College Back-to-School Shopping Hacks Every Student Should Know

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This post is all about making your college back-to-school shopping experience as easy and budget-friendly as possible with some amazing hacks and tips. You’ll find insider advice on how to save money, discover the best deals, and keep your shopping list organized.

Heading back to college is super exciting! But let’s be real – shopping for all the essentials can be a bit overwhelming. With tuition, housing, and daily expenses, sticking to a budget can be a challenge. That’s why we’re here to help you shop smart and be totally prepared for college this year. In this post, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make your back-to-school shopping easy and stress-free. From finding the best deals to managing your budget, everything you need to know is right here. We’re here to help you focus on what really matters – enjoying every moment of your college journey!

Get Set for College with These Game-changing Back-to-School Shopping Tips

In This Article

Creating a Budget and Sticking to It

Smart Financial Planning
Before diving into the exciting world of back-to-school shopping, let’s take a moment to discuss something just as important: your finances. Understanding your budget is key to ensuring you’re spending within your means and avoiding financial stress later on.

Whether you’re earning money from a part-time job, receiving financial aid, or getting support from your family, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of exactly how much money you have available. This knowledge will guide your shopping decisions and help you prioritize what you need most. So, take the time to assess your financial situation thoroughly before hitting the stores or online shops. This way, you can enjoy your shopping experience without any unnecessary worries about overspending.

Prioritizing Needs Over Wants
Once you’ve got a handle on your budget, the next step is to figure out what you actually need versus what you simply want. Start by making a comprehensive list of everything you need. Rank these items by importance. Think about the absolute necessities first, like textbooks, school supplies, and basic dorm essentials such as bedding and toiletries. These are the items you can’t do without and should be at the top of your list.

Remember, it’s okay to want things that aren’t strictly necessary, but these should be lower on your priority list. Items like extra decor, fancy kitchen gadgets, or the latest tech accessories can wait until you see how your budget holds up. If you have money left over after buying the essentials, then you can consider indulging in a few of those non-essentials.

Finding the Best Deals: Top Stores and Timing Tips

Now, let’s find those deals! Always look for student discounts. Websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans can help you score discounts on tech, clothing, and more. Timing your shopping around sales like back-to-school, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday can also save you big bucks. Compare prices online and in-store to make sure you’re getting the best deals.

Top Stores for College Shopping in the USA

Target: Known for its wide selection of affordable home goods, school supplies, and electronics. They often have back-to-school sales, and you can stack these with student discounts.
Walmart: Another great spot for budget-friendly finds. From dorm essentials to everyday supplies, Walmart’s prices are hard to beat, especially during their back-to-school promotions.
Amazon: Our favorite place to shop! Not only can you find almost everything online, but you also have time to consider what you actually want. Amazon offers great quality college essentials and a plethora of choices. Look out for special deals during Prime Day, back-to-school season, and other major sales events.
Best Buy: Ideal for all your tech needs, from laptops to dorm room gadgets. They offer student deals that can make your tech purchases more affordable.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Perfect for dorm and apartment necessities. Their back-to-college section is specifically geared towards students, and they often have coupons and sales to help you save.
Staples: Great for school supplies, and they offer competitive prices during their back-to-school sales. Don’t forget to check for student discounts!

Timing Your Shopping for Maximum Savings

Let’s talk timing! Knowing when to shop can make a huge difference in how much you save. Here are some key times to keep an eye out for:

Back-to-School Sales: These kick off in late July and run through September. It’s the perfect window to grab essentials like notebooks, pens, and dorm room basics. Stores are competing for your attention, so you’ll find lots of great deals.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These big sales events happen in late November and are fantastic for scoring deep discounts on tech, clothing, and more. It’s an excellent chance to snag those high-ticket items you’ve been eyeing at a fraction of the cost.
End-of-Season Sales: Don’t forget about clearance sales at the end of each season. For example, February and March are great times to find deals on winter clothing and bedding. Retailers are clearing out old stock to make room for new items, and you can benefit from the markdowns.

Shopping for Essentials

Academic and Technological Supplies
Start with your academic and tech essentials. You’ll need notebooks, pens, highlighters, and a sturdy laptop. A sturdy laptop is a must-have for any college student, so be on the lookout for student deals from top brands like Apple, Dell, or HP. These deals can save you a significant chunk of change.Don’t forget a good pair of headphones, external hard drives for backups, and a reliable backpack.

If you want to dive deeper into what you’ll need for the upcoming school year, we have another post that goes into extreme detail about everything a college student needs to start the new academic year off right. You can check it out here.

Textbook Strategies
Textbooks can be one of the most expensive parts of college. Consider renting textbooks from Chegg or Amazon, buying used ones, or opting for digital versions which are often cheaper. Also, check if your campus library has copies available.

Dorm Room Necessities
Your dorm room is your new home, so make it comfy. Essentials include bedding, a desk lamp, storage solutions, and maybe a mini-fridge. Stores like Amazon, IKEA, and Target have reasonably priced dorm supplies. Don’t forget personal care items like toiletries and a basic first aid kit.

Clothing and Personal Items on a Budget

Thrift Shopping and Capsule Wardrobe

You don’t need a whole new wardrobe for college. Thrift stores are fantastic for finding unique, affordable clothes that let you express your personal style without breaking the bank. Consider building a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces that you can mix and match. Focus on staples like jeans, basic tees, and a good pair of sneakers.

Personally, I prefer building a capsule wardrobe. I love neutral, basic colors and nice soft materials like pure cotton or linen. Here are a few stores I highly recommend because they provide excellent style and value for the students.

H&M: Trendy and affordable, perfect for students looking to stay stylish on a budget.
Uniqlo: Known for high-quality basics and innovative fabrics, ideal for a versatile wardrobe.
Zara: Offers stylish and well-made clothing that’s great for mixing and matching.

Tips for Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Quality Over Quantity: Focus on getting a few high-quality pieces that will last. It might cost a bit more upfront, but these items will hold up better over time and save you money in the long run.
Neutral Colors: Stick to blacks, whites, grays, and beiges. These colors mix and match easily, allowing you to create lots of outfits without needing a ton of clothes.
Comfort and Fit: Make sure your clothes are comfortable and fit you well. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows!
Soft Materials: Look for items made of pure cotton or linen. These materials are not only durable but