Student software and tech discounts

As a student you may be able to get software free that would otherwise cost money every month. The trick is to check what your university already gives you before you pay for anything, and to plan for when that access ends.

Start with what your university provides

• Many universities give students Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint free while they study: the University of York says all its students get free access.
• Microsoft states that Office 365 Education is free to eligible students and teachers, and its education page says students with an eligible education email address can get Office 365 A1 free (Microsoft).
• At the University of Stirling, for example, you sign in at office.com with your university email, choose Apps, then Install apps (University of Stirling, April 2026).
• Universities often also offer subject software (statistics, design or coding tools) free or at a discount: check your IT services software list before buying (University of York).
• Look in your welcome emails and the IT services pages during your first week; this is often where licence codes are listed.

Specialist packs for particular subjects

• Computer science and engineering students can apply for programmes such as GitHub's Student Developer Pack, which requires an application and verification of student status (GitHub Docs).
• Creative and design software companies often run education pricing; read exactly what happens to the price after the first year.
• Ask your department or course handbook which software is actually required, so you do not buy something your faculty already licenses in computer labs.

Hardware discounts without the hype

• Several manufacturers have education stores; compare the education price with normal retailer sales, as a general sale can sometimes be cheaper.
• Read what verification is required (often a university email or student ID) and what you can buy per year.
• Before buying a laptop, check your course's recommended specifications on your university website.
• For warranties, extended warranties and refurbished options, see the Contracts, Purchases and Your Rights module; for checking discount codes are genuine, see Student Money Survival.

Plan for when access ends

• Student licences are tied to your student status: Stirling says that once you leave, access to Microsoft 365 ends (University of Stirling).
• Keep your own copies of important work, not only in your university cloud storage, and move personal files out before graduating.
• Use a personal email address (not only your university one) for accounts you want to keep after graduation.
• Set a calendar reminder for trial and education-price end dates so you are not charged full price by surprise.