Being an SIU student comes with more benefits than you might realize. Along with classes and campus life, we also have access to a variety of free and discounted resources that can support our academic success and professional growth. Keep reading to explore the educational tools and resources available to every SIU student — and how to make the most of them.
Microsoft Office
If you are writing papers, making presentations, or working on group projects, you are going to need Microsoft Office. The good news is that it is completely free for SIU students. With your SIU email, you can access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. This saves you from paying for software you will use constantly throughout college.
LinkedIn Learning
One of the most underrated perks of being an SIU student is free access to LinkedIn Learning. It offers tons of short, easy-to-follow courses on topics like resume and interview tips, Excel, PowerPoint, and other tech skills, career exploration, and leadership and communication skills. These courses are great if you want to learn something new outside of class or boost your resume. Some even come with certificates you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
Software/Tech Discounts
Your student status may also give you access to popular software and tech tools at little to no cost, including Adobe Creative Cloud. Full-time SIU students can request access to Adobe Creative Cloud for free, which is especially helpful for majors involving design, media, or content creation. Even if your major doesn’t require it, it’s still worth checking what software you can access before paying full price.
SIU Support
Before paying for outside study tools or services, make sure you are using what SIU already provides. As students, we have access to online library databases and research articles through Morris Library, writing and tutoring services, and career services like resume reviews and interview preparation. These resources are included in your tuition, so you might as well take advantage of them!
Your student ID is not just for getting into buildings; it can also help you access discounts on everyday things like streaming services and online subscriptions. There are student discount websites that verify your enrollment and show deals specifically for college students as well!
Using free and discounted student resources can help you stay organized, succeed in class, and prepare for life after graduation. If you are an SIU student, these perks are already yours, you just have to use them. Hopefully this helps you make the most out of your time at SIU! Good luck, Salukis!
