8 Pandemic-Proof Deals: Freebies and Offers for College Students

Social distancing comes with a high price tag, and the side effects on our mental, physical and economic health are still unfolding. There doesn't seem to be any community immune.

In a world on virtual lockdown, we struggle not only with what's regulated, but with what's ethical. Should I go on Spring Break? Should I visit my parents? Should I order takeout? Here are a few dos and don'ts from Vox. The unprecedented scale of the covid-19 outbreak leaves us wondering what the rules are, and what to do next.

For college students, the answers to these questions have considerable consequences that disrupt both the present and the future. As campuses close, and classes move online students wonder if they'll graduate, if they'll get pay for work-study programs, and for those that rely on room and board, they wonder where to go for a meal. If you're a college student affected, find a few answers here.

In a move of solidarity, companies are extending deals and freebies to ease the transition from campus to quarantine. Here are a few that we love:

Top 5 Freebies for College Students

1. Loom is Now Free, Forever

Loom responded to covid-19 by taking down the paywall for education, permanently. Students and teachers using Loom for Classroom can now access Loom Pro for free. As an added benefit, this video recording and sharing service is removing the recording limit on their free plan, cutting the price in half and extending all trials from 15 to 30 days.

2. U-Haul Welcomes You Home

U-Haul is gifting 30 days of free self-storage to any student with a college ID. The goal is to help offset displacement as universities close and send students packing. This company-wide offer is available to students everywhere, so click here to find the location nearest your home or school.

3. Work-In (Not Out) With Planet Fitness

Don't disrupt your daily routine just because the gym is closed. The trainers at Planet Fitness know that now, more than ever, we need to be inspired to live well, fight stress and stay physically and mentally fit. Tune in to their Facebook page every day at 7 p.m. ET for live-streamed workout events.

4. Bring the On-Campus Creative Cloud Home

Adobe announces distance learning to bring the Creative Cloud experience home for institutions who traditionally require on-campus login through labs. To sweeten the deal, they're offering free 90-day access to Adobe Connect, a web conferencing solution.   

5. Work Better (Alone) With This LinkedIn Learning Path

LinkedIn has developed a 16-course learning path called, "Remote Working: Setting Yourself and Your Teams Up for Success." These courses were designed for working professionals adjusting to work life at home. However, they provide value for anyone using virtual communication and connection tools to keep up with assignments on a team.

3 More Deals to Master Social Distancing

• Microsoft makes Teams available for everyone.

• Uber is waiving the delivery fee.

• Comcast offers free internet to low-income customers.

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