Subscriptions to streaming services can quickly add up, and that can be tough for a college student who is trying to budget their expenses. With the COVID-19 pandemic, staying in and binge-watching a show has become a standard Friday night for many after a long week of classes. Instead of spending an insane amount of money finding entertainment during this time, here’s a guide to cord-cutting for college students.
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Take Advantage of College Deals
Some college students might not realize how many discounts are out there for them. Some streaming services offer student discounts that lower the monthly price if you let them know that you are currently attending college. Some universities also offer a free account for streaming that can give you access to HBO and more. While it might only be a few extra dollars off, this can save you a ton of money long-term and allow you to get the entertainment you need.
Use the Right Device
A subscription isn’t the only thing college students need to worry about—they also need to find a way to get the shows they want on your TV. If you already own a laptop and an HDTV, the most affordable option is to get an HDMI cord. However, you can also find a Chromecast, Roku Streaming Stick, or Amazon Fire TV Stick for less than $50 if you don’t own a smart TV. You can also stream off your gaming console if you have one.
Buy a TV Antenna
The biggest problem college students face when it comes to cord-cutting is missing out on live TV. This is where a TV antenna comes in handy. You can find TV antennas in the $30 price range that will allow you access to a variety of free channels. Many modern TV antennas also come in HD, so you don’t have to sacrifice display quality either!
Bundle Up, Save Money
Many streaming services also have different bundles you can choose from that can help save you money in the long run. For example, you can bundle Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus for $13 a month. Students can also get Hulu and Showtime with a Spotify Premium account for only $5 a month. Instead of subscribing to one streaming service, look for bundles first!
Don’t Forget Your Login-Ins From Home
The last part of our guide to cord-cutting for college students is to not forget about your log-ins from home. If your parents have streaming accounts that you typically use at home, take them with you to college, so you don’t have to pay for it on your own. However, you might want to ask before you run off with their account passwords.
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