You’re grinding for that gold rank, sitting in a dorm room that smells slightly too much like instant coffee, and you're staring at a $25 skin for Spider-Punk. It’s tempting. But honestly, if you’re a student, you shouldn't be paying for that. NetEase actually baked a specific rewards track into the game that most people completely ignore because it's buried in a menu nobody clicks.
Marvel Rivals student perks aren't just a small discount or a one-time coupon code. It's a rotating "loaner" system that gives you high-tier cosmetics for free, provided you can prove you’re actually enrolled in a university.
How the College Perks System Actually Works
Most games treat student discounts like an afterthought—maybe a 10% off code for a mousepad you don't need. NetEase went a different route. They launched the "College Perks" program back in Season 3, and it has since evolved into a seasonal staple.
Basically, you get a "Trial" pass for 10 specific costumes and their associated MVP animations. These aren't just basic recolors; they’re often Legendary or Epic skins that would otherwise cost you a chunk of real-world cash or a massive amount of Units.
The catch? They aren't yours forever.
Every season (and even mid-season updates like Season 5.5), the list of available costumes rotates. Think of it like a library book for your favorite Vanguard or Duelist. You get the drip for the duration of the season, but once the next chapter drops, those skins go back on the shelf and a new set of 10 arrives. It’s a clever way to keep the game looking fresh without hitting your bank account while you're already paying off tuition.
The "Invisible" Menu: Finding the Perks
If you’ve looked through the store and found nothing about students, you aren't crazy. It’s hidden. To find it, you have to go into the Settings (that little gear icon in the top right), then hit the Community tab.
Inside Community, there’s a specific sub-section for College Perks.
- Open the Settings menu from the main screen.
- Click on Community.
- Navigate to the College Perks tab (it’s usually the third one over).
- Hit the Details button.
This is where you enter your university email address. NetEase sends a verification code to that .edu (or regional equivalent) inbox. You copy that code, paste it back into the game, and boom—you’re verified.
I’ve seen a lot of people complain that their school isn’t on the list. If that happens, don't just give up. There is a support link right inside that menu where you can submit your school’s domain. They’ve been pretty active about adding new institutions, especially in the US and UK, though regional expansion in places like the Philippines has been a bit slower than fans wanted.
Season 5 and 6: The Re-Verification Trap
Here is what most people get wrong. You think you’re verified once and you're set for life. Wrong.
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Marvel Rivals requires you to re-verify every single season. If you were rocking those Season 4 Legendary skins and suddenly they disappeared when Season 5 launched, it’s because the system "resets" your status to ensure you haven't graduated and joined the corporate world yet.
For the current 2026 cycle, especially with the New Year updates, the roster of trial skins has been leaning heavily into the newer hero releases. We’re seeing more love for characters like Phoenix and even the newer Season 5 arrivals.
Why Bother with "Trial" Skins?
I get it. Some players hate the idea of "temporary" items. But let's be real for a second. A single Legendary skin in the shop can run you $20 or more. By using the student perks, you are essentially getting $200 worth of cosmetic value for free every season.
Plus, it includes the MVP animations. There is nothing quite as satisfying as getting the winning play and showing off a premium animation you didn't have to pay for. It makes the grind through the ranks feel a bit more prestigious.
The Competitive Edge for Students
Beyond just the skins, there’s a growing culture around this. Schools have started recognizing Marvel Rivals as a legitimate esports title. By 2026, we’ve seen a massive uptick in collegiate tournaments.
Using the student perks is often the "entry fee" into the community side of the game. Once you're verified, you often get access to specific community events or Discord roles if you're part of a campus gaming club.
If you're a student, your next move is simple. Log in, find that hidden Community tab, and get your .edu email ready. The current season's skins are already live, and you're leaving free Legendary cosmetics on the table every day you aren't verified. Just remember to check your spam folder for the code; university filters can be weirdly aggressive about gaming emails.
Check your current season's "College Perks" tab to see the specific 10 skins available to you right now, as the rotation changes every few months.