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Buying software for uni - bad idea?

Hi all :) looking for some opinions on a purchase I am considering.

I am about to start my final year of university and I want to buy the software I use on my course, and to do personal/hobbyist work in my spare time. It costs £170 to use for the year, or you can get a subscription, but this works out more expensive.

I've saved up and have the money now to buy it, but I keep thinking its a stupid purchase to make. I can use the software within uni for starters, and access it off campus between 9pm-7am.

My main reasons for wanting it are that I think I can be more productive if I own it, as I'm not restricted by uni studios and computers being in use when I want to use them. For reasons I don't want to go into, I don't always feel comfortable going into uni and I can be more productive when I work at home. I also can use the software for my personal use, which I have generated a small income from in the past.

Basically, I can't decide if its stupid to spend so much money for something that I can already use for free, but not necessarily at my own convenience. What do you think?
June 2016 Grocery Challenge- £49.61/£90

Comments

  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344
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    If the £170 only buys you use of the software for the same period that you will have access to it for free then I would put up with the inconvenience and spend the £170 in a year's time when you'll have no choice.
  • DomRavioli
    DomRavioli Posts: 3,136
    Combo Breaker First Post
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    What's the software?
  • theEnd
    theEnd Posts: 851 Forumite
    Contact the vendor. If it's likely to be something you'll buy from them later, they might supply it free while studying. Also, there's a (small) chance the uni license allows you to have your own copy (whilst part of the uni).
  • I think you answered your own question. You are uncomfortable using the campus labs/facilities and could also use it to generate some income. I wouldn't even think twice, so long as it's affordable.

    I used to be Starrystarrynight on MSE, before a log in technical glitch!
  • dm19
    dm19 Posts: 40
    First Post First Anniversary
    Forumite
    At my uni I can access software on the uni system through a remote desktop. Not quite sure how it works and it is slower, but I can get the software for free in the comfort of my own room. I would ask the IT department if they have something similar. I didn't mind it being a little slower, but I rarely needed to use it so it wasn't much of an issue. Also, one or two of the features within the software didn't work on the remote desktop.
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