By: Nicole Sanchez, Contributing Writer
Everyone loves the convenience of streaming services, especially college students. Having access to hundreds of movies and TV shows at the touch of a button gives students the opportunity to indulge in a vast array of entertainment. With content ranging from “Adventure Time” to “Soul,” streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime are all available to college students for different discounts and prices.
Hulu
As of Jan. 2021, Hulu announced that it is reducing its on-demand service price to only $1.99 a month. Students attending a college or university that are over the age of 18 are eligible for this deal, which enables them to access Hulu originals, movies, TV shows, and more. Even though Hulu offers other deals, this discount is definitely one of the best and most convenient for students.
Amazon Prime
Amazon offers “Prime Student,” which is a deal where students receive a free six-month subscription that includes free two-day shipping, access to Amazon Prime movies and TV shows, 20% off of preorders, access to Prime Gaming, and much more. Students need only verify their student status. After the 6-month free trial, students must pay $6.49 per month or $59 per year. Prime Student is popular with many students not only because of the associated streaming service, but because of the amount of amazing incentives that Amazon offers.
Disney+
Sadly, Disney+ does not offer any student discounts. However, students who sign up—before a planned price increase in March 2021—have only to pay $6.99 a month in order to access hundreds of Disney movies and television shows, as well as films from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Disney+ also offers a deal where purchasers can get Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $12.99 a month. It is not surprising when college students pay $6.99 for access to the Disney classics—to some, Disney+ is the deal of a lifetime and most people would find it hard to disagree.
HBO Max
Just like Disney+, HBO Max does not currently offer any student deals. Hulu has offered a student subscription in the past, however, so there is always a chance that they will do it again in 2021. Without any discount, HBO Max costs $14.99 a month and students can cancel their subscriptions at any time. Having the option to cancel at any time is a big advantage for college students. HBO Max grants access to iconic movies and TV shows like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Wonder Woman.”
Netflix
Netflix does not offer plans specifically for students, but they have three different streaming options for customers. The Basic Plan allows one person to watch on one screen at a time in Standard Definition for $8.99 a month; the Standard Plan allows someone to watch on two screens at a time in Full HD for $13.99 a month. Netflix’s last plan, Premium, lets a buyer watch on four screens at a time in Full HD and Ultra HD for $17.99 a month. Like HBO Max, a Netflix subscription can be conveniently canceled at any time.
Streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime can be used on every device and anywhere, whether in bed or in-between classes. Subscribing to one of these platforms is a perfect idea for students living in a dorm because all of these services are convenient and most of them are low-priced for students who are living on a budget.
