OnTheHub is a brilliant resource for checking whether or not your are entitled to a discount or free access to software by being a part of an academic institution. Simply look up your institution and you can see what software you are eligable for. This website works globally. Log In As an example, I have free access to Windows 8.1 and can purchase Microsoft Office 2013 for £12.50 (~$17.50). The offers are institution-specific, but most offer Microsoft products at a heavily discounted price. If you are a student or academic it is well worth having a look before purchasing any software elsewhere. You many be able to get a copy for much less that the retail price.
Wow, that's an incredible resource. Thanks for sharing this jayres. Many people have trouble paying for these expensive pieces of software, even I did in the past. But, a significant chunk qualify for these discounts thanks to the school they are in enrolled in, or their workplace. I took advantage of these discounts at least twice in the past. Even better is that it's not limited to a specific country. I'll refer my friends to this site for sure.
The actual Microsoft Store offers a 10% discount to students for many computers, tablets, and software. Even most campus bookstores can get students discounts on technology or other purchases. All a student has to do is ask, and programs for student discounts are widely available through most large companies, which is always nice.
Education has been a very big burden on young shoulders. They can neither work full time nor pay their fees with measly part-time jobs. It would be helpful if students may get discounted software and if corporates can actually extend free editions to college libraries.
