In addition or instead of offering access to separate Office applications, your institution might have a subscription to Microsoft Office 365, which is a cloud-based collaboration service that brings together a range of features:

The latest Office desktop applications for up to 5 devices
Includes: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note, plus many more
Available on selected Android, iPhone and Windows phones
Enables Office content viewing and editing on the go
Exchange Online Mailbox
Access your email, contacts and calendar
Also from mobile devices
Email Storage increased to 50GB
Skype for Business (IM)
Instant messaging, video and voice calls

Even if your institution doesn't offer Office 365, students are eligible for a free subscription.

This video explains how it works:

"Don't panic, it can be simple if explained well!" Omar, 1st-year student