College can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay for everything. From study tools to financial management apps, there are plenty of free online resources designed to help students succeed. Whether you need help with coursework, budgeting, or staying organized, these top free resources can make your college experience smoother and more affordable.

1. Free Study and Research Tools

πŸ“Œ Khan Academy – Best for free video tutorials
βœ” Offers free lessons on math, science, economics, and more
βœ” Great for breaking down difficult concepts
πŸ”— Visit: www.khanacademy.org

πŸ“Œ Coursera & edX – Best for online courses
βœ” Access free college-level courses from top universities
βœ” Great for learning extra skills outside your major
πŸ”— Visit: www.coursera.org | www.edx.org

πŸ“Œ MIT OpenCourseWare – Best for in-depth academic resources
βœ” Provides full courses and lecture notes from MIT
βœ” Covers a wide range of subjects, from engineering to literature
πŸ”— Visit: ocw.mit.edu

πŸ“Œ Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) – Best for essay writing help
βœ” Offers writing guides and citation resources
βœ” Helps with MLA, APA, and Chicago-style formatting
πŸ”— Visit: owl.purdue.edu

πŸ’‘ Tip: Need a quick definition or explanation? Try Google Scholar for academic sources instead of Wikipedia.

2. Free Note-Taking and Organization Apps

πŸ“Œ Evernote – Best for organized note-taking
βœ” Syncs across devices
βœ” Lets you store notes, PDFs, and voice recordings
πŸ”— Visit: www.evernote.com

πŸ“Œ Notion – Best for class organization
βœ” Combines note-taking, task management, and scheduling
βœ” Offers free templates for students
πŸ”— Visit: www.notion.so

πŸ“Œ Google Keep – Best for simple and quick notes
βœ” Perfect for to-do lists and reminders
βœ” Syncs with your Google account for easy access
πŸ”— Visit: keep.google.com

πŸ’‘ Tip: Use Google Drive to store all your assignments, ensuring you never lose important files.

3. Free Citation and Plagiarism Checkers

πŸ“Œ Zotero – Best for research organization
βœ” Helps you collect and cite sources
βœ” Stores references and creates bibliographies
πŸ”— Visit: www.zotero.org

πŸ“Œ Cite This For Me – Best for quick citations
βœ” Generates MLA, APA, and Chicago citations
βœ” Saves time formatting references
πŸ”— Visit: www.citethisforme.com

πŸ“Œ Grammarly Free Version – Best for grammar and plagiarism checks
βœ” Corrects spelling, grammar, and punctuation
βœ” Detects plagiarism in essays
πŸ”— Visit: www.grammarly.com

πŸ’‘ Tip: Always double-check auto-generated citationsβ€”they’re not always 100% accurate!

4. Free Financial Management Tools for Students

πŸ“Œ Mint – Best for budgeting
βœ” Tracks spending, savings, and student loan payments
βœ” Helps with bill reminders and financial planning
πŸ”— Visit: www.mint.com

πŸ“Œ Scholly – Best for finding scholarships
βœ” Matches students with scholarships they qualify for
βœ” Helps reduce college costs
πŸ”— Visit: www.myscholly.com

πŸ“Œ Splitwise – Best for splitting expenses with roommates
βœ” Tracks shared expenses and who owes what
βœ” Great for splitting rent, utilities, and groceries
πŸ”— Visit: www.splitwise.com

πŸ’‘ Tip: Use Cash App or Venmo for quick payments between friends without bank fees.

5. Free Health & Wellness Resources

πŸ“Œ Headspace (Student Plan Available) – Best for mental health
βœ” Provides guided meditation and relaxation techniques
βœ” Helps with stress and anxiety
πŸ”— Visit: www.headspace.com

πŸ“Œ MyFitnessPal – Best for tracking nutrition
βœ” Tracks calories, meals, and exercise
βœ” Helps students eat healthy on a budget
πŸ”— Visit: www.myfitnesspal.com

πŸ“Œ Youper – Best for mental well-being
βœ” AI-based mood tracking and mental health support
βœ” Helps students manage stress
πŸ”— Visit: www.youper.ai

πŸ’‘ Tip: Many colleges offer free therapy sessionsβ€”check with your school’s counseling center.

6. Free Job and Internship Search Websites

πŸ“Œ LinkedIn Learning (Free with Student Email) – Best for career development
βœ” Teaches resume writing, interview skills, and networking
βœ” Offers free professional courses
πŸ”— Visit: www.linkedin.com/learning

πŸ“Œ Handshake – Best for finding student jobs and internships
βœ” Connects students with internships and part-time jobs
βœ” Partners with universities to help students find careers
πŸ”— Visit: www.joinhandshake.com

πŸ“Œ Indeed & Glassdoor – Best for job searching
βœ” Lists entry-level jobs and internships
βœ” Provides company reviews and salary insights
πŸ”— Visit: www.indeed.com | www.glassdoor.com

πŸ’‘ Tip: Keep your LinkedIn profile updatedβ€”many recruiters look for students directly on the platform!

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Free Resources

College is expensive, but you don’t have to spend extra on study tools, financial management, or career planning. These free online resources can help you stay organized, save money, and succeed in school. Take advantage of these tools to make college life easier and more affordable!

Related Content

Making the Most of Your Scholarships: A Guide to Maximizing Your Benefits

Winning a scholarship is an incredible achievement, but it’s just the beginning. Once you’ve secured funding, it’s essential to use it wisely and strategically. Learn how to stretch your scholarship dollars, stay eligible, and make the most of this opportunity for a...

