Students don't need a lot of software. They need a few tools that don't break the night before submission. Here's an honest plan that uses free options first and spends money only where it helps.
Documents, spreadsheets and presentations
Free options: Office on the web and Google Docs are fine for simple assignments. But many colleges require files in specific Word/PowerPoint formats and professors send complex Excel sheets. A desktop licence avoids formatting surprises:
Office Home & Student 2021โน599.00Research and writing
AI research tools like Perplexity give cited answers that help with literature reviews. Always verify the sources yourself. For thesis and papers, a reference manager is a lifesaver:
Perplexity AI Pro โ 1 User, 1 Yearโน17,160.00Compare AI tools in our Perplexity vs ChatGPT Plus guide.
PDFs
Exams, forms and papers come as PDF. For editing and OCR:
Wondershare PDFelement Pro โ 1 Yearโน2,499.00Design and video for projects
Wondershare Filmora โ 1 Yearโน2,999.00Keep your laptop safe and fast
- Don't install cracked software. It's the #1 way students get ransomware.
- Use a good antivirus, particularly if you share files on pen drives.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Office free for students?
Some colleges give free Microsoft 365 through the institution. Check with your IT office before buying.
Can I use a student key for a job later?
Home and Student licences are non-commercial. For work, buy Home & Business or Professional Plus.
Is cracked software really that dangerous?
Yes. Cracks often contain malware, and they can steal passwords and banking data.