Many BITSians are unaware of the numerous benefits and resources available on our student license. Some of these are available for lifetime use while a few other subscriptions have a limited period. A list of resources and services which are covered under the student license and can be availed using the University mail (BITS mail) has been compiled by the EPC, along with the relevant underlined links:
- Grammarly Premium: It is a tool that checks one’s documents for grammatical errors, provides vocabulary enhancement suggestions, detects plagiarism, and provides citation suggestions. It is a convenient tool for college students, helpful in evaluating the quality of one’s assignments and articles. It can be subscribed for free.
- MathWorks: It is the leading developer of mathematical computing software for engineers. Its major products include MATLAB and Simulink, tools for data analysis and simulation, respectively. MATLAB is a high-level language and interactive environment for numerical computation, visualisation, and programming. Using MATLAB, one can analyse data, develop algorithms, and create models and applications. Simulink is a MATLAB-based graphical programming environment for modelling, simulating and analysing multidomain dynamical systems.
- Autodesk: It provides software services like AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Generative design, etc. for engineering design and entertainment, and can be downloaded free of cost. AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design and drafting software which is used to design 2D and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects. Fusion 360 is a computer-aided design and manufacturing software that connects product design and development process into a single tool. One can create 3D designs, collaborate, manage data, create toolpaths, run simulations to validate your designs, etc. Generative design software autonomously creates optimal designs from a set of system design requirements.
- LinkedIn Premium: A free, one-month subscription to LinkedIn Premium can be availed using one’s BITS email. This subscription unlocks useful features for one’s LinkedIn profile.
- Scientific Journals/ E-Books: Renowned scientific journals and databases, consisting of verified and legitimate papers that can be used as a reference for assignments and projects are accessible through this Off-Campus Access service, provided by the BITS library.
- GitHub Student Developer Pack: Comes with a multitude of bundled services. A variety of learning resources from the likes of FrontendMasters, Thinkful, InterviewCake can also be accessed. Additionally, services such as Dashlane for easy password management, Canva for easy graphic design, Microsoft Azure and AWS Educate for cloud computing services are available. GitHub Student Developer Pack is valid for four years or the duration of the degree, whichever is less.
- Microsoft Office 365: A subscription of software services like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note, and Microsoft Teams, is valid throughout the duration of one’s degree.
- Microsoft Visual Studio: This enterprise subscription offers training tools like Pluralsight, Linkedin Learning, Datacamp, and CODE Magazine. Pluralsight is a technological skills platform where one can master Azure, ASP.NET Core, C#, and many others, while learning from industry experts. A 6-month free subscription can be obtained. Linkedin Learning offers video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. A 6-month premium subscription of Linkedin Learning can be availed. A 3-month free subscription to Datacamp, which helps companies and individuals make better use of data can also be availed. One can learn hands-on coding and quickly apply to one’s daily life using this platform. A free subscription to CODE Magazine, which is the leading independent software developer magazine covering development technologies across all platforms, can also be availed.
- MUBI Film School Program: A global film platform that provides a hand-curated selection of critically acclaimed films, ad-free.
- Coursera: Offers free open online courses, specialisations, and degrees from top universities. Courses need to be completed by September 30, 2020, to attain a free certification.
- As part of the student license benefits, there is no upload limit on one’s Google Drive. Google Meet can be accessed free of cost.
Almost every software tool or service can be availed at a discounted rate—or even acquired free of cost—as long as they happen to offer a separate student license. A few examples include Adobe products, PyMol, and Statista. An online search will lead to many such resources that allow registration with the BITS email ID.
Good work, keep it up xD