How to Create a Budget as a College Student

Managing money in college can feel overwhelming, but creating a budget is one of the best ways to stay on top of your finances. Whether you’re dealing with financial aid, part-time income, or family support, budgeting helps you take control and avoid unnecessary debt....

Is Community College a Smart Choice for Adult Learners?

Rethinking the College Path For adult learners going back to school, community college often flies under the radar. But with flexible schedules, lower costs, and programs designed to fast-track careers, it might just be one of the smartest moves you can make. Whether...

Leveraging Your College Education for Career Growth

Your college education is more than just a degreeβ€”it’s a launchpad for career success. By taking advantage of networking opportunities, internships, and campus resources, you can build a strong foundation for your future. Discover practical tips to help you make the...

How to Access Free or Low-Cost Childcare While You Study

Balancing school and parenting can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding affordable childcare. For student parents, the high cost of daycare can make pursuing an education feel out of reach. The good news? There are free and low-cost childcare options...

10 Study Hacks for College Success

College classes can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can stay on top of your coursework and excel academically. Uncover these simple yet effective study techniques to boost your skills and ace your classes. Create a Study Schedule Time management is...

Balancing Family, Work, and Education: Time Management Tips for Adult Learners

Going back to school as an adult can be rewarding, but it also comes with challengesβ€”especially if you’re juggling family, a full-time job, and coursework. Finding time for everything without feeling overwhelmed is possible with the right strategies. Learn how to...

Essential Tips for Acing College Interviews

College interviews are your chance to make a lasting impression beyond your application. Master the art of showcasing your personality, goals, and enthusiasm with these essential tips for acing admissions and scholarship interviews. Understand the Purpose of the...

Budgeting 101: How to Stretch Your College Dollars

Winning a scholarship is an incredible achievement, but it’s just the beginning. Once you’ve secured funding, it’s essential to use it wisely and strategically. Learn how to stretch your scholarship dollars, stay eligible, and make the most of this opportunity for a...

Choosing the Right Major: What to Consider for Career Success

Picking a college major is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your education, and it can shape your career path for years to come. While it's important to follow your passions, choosing a major that aligns with job market demand, salary potential, and career...

Check out these scholarships:

UTC Westbrook Scholarship

The Westbrook Scholarship will be presented to incoming freshmen majoring in Chemistry or Physics.Scholarship Sponsor The University of Tennessee - ChattanoogaAward Type $14,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria /...

USC Upstate Valedictorian Scholarship

The USC-Upstate Valedictorian Awards of $10,000 (for boarding students) and $5,000 (for commuting students) are given annually to entering freshmen who are ranked first in their class at the time of admission to the university, or upon high school graduation....

James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship

The McLamore Family Foundation created the James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship awards students who have graduated from high school within the last three years or full-time students who are seniors at a high school or home school. Scholarship Sponsor Burger King...

Florida Retired Educators Foundation Scholarship

The Florida Retired Educators Foundation (FREF) awards scholarships to graduating seniors who wish to become Florida teachers. Scholarship Sponsor Florida Retired Educators FoundationAward Type $4,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic...

Wings Over America Scholarships

The Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation is sponsoring scholarships to further the post-secondary education of deserving students. Scholarships are to be used only for tuition and tuition-based fees charged by the college for A.A, A.S., B.A, B.S. or technical...

AAMI ABC Humane Wildlife Academic Scholarship

ABC Wildlife is introducing a scholarship designed to increase the number of women studying and influencing the future of science, including technology, engineering, and math (STEM).Scholarship Sponsor ABC Humane WildlifeAward Type $1,000 CashGender Eligibility...

Boise State WUE Award

Students must be admitted as degree-seeking to be considered for scholarships. By completing the admissions application and meeting the criteria listed below, you will automatically be considered for the scholarship without an additional application. Scholarship...

Youth Foundation Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarships

Established in 1968, the Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship is awarded to exceptionally worthy high school seniors with demonstrated financial need, for up to four years of college undergraduate studyScholarship Sponsor Youth FoundationAward Type $4,000 CashGender...

JLB Young Women Voluntarism Scholarship

It is with great pleasure that the Junior League of Baltimore, Inc. offers the annual Young Woman Voluntarism Scholarship. This annual scholarship program awards $1,000 to a Maryland female graduating senior who has performed outstanding volunteer service during her...

Kena Maria Corbett Memorial Scholarship

Latina Eldorado High School Clark County, Nevada college bound seniors currently enrolled in Dance may apply for this scholarship. Financial need will be considered. One $1,000 will be awarded.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $1,000...

UNL Beta Sigma Psi Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for Christian men who are enrolling full time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the upcoming academic year. The scholarship(s) is awarded annually to young men who demonstrate the ideals of a Christian gentlemen. Along with the...

Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children

The Scholarships for Military Children Program is open to students who hold a US Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (DD Form 173), and whose parent or parents serve or served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard. Scholarship...

Derek Jeter/Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Administered by the Jackie Robinson Foundation and provides four-year college scholarships and mentoring to high-achieving minority students from the New York City area that display excellent leadership potential. Scholarship was endowed in 2001, but Derek and Turn...

Hope For The Warriors Scholarships

The Hope for the Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarship Program identifies, recognizes, and rewards post-9/11 spouses/caregivers for their strength, fidelity, and resolve despite adversity. Scholarships aid in continued education at a reputable, accredited university,...

WIIT Scholarship Program

WIIT merit-based scholarships are awarded twice per year to support and encourage women studying International Trade and Global Development.Scholarship Sponsor The Association of Women in International TradeAward Type $1500 CashGender Eligibility FemaleOther...
Skip to content