Jasmine Birtles
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7 Free Study Tools that Save Students Money
Moneymagpie Team
4th Nov 2025
As a student, finding affordable ways to study is challenging. Textbooks are expensive, tutors charge by the hour, and exam prep courses can cost hundreds.
Luckily, there’s no need to break the bank. From online resources that explain tough topics to free apps that help you organize your time, there are many tools to save you money without sacrificing quality. These tools are designed for modern learners looking for practical solutions.
Here are some of the best free study tools out there—read along and start saving!
- Open Educational Resources (OER)
- Free Practice Test Libraries
- Flashcard Apps for Memorization
- YouTube Educational Channels
- Note-Sharing Communities
- Pomodoro Timer Apps for Focus
- Standardized Test Prep Hubs
1. Open Educational Resources (OER)
Textbooks are one of the biggest expenses for students. Open Educational Resources, or OERs, offer free alternatives. These are digital textbooks, lecture notes, and videos created by educators worldwide.
Platforms like OpenStax offer high-quality textbooks on popular subjects such as biology and economics at no cost. Most even include problem sets to practice. Using OERs means saving hundreds of dollars per semester without compromising on content quality.
2. Free Practice Test Libraries
Beyond textbooks, preparing for exams can be another costly hurdle. Thankfully, free online libraries of past papers and practice tests make a difference.
For high schoolers tackling advanced coursework, websites like AP Classroom or Albert offer resources, such as simulated AP exams, that mimic real test conditions. These tools provide multiple-choice questions and essay prompts tailored by subject.
Practicing in a test-like setting improves time management and confidence without spending on expensive prep courses.
3. Flashcard Apps for Memorization
Studying efficiently doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Flashcard apps like Quizlet and Anki help students review key terms, concepts, or formulas for free.
These platforms allow users to create their own decks or access pre-made ones shared by others. With built-in spaced repetition algorithms, they ensure you focus on the material that needs the most practice. Whether cramming vocabulary words or studying history dates, flashcard apps save time and money!
4. YouTube Educational Channels
Learning doesn’t have to be limited to classrooms or costly tutors. YouTube is a treasure trove of free educational content across every subject.
Channels like Khan Academy and CrashCourse break down complex topics with engaging visuals and step-by-step explanations. Whether you’re struggling with calculus or need help understanding Shakespeare, there’s likely a video for it. These resources make challenging concepts approachable without the cost of private lessons.
5. Note-Sharing Communities
Sometimes the best study tools come from your peers. Platforms like StudySoup and OneClass allow students to share class notes, summaries, and even lecture recordings for free.
These communities are especially helpful when reviewing missed material or comparing insights on tough topics. Most contributors organize their notes in clear formats, making it easier to quickly absorb key points. Students save time rewriting notes while gaining fresh perspectives—all without paying a cent for extra resources!
6. Pomodoro Timer Apps for Focus
Staying productive during study sessions can be a challenge, but you don’t need expensive focus tools. Free Pomodoro timer apps like Focus Booster or TomatoTimer help break tasks into manageable chunks.
The technique involves working for 25 minutes, followed by a short 5-minute break. These structured intervals keep your mind sharp and prevent burnout. With no cost involved, students improve their focus and time management skills while getting more done in less time!
7. Standardized Test Prep Hubs
To wrap up, free standardized test prep hubs can save students hundreds of dollars. Websites like Khan Academy partner with organizations like the College Board to offer practice tests and study guides for exams like the SAT.
These resources include full-length tests, personalized practice plans, and video lessons tailored to individual weaknesses. For students prepping for big exams without costly tutors, they’re a game-changer.
Summing Up
Studying doesn’t have to drain your budget. Free tools like these offer practical ways to learn, stay organized, and prepare for exams without spending a dime. Whether it’s open textbooks or Pomodoro timers, there’s something for everyone.
Explore the resources that fit your needs and make the most of them. With creativity and the right tools, you can succeed academically while keeping costs under control!
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
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