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Software College Students Should Have


photo credit: kaichanvong
Around this time of year the majority of high school students are already back at school.  Most college graduates on the other hand are either receiving introductions into the real world, taking it easy, or on their Europe excursions they’ve been saving up for.

Now for those coming into college, the question of what type of computer and what computer programs one needs always comes up.  While your campus bookstore does offer a lot of great software at discounted student prices, that’s not to say… what you need you can probably get for free (and legally) online already.

Here are 5 great applications that are legally free that any college student should have on his or her laptop.

1. PDF Reader Alternative to Adobe Acrobat: Foxit Reader

Foxit Reader - http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php
Foxit Reader is a great free open-source alternative to Adobe Acrobat.  While you may be asking yourself, wait Acrobat is free, you’re right.  But Foxit reader runs a lot faster!  So if you have an older computer or just have a lot of things running on your computer at once, Foxit Reader might just be a great alternative for you.

2. The Microsoft Office Alternative: Open Office

Open Office - http://www.openoffice.org/
Open Office is essentially a free version of Microsoft Office.  You can open and modify almost anything Office can.  Enough said?

3. The Microsoft Outlook Alternative: Thunderbird

Thunderbird - http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/
If you’re one of those people who receives dozens of emails a day, then Thunderbird is for you.  Keeping your email organized will save you a lot of time and be beneficial in the long run.  Check out Thunderbird before dropping some cash on Microsoft Outlook.

4. The Symantec Antivirus Alternative: Avast!

Avast! Anti-Virus - http://www.avast.com/
If you purchased a new computer recently, odds are that a trial version of Norton Antivirus or McAffee are already installed on your computer.  Thing is, that trials will run out.  So when they do, instead of spending money on renewing the subscriptions, check out Avast!  Avast! Home Edition is free and runs great.  It’s quick and does not slow down your computer.
Note: If you plan to install Avast! or any other software, you should make sure to uninstall your existing anti-virus software.  You really don’t want 2 anti-virus programs running on your computer at the same time.

5. AOL Instant Messnger (AIM)

AIM Homepage - http://www.aim.com
True this application has always been free, but we felt a need to include it in the list.  Why is AIM so great?  In college almost everyone has their computer on some point in the day and odds are when it’s on, it’s connected to the internet and AIM is running.  Do your phone and text messaging bill a favor and use AIM when you can!

Hope you found this helpful!  If you know of any other free non-adware software we should add to this list, let us know!

Written on 19 September 2008 by Staff Writer, YourSash.com under College with No Comments
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More Money Saving Tips for College Students

Lunch Money
photo courtesy emdot

Zen Habits published a list of money saving tips, many of which apply great for college students. From the list, we must say we most disagree with #3, yet love #6.

3) Stay home. Going out makes you more likely to spend unnecessarily. You eat at restaurants, go to the mall, stop at the gas station for snacks. It’s hard to avoid spending when you’re on the road. Instead, stay home, and find free entertainment. It’s also a great way to bond with your family.

Disagree!

You’re in college and these 4 (or 5 years) are going to be some of the most memorable years of your life. Go out as much as you can, make new friends, meet new people, see new surroundings. Don’t stay boxed up in your dorm room studying 24/7. If your major does require you to study 24/7, do it in different places.

Some suggestions for places to study:

  • coffee shops
  • the library
  • a different floor on the library
  • the student center
  • your friend’s place
  • around nature
  • at the beach
  • in a park
  • the list goes on…

But with that said, you probably shouldn’t go partying and eating out every day.  It won’t do wonders for your health and sooner or later your wallet will start to feel the squeeze.  The last thing you want to do is build up bad credit before graduation.

6) Cook at home. I know, it seems more difficult than eating out. But it doesn’t have to be hard. Throw together a quick stir-fry with frozen veggies and either boneless chicken or (my favorite) tofu with soy sauce or tamari. Make home-made pizza with a ready-made crust, some sauce, cheese and veggies. Put some spices on something and throw it in the oven while you cook some brown rice. Not only is this much cheaper than eating out, but it’s healthier.

Agree!

It’s so easy to cook at home, yet continually it seems so difficult for so many! Going out and getting a hamburger here, a latte there, a slice of pizza later on… it all adds up quickly and before you know it, it feels like somebody stole all of your money because you have nothing to show for it.  Eating out will kill any budget you have. Make it a goal to go grocery shopping with your roommates every week.

Our tip to college students on when to shop:

The best time to do it is evenings on weekdays, especially when you’re stressed out or need a little break from studying. Evenings on weekdays = less people & less standing in line.  This way, it helps you get over the mid-week hump too knowing that you’ll have some great munchies to snack on during your Thursday and Friday classes.

Written on 03 March 2008 by Staff Writer, YourSash.com under College with No Comments
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Filing Taxes for College Students


Without a doubt, for many people taxes are probably as fun as a broken Marry Go Round.

The bad news is a lot of people forget to file their taxes each year, many of whom are college students. Or worst, they remember and go last minute to H&R Block and get charged an arm and a leg.

The Tax Deadline for 2007 Personal Income Tax is Tuesday, April 15

Here’s some tax information:
Direct from Uncle Sam himself (the IRS) - Tax Information for Students

Bankrate.com’s list of 12 Tax-Filing Tips for College Students

MSN Money’s 12 Smart Tax Tips for College Students
The tip we like the most from these list is:

Talking to mom and dad about money is almost as difficult as talking to them about sex (and just about as much fun). But you need to know a little about their financial picture to plan who should claim you as a dependent and possibly use your education credit or deduction.

If your parents are paying more than 50% of your expenses, they are entitled to list you as a dependent on their taxes.

(MSN Money)

Best of luck in your tax filing journey! And here’s a Turbo Tax Rap…

Written on 28 February 2008 by Staff Writer, YourSash.com under College with No Comments
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Black Friday + College Students = Best Holiday Ever

Black Friday
After looking at all the holidays of the year, I figure Black Friday is the most underrated yet spectacular of holidays for any college student. Here are a few reasons why I believe so.

  1. It’s a 4-day weekend! That’s just about as long as a standard school week, and when you return you only have 1-2 weeks before a long winter break.
  2. 6. You are still full from Thanksgiving dinner and all the alcohol you drank. Even better is that you didn’t have to pay for it!
  3. Free laundry at home. Clean clothes are awesome.
  4. Your stamina, health and determination for a good deal make standing in line at Best Buy and Circuit City at 4AM possible.
  5. Free laundry at home. Yes, clean clothes deserves a 2nd shout-out.
  6. You get to bring left overs back to school with you!
  7. Chillin’ with the family.
Written on 23 November 2007 by Staff Writer, YourSash.com under College with No Comments
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