you’re young.

You just have to provide more proof of identification other than your student ID card to start.

Why Is Bank of America a Great Option?

Bank of America understands the challenges that students face, including the burden of student loan debt. They offer a free checking account (paperless) specifically designed for students under twenty-five years old.

And you also get to experience their award-winning mobile banking app. This online banking solution could allow you to check your balance, send money instantly, and more.

Plus, you can even deposit checks right from your phone, saving you a trip to the bank.

Drawbacks to Bank of America

While Bank of America provides many benefits, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations. 

One drawback is that it is a checkless banking option, which means you won’t have access to traditional paper checks.

It’s crucial to review the account terms and conditions to ensure it aligns with your specific banking needs.

Bank of America Pricing 

They require no monthly maintenance fees for qualifying students. You may want to look into this if you need the convenience checking account offers without worrying about additional costs.

Amazon Prime Student: Best for Online Shopping

Amazon has continued to help students purchase items that aren’t widely accessible to them.

For instance, fashion majors could get a hold of rare textiles, and culinary majors could access ingredients from other parts of the world.

If you’re a student looking to access a wide range of benefits, you could consider signing up for Amazon Prime Student.

You can enjoy a 6-month free trial that provides many of the same advantages as Amazon Prime at no cost.

Why Is Amazon Prime Student a Great Option?

Not only do you get access to a vast library of entertainment through Prime Video, but you could also benefit from free two-day shipping on millions of items.

This is particularly useful when ordering textbooks, study supplies, or anything else you need for your school.

Additionally, you can enjoy free access to Prime Music, with over two million songs available for streaming.

And if, for example, you major in photography, they offer free unlimited photo storage through Amazon Photos.

Drawbacks to Amazon Prime Student

While Amazon Prime Student offers numerous advantages, it’s important to note that the free trial lasts for only six months. After the trial ends, you can continue your membership at a discounted rate.

Also, keep in mind that the discounted rate is available for up to four years. If you graduate earlier than this point, standard charges may apply.

Once this period ends, your Prime membership will convert to a regular Prime membership with the applicable annual fee.

Amazon Prime Student Pricing

During the six-month trial period, you can enjoy all the benefits of Amazon Prime for free. After the trial, Prime Student membership is available at a discounted rate of $7.49 per month.

GitHub: Best for Aspiring Programmers

GitHub might be a cool option for those looking for digital services tailored for students.

With its free student developer pack and special educational models, it offers a range of benefits for aspiring programmers.

Why Is GitHub a Great Option?

GitHub provides a free version of its platform specifically designed for students. By signing up with a valid college ID and a .edu email, you can unlock access to the student version.

From there, you can collaborate on projects, showcase your work, and learn from a vibrant community of developers.

If you’re an aspiring programmer, you may want to leverage these applications and create projects you can show to future employers.

Drawbacks to GitHub

Some students might find the platform more focused on electronics, unlike clothing retailers, making it less relevant for certain disciplines.

Additionally, GitHub’s free membership has some limitations compared to its paid plans. As such, you may not access some advanced features and support options.

Also, it may be available only for students enrolled in certain schools.

GitHub Pricing

GitHub offers different plans to cater to various needs. As mentioned earlier, it provides a free student developer pack that includes access to GitHub Pro.

Swagbucks: Best for Earning Cashback Rewards

If you’re a college student looking to score free meals, discounted tickets, and even cash back, you may want to give Swagbucks a try. It’s a convenient and rewarding way to make the most of your free time.

With Swagbucks, you could earn rewards by completing simple tasks, taking surveys, and watching videos.

Why Is SwagBucks a Great Option?

Swagbucks provides a wide range of opportunities for college students to earn free rewards.

From redeeming points for gift cards to getting cashback into your PayPal account, there are plenty of ways to benefit from it.

You can even score free food and discounted tickets to your favorite events through their rewards program.

Drawbacks to Swagbucks

The rewards may require some time and effort to accumulate. Also, there’s no assurance as to how often you could qualify for their surveys.

However, with a little dedication, you can enjoy the benefits of this platform without spending a dime.

Swagbucks Pricing

Swagbucks offers a free membership that allows you to start earning rewards right away. With no upfront costs, you can jump right in and take advantage of their offers.

Just note that they may require a certain threshold before you can cash out.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Free Admissions

If you’re a college student who loves exploring local museums, this could be a perfect destination. This gem is located at Exposition Blvd., LA.

You may benefit from free admission and access to a wealth of captivating exhibits. From ancient artifacts to interactive displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from this museum.

Why Is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County a Great Option?

One of the greatest advantages of this museum is its free admission policy. This makes it accessible to college students with art majors looking to explore their interests.

The museum also offers special educational models designed for visitors of all ages.

Drawbacks to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

While the museum offers free admission, this is limited to specific groups. Currently, they only offer free admission to students enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC).

Also, additional tickets must be purchased for special exhibitions. This includes the Butterfly and Spider Pavilion, the 3D Theater, and other unique experiences.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Pricing

For general admission, the museum provides free entry during specific hours for LA County residents from 3 pm to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

However, certain experiences and exhibitions may require paid tickets.

It’s best to check the museum’s website for detailed pricing information.

OpenStax: Best Source of Free Textbooks

Looking for college textbooks that are both affordable and accessible? You may want to look into OpenStax. They offer a wide range of openly licensed college textbooks that you can access for free.

Why Is OpenStax a Great Option?

OpenStax is a great option for college students because their textbooks are completely free to access. You don’t even need a valid school email address to create an account and start studying.

What sets OpenStax apart isn’t just the affordability but also the high quality of its textbooks.

Each openly licensed college textbook undergoes a thorough review process to meet rigorous academic standards.

Drawbacks to OpenStax

OpenStax offers an excellent selection of college textbooks, but they may not cover all subjects. Some specialized or niche courses might not have textbooks available.

And if you prefer a physical copy of the textbook, you may need to spend money to purchase a hard copy.

OpenStax Pricing

OpenStax textbooks are completely free to view, ensuring that you’ll have access to affordable resources that won’t break the bank.

Other Companies Relevant to Freebies for Students

Want more free stuff and make the most out of your student status? Explore other ways to make money as a college student.

• Surveys That Pay Cash Instantly: Click here to know which websites can pay you through your Paypal account for answering surveys.
• Bank That Pays You to Open Account: Find out how to enjoy online and mobile banking and receive money when you open a bank account.
• Where to Buy Online Businesses: Want to start your e-commerce empire? Read this to learn how to earn from online businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

These are just some of the best ways college students can access discounts and promotions.

If you’re still in school, don’t be afraid to try your luck and get a better value for your money using your student ID.

Just remember to be vigilant about websites and places that offer deals that are too good to be true. And at the end of the day, learn to enjoy your academic life.

Soon enough, you’ll be applying for your dream job and would be looking for ways to get more deals as an adult!

Are you aware of more places that offer promotions? Help a fellow college student and comment down below.