Perks for Freelancers Attending College

Many freelancers enjoy the perk of working from home and having some flexibility to your day, you don't have to deal with the hassle of a commute or high dry cleaning bills and daycare. But when it comes to other perks, often few exist. No 401K or health insurance or gym packages. This is where the freelancer has to once again become creative.

Are you a freelancer who lives in a college town? One way to enjoy many of the perks you miss out on as a freelancer is to take a college class. This entitles you to many of the things you otherwise miss out on - some interaction with actual adult people (something you might miss out of entirely if you work at home), as well as keeping your skills current if you are in a position to need to return to a regular non-freelancer job. There are some other perks as well.

Another perk of being a college student is the student software discount available from the college bookstore. You can get software titles much cheaper than you could even on eBay and books are generally available at something of a discount.

Most colleges have a gym, track, and pool that you are entitled to use as a student - which is much cheaper than joining a gym.

College events are pretty cheap - check the school paper for events such as club hosted events, plays and concerts, free movie screenings, and even some fairly popular bands sometimes include colleges on their tours. Often various famous lecturers and authors will visit college campuses to speak to a specific group, but these events are often open to other students.

Alumni associations are a good way to keep a list of current business contacts. Since a freelancer's work often requires incoming clients, various Alumni events can be very helpful way to meet new clients in a low pressure atmosphere.

Job recruiters come to college campuses to fill student positions, but there is often more money for them in placing a potential job candidate in a senior or mid-level position. Don't shy away from college job fairs because you are not 21 years old - some great connections can be made for you here.

Free internet access on campus and use of the school computers.

If you take more than six credits per semester, you may be able to delay your student loan payments.

Some other options to check out, depending on your college, is what services are cheap, discounted or free for students. These include services that which is a major taught at that college. Are there free legal services for basic legal needs like writing a contract or updating a will at the law school at your college? How about free physical therapy or massage therapy services from the physical therapy program? Can you hire a student to do a job for you that is relatively basic but supervised by a professor? One local college's accounting department will do the taxes of students for free and two professors review the work of the students. If your taxes are straightforward, is this an option for you?

Is the food at your college actually tasty and a good bargain? If you live nearby, would purchasing a flat rate meal plan for the year be an option?

Local eateries may also give a student discount. Keep your college ID in your wallet and inquire at your favorite restaurants if they do. The most likely places to discount to students are the closest pizza and Chinese restaurants, but student discount services can extend even to national chains.

If you are over 62 and you are a freelancer, you may be able to attend your local state college for free.