Being a student is kind of like a never-ending cycle of this iconic Tiger King moment: 

Managing money for rent, food and educational materials (not to mention events and plain socialising!) is sometimes a steep uphill battle. Luckily, your student ID card is something of a golden ticket when it comes to scoring a discount. 

From software to meals to entertainment, there are a bunch of amazing freebies you can take advantage of while you’re studying. Here are just a few of our favourite discounts and bargains you have access to as a UTS student. 

Software 

You can quickly and easily download free or heavily discounted programs via the UTS Systems website. There are tonnes of essential software for students available, from the Microsoft Office suite to a digital portfolio platform. 

Engineering and IT students will find this site particularly helpful. It has all the software you need to thrive as a FEIT student, with all things programming and computing either free or cheap.

There’s no need to be out of pocket for things that are essential for your degree. If you require software as part of your studies, check out this site as well as the Library’s. You never know – you might end up with a slightly fatter wallet than usual!

Study help 

First up, UTS has a range of study support and resources that aim to help you with all your academic needs and skills development. From technology and online resources, to workshops and programs, find out how UTS can help you with your studies.

External programs you may have seen around can also help you with your studies, and save money. With your .uts.edu.au email address, you have access to a Grammarly Premium account, fully free of charge. This interactive spelling and grammar checking site can help you ensure all your assignments come across as clear and engaging as they can!  

Likewise, if you’re looking to expand your skillsets while studying, check out LinkedIn Learning. Chock-full of top quality educational videos, LinkedIn Learning can help you learn skills relating to business, software, technology, creativity and more.

Next time you reach for your phone to mindlessly scroll, why not take advantage of the free access to resources, software and videos that aim to help you reach your personal, professional and academic goals instead?

Streaming services 

We are living in the golden age of film and TV content, and there are more streaming services than ever to allow you to watch until your heart’s content! The downside, of course, is how expensive all these services become.

Sure, you can definitely steal friends’/parents’/ex-partners’ logins for various sites (shoutout to all my fellow Netflix, Stan, Binge and Amazon password thieves). But if you want to watch movies and TV without the hassle – or the price – we’ve got you covered.

The Library collection allows UTS students access to two major streaming services: Kanopy and Informit EduTV.

Kanopy is a leading distributor of tertiary educational videos within Australia. On the site, you can watch content on the arts, business, health, history, media and communications, social sciences and instructional videos.

Informit EduTV is an online TV streaming resource hosting over 10,000 programs including documentaries and drama series that are available with complementary study guides and articles.

So, move over Netflix, we’ve got something better (and free!) ?

Arts, culture, and events

The reason we say to always carry your student ID card with you is primarily for the sweet, sweet discounts that come along with it.

A non-exhaustive list of free and discounted products and services that come along with being a student include entry to movies, museums and art galleries.

Not only that, but your trip to these different spots should also be discounted with a concession travel card. Find out more about the different financial assistance resources and discounts here.

ActivateUTS are constantly updating their calendar with free or heavily discounted events, so keep an eye out!

Being a student certainly isn’t cheap, but it comes with a heap of benefits. Don’t break the bank, just bring your student ID with you and let the discounts roll in.

Featured image courtesy of Unpslash