College life is stressful, and sometimes, all you need is a good binge. But, multiple streaming service subscriptions can drain a tight budget. The good news is that students can enjoy some of the best streaming services at reduced rates or even for free!
From student discounts to free trials to affordable bundles, you can find plenty of entertainment without spending money. Whether you’re a Netflix marathoner, a late-night music enthusiast, or a fresh anime fan, there’s a streaming deal for your taste.
This guide will help you discover optimal budget-friendly programming, reveal how you can split the costs with friends, and even find free alternatives that will allow you to enjoy your favorite shows and music without spending money.
And when you need a quick financial boost, Blitz has your back — giving you early access to your verified bank deposits between $9–$99 in just 99 seconds, all for 99¢/month. It helps you afford the best streaming services for students.
Ready to take your entertainment experience to the next level without breaking the bank? Let’s dive in!
Read: How to Make Money as a Broke College Student?
Why Streaming Services Are Popular Among Students
College life is busy with classes, assignments, and jobs. Streaming services provide a great escape, allowing students to unwind whenever they want. Here’s why they are essential:
Instant Stress Relief
After a long study session, you might feel mentally exhausted. Watching a favorite series or movie can quickly lift your spirits.
Entertainment on the Go
With mobile apps, students can stream shows during lunch, while commuting, or between study sessions. There’s no need to follow a TV schedule; watch anytime, anywhere.
Affordable for Students
Many services offer student discounts, making premium content cheaper. Free trials also let students try out platforms without any risk.
Customizable Viewing Experience
Students can choose from different genres, subtitles, and playback settings. Whether it’s action, documentaries, or anime, there’s something for every mood.
Background Noise for Studying
Some students work better with background noise. Music, podcasts, or light sitcoms can provide a pleasant soundtrack during study time.
Group Streaming for Socializing
Virtual watch parties keep students connected with friends, even from afar. Many platforms now have features for group viewing.
No Long-Term Commitments
Unlike traditional cable, streaming services let students cancel whenever they want. This flexibility allows them to change platforms based on their needs or budget.
Read: Student Life on a Budget: Your Ultimate Guide to Thriving Without Breaking the Bank
Top Streaming Services with Student Discounts
Streaming can get costly, so to help ease the burden, many providers run student discounts. Here are the major players with student deals:
Spotify + Hulu + Showtime
Unlimited music, popular TV series, and smash-hit films— all from just $4.99/month for students. This bundle offers everything you need to stay entertained, whether studying, exercising, or relaxing, all at a killer price. It’s one of the best student streaming deals out there.
Amazon Prime Student
It gives students a 6-month free trial, then 50% off the Prime membership. It includes speedy shipping, Prime Video, and exclusive student discounts on books and electronics. Prime Video is an affordable streaming option that features thousands of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals.
Apple Music & Apple TV+
Apple has a student offering of its Apple Music and Apple TV+ combo for $5.99/month. Both sides get music without ads and exclusive content, including Apple Originals. Keep this deal in mind for those who want quality music and high-resolution video for a low price.
YouTube Premium
With a student discount, YouTube Premium removes ads and lets you play videos in the background. It also includes YouTube Music. Whether you’re watching lectures, studying with lo-fi beats, or catching up on vloggers, this subscription gives you an uninterrupted experience.
Disney+ Student Deal
Disney+ sometimes offers special student promotions. You can access Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic at a lower price. From superhero action to animated classics, Disney+ has something for every student wanting to relive favorites or discover new franchises.
Read: How to Save Money on Clothing and Fashion
How to Share Subscriptions to Save Money
Streaming services can be expensive, but smart sharing can help you save. Here’s how to maximize your subscriptions without overspending:
Family & Roommate Plans
Many platforms offer family plans for multiple users under one subscription. Splitting the cost with roommates, family, or close friends makes streaming much cheaper while keeping access to premium content.
Rotating Subscriptions
Instead of paying for several services at once, rotate your subscriptions. Subscribe to one service for a few months, then cancel and start another. This way, you can binge-watch different platforms without always paying for all of them.
Check University Perks
A few universities partner with streaming platforms to provide free access for students. Inquire with your university’s IT department or library to determine whether they subscribe to services like Kanopy or Coursera.
Split Payments Through Apps
Use apps like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal to share subscription costs with friends. Set it and forget it; automating monthly payments means everyone pays their fair share without all that passing of the hat.
Free Streaming Alternatives for Students
Who says great entertainment has to be expensive? If you want to watch movies, TV shows, and education, but you don’t have a solid budget, there are plenty of free streaming options. Here are the best options for how to watch without a subscription:
Tubi & Pluto TV
These ad-supported platforms offer thousands of movies and TV shows for free. From classic movies to current trending TV shows, Pluto TV and Tubi offer no shortage of entertainment. Simply sign up and start watching—no credit card is required!
Campus Library Streaming
Many universities give free access to premium streaming services. Platforms like Kanopy and Swank Digital Campus offer documentaries, indie films, and Hollywood hits through your student library login.
YouTube Free Content
YouTube isn’t just for music videos and vlogs. It has thousands of free movies, web series, and educational content. Many production companies and independent creators upload full-length films and series you can watch legally without a subscription.
Public Domain Movie Sites
Websites like Archive. org and Public Domain Torrents offer classic movies you can legally stream for free. If you’re a fan of vintage cinema or silent films, or historical documentaries, these sites are goldmines of entertainment.
IMDb TV
IMDb TV, owned by Sony and Amazon, features a changing catalog of movies and television shows, ranging from action-filled blockbusters to independent films. These platforms are perfect for students looking for quality content without breaking the bank.
Streaming Network Websites
Most networks, like The CW, NBC, and ABC, have websites where users can watch recent episodes of popular shows for free. Although users get some advertisement breaks, this option is favorable for those looking to follow along with popular shows without spending anything.
Live TV Apps
Pluto TV, Xumo, and Local Now are popular apps that allow users to stream live television for free, including channels dedicated to news, sports, and entertainment. These services work for individuals yearning for cable experience without the pesky fees attached.
Student Discounted Streaming Trials
Most streaming services are not free, although some offer longer free trials to students. Platforms such as Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu allow students to try out their services before signing up for a subscription. It gives you free access to premium content for a limited time.
Read Related Blog: How to Find Free Events and Activities on Campus
Tips for Managing Streaming Costs
To enjoy your favorite shows and movies without breaking the bank. Some savvy hacks can help you save money on streaming but still have fun. Here’s how to cut costs:
Take Advantage of Free Trials
Most streaming services offer free trials for one week to one month. You can switch between platforms to watch what you like without paying. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions
It’s easy to forget about services you don’t use anymore. Check your subscriptions every few months. Cancel the ones you hardly watch. Cutting just one can save you $10–$15 a month.
Use Student Discounts
Platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+ offer special pricing for students. To get the best deal, always check for these discounts before signing up.
Rotate Subscriptions Based on Content
Not every platform has must-watch shows all year. To keep costs down, subscribe to one for a few months, binge your favorites, and then switch to another.
Share Accounts with Family or Friends
Many services offer family or multi-user plans. You can share accounts with roommates or family. Splitting the cost greatly reduces your monthly expenses.
Limit In-App Purchases and Premium Add-Ons
Some services charge extra for premium content or live events. Before upgrading, ask if you need the add-ons. You might find the same content for free elsewhere.
Watch Free, Ad-Supported Streaming Services
If you don’t mind ads, platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Peacock’s free tier offer many movies and shows at no cost. These are great alternatives to paid subscriptions.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Streaming your favorite movies, shows, and music needn’t cost a fortune. With student discounts, shared subscriptions, and free streaming options, you can enjoy premium content without breaking the bank. Being smart about your decisions allows you to pick the most entertainment for less cost.
Blitz is also there to help when money feels tight. Want to take charge of how you manage your money like a pro without paying a fee in the process? It’s all done in the app, providing unprecedented financial flexibility.
Save on streaming now with student deals, shared plans, and complimentary services. Entertainment should be fun. Not a financial burden! So what are you waiting for? Download Blitz and wrap your entertainment and budget in just a snap.
