In this article, we’ll discuss the free campus tech resources that students can access. These free tech resources include software licenses, printing and copying, and computer labs.
This is an important topic because freshmen students spent $809 on technology. College students spend 59% of their total books and supplies budget on technology, too. About 71% of freshmen students also buy a laptop or computer for their studies.
Of course, you can skip technology costs if you must. But we live in the Digital Age – technology is a must for communication and collaboration. Skipping technology requirements isn’t something we recommend for these reasons.
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This is especially true if you’re an online student or in a tech-heavy major. Even if you’re not, technology is a must if you want to achieve academic success.
Fortunately, there’s a wide range of free campus tech resources available. Read on if you want to know more and, thus, save more money for other essentials.
The Value of Free Tech on Campus
Access to free tech resources brings a wide range of benefits to students and the college itself.
Promote affordable access to a college education.
As a college student, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on technology costs. The financial burden of college becomes lighter for it.
Boost academic performance.
You can complete assignments and projects with little to no technology costs. Free access to MS Office, MATLAB, or Adobe Creative Cloud, for example, makes it possible.
Encourage effective development of real-world skills.
Students can hone their tech skills that are valuable in the workplace. This is particularly useful for students in tech-heavy majors, such as engineering.
For the college itself, free access promotes equal access to higher education. This is a crucial aspect of attracting more students to enroll, among other benefits.
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Free Software Licenses
As a college student, free software is heaven-sent. Popular software programs used in colleges cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. If you buy their licenses, your technology costs can skyrocket.
But you can’t skip them either because of their vital nature. You’ll use them for research, presentations, and data analysis, among others.
Popular Programs with Free Licenses
Fortunately, many of these programs are available for free for enrolled students.
- Microsoft Office 365
- The free Microsoft Office for students includes Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more. These programs are vital for writing papers and spreadsheets, creating presentations, and more.
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- The free Adobe Creative Cloud for students is useful in creative projects. The software includes Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, among others.
- SPSS
- This is a comprehensive software package originally developed for social science research. Today, it’s also a valuable program in healthcare, business, education, and more. This is used for statistical analysis, data documentation, and data management.
- MATLAB
- Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) is a high-level programming language and environment. Numerical computing, visualization, and algorithm development are among its uses.
- AutoCAD
- This is popular for its excellent features in 2D and 3D computer-aided design. Students in engineering and architecture use it.
Real-world Cost vs. Free Access
If you buy these programs on your own, you can spend $100-$600+ per year. Here’s a breakdown of their estimated cost for reference.
- Microsoft Office 365 – $100/year
- Adobe Creative Cloud – Between $240 and $600 per year, depending on features
- SPSS – Ranges from $100 to $250 per year for the student version
- MATLAB – Between $50 and $150 per year for its student license
- AutoCAD – $195/year for students
So, you can save at least $1,000 per year, depending on your major. Note, nonetheless, that many programs may not be available for free. But you can ask for student discounts and, thus, enjoy significant savings.
Tips to Access Free Software
You should be able to access free software through your college’s IT department or portal. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to do so.
- Visit your college’s technology services or similar page. Common titles include “Technology Resources” or “Student Software”.
- Use your student email and password to log in and access the software portals.
- Search for the software you need.
- Follow the download or installation instructions. A product key or activation code is usually required.
- Use the tech support, if needed.
Note that you must be enrolled to access the free software.
Free Printing and Copying
The average college student can spend about $3 per week on printing and copying. This translates to about $48 per semester, although your actual cost will vary. While $48 doesn’t seem significant over a semester, it adds up over four years or so of your college studies.
This is where free printing for college students comes to the rescue. Ask your college if it offers free printing and copying services, too.
Colleges Offering Printing Allowances or Quotas
Many colleges also provide students with a printing allowance or quota every semester. The printing allowance can be either free or a subsidized printing credit. Students can use it to print academic materials like lecture notes and assignments.
For example, you may get 200 pages or a $20 printing allowance for the semester. When you use up your allowance, you’ll be required to pay an extra fee for each printing service. You can use your allowance in printers in libraries and computer labs, among other places.
In most colleges, their IT department keeps track of the printing allowance. Students usually use their login credentials to use the service.
Here are three colleges that give their students printing allowances.
- Clark College provides students with 1,500 free printing credits per quarter.
- Shippensburg University has a 500-page or $20-credit for printing services.
- Middlebury College provides a printing allowance ranging from $24 to $60 per term.
Tips for Maximizing Your Free Printing
As the name suggests, a printing allowance has its limits. You can stretch it by considering these strategies.
- Review your document to avoid errors and, thus, prevent reprinting.
- Print double-sided or duplex, if possible. You’ll halve your paper usage.
- Take advantage of campus labs that offer free printing. Off-campus shops tend to charge higher prices.
- Use draft print or economy mode to save on toner.
- Print in grey scale unless color prints are a must.
Always check your balance, too, before printing. This way, you can avoid extra charges in case you’ve gone over your limit.
Campus Computer Labs
Computer labs for college students are the go-to places for high-performance software. If you’re a student in STEM programs, consider them your second home on campus.
What You’ll Find in Computer Labs
These labs offer specialized software that students may not have on their computers. Students in engineering, architecture, and data science programs train in these labs. This also goes for students in design and media production programs.
High-performance programs usually available in computer labs include:
- MATLAB
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- SolidWorks
- AutoCAD
Many schools also offer remote desktop and 24/7 access to labs. This way, students can log in from any Internet-connected computer. Group workstations with large screens or multiple computers make collaborations possible, too.
Policies vary, but student login credentials are the typical requirements. Students must be aware of time limits, quiet zones, and responsible use of equipment.
Reservations and resource sharing policies are common, too. Tech support, student assistants, and lab managers are usually present to assist students. Be sure to attend the training sessions, if available, to be more familiar with the computer labs.
What Benefits These Bring to Students
Not every student can afford a laptop, much less buy high-performance software. This is where campus labs come to the rescue by:
- Providing access to high-performance hardware and software for their assignments and projects
- Decreasing the cost of college, a boon for students with limited means
- Enabling students to engage in collaborative projects through group workstations
- Allowing extended or 24/7 access to accommodate diverse schedules and preferences
- Eliminating the risk of damage to a personal device. But responsible equipment use is a must in computer labs; penalties for damage are common.
Indeed, using computer labs not only reduces your college costs. More importantly, you’ll hone real-world skills by using its software.
Equipment Rentals
Many universities also offer equipment rentals for college students, including:
- UCLA’s CLICC program, where students can borrow laptops, peripherals, and presentation kits
- Arizona State’s Tech Lending program, where laptops and miscellaneous tools are available
- Virginia Tech’s Studios Technology Lending Desk allows students to borrow tech resources
Equipment rentals are a valuable service because of their affordable fees. There’s no need to spend money on expensive equipment that you may only use a few times. You may, for example, be only filming a short film, working on a class project, or waiting for your laptop’s repair.
Common Equipment Available for Student Use
The type of equipment for rent depends on your college. You may want to check out the equipment in your first week of classes, so you have an idea.
Here are the common equipment that many colleges offer for students.
- Laptops and peripherals (e.g., chargers)
- Cameras (i.e., video and DSLR)
- Calculators
- Audio or recording equipment
- Projectors and accessories
If you need high-performance equipment, you may also be able to request it.
How to Reserve and Borrow Gear
Your college will have specific policies and procedures about equipment rental. So, be sure to read them first so you understand the terms and conditions.
In general, here are the basic steps to reserve and borrow tech equipment and gear.
- Visit the IT department, library, or whatever office is in charge of equipment rental. If rentals are made via a portal, visit it instead.
- If you’re using a portal, follow the login instructions. You’ll usually need your student account details to do so.
- Browse the available equipment for rent. Check their details, too, such as condition, fees, and duration.
- Reserve or book the equipment you want to borrow. Pay the fees, if needed.
- Pick up the item from the designated place. You’ll need your student ID, too.
- Return the gear in good condition and on time. Otherwise, fines and penalties (e.g., loss of borrowing privileges) can happen.
You should also attend on-site training or watch tutorials about proper equipment use.
Cost Savings Compared to Buying or Renting Elsewhere
As with software, you can enjoy significant savings by renting equipment. Here’s an estimate of what you can save.
| Tech Item | Buy New | Rent |
| Laptop | $800-$1,000 | $120 – $250/week |
| DSLR Camera | $500–$1,200 | $50–$80/week |
| Graphing Calculator (TI-84) | $100 | Free or low-cost |
| Projector | $400 | $250/week |
| Audio Recorder and Mic | $150–$500 | $50–$120/week |
You don’t even have to shoulder the entire rental fee on your own, either. You and your groupmates can contribute to it. There are also free student technology resources, such as calculators.
How to Make the Most of Campus Tech Resources
Indeed, if you’re wondering how to save money on tech in college, rentals are the answer. But you must also look beyond rentals and consider these cost-saving strategies.
- Check your college’s IT or library website for lists of free resources. You can also ask your peers and professors for recommendations.
- Ask about additional college student technology discounts. Apple and Dell offer them. Ask about discounts on software bundles, too.
- Combine with financial aid savings to stretch your budget.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Skills That Pay Off
In conclusion, technology costs are among the hidden costs of college. But there’s no need to despair over their high costs either. You should access the free tech resources offered by your college. In doing so, you’re lowering technology costs and making college more affordable.
But accessing these free resources isn’t only about saving money. You’ll also have hands-on learning experiences and develop your real-world skills. As a result, you’ll graduate with a competitive edge in the job marketplace.
These aspects are exactly what we are here for. We aim to empower students to make smart financial decisions. As such, you’ll find college more affordable, accessible, and worthwhile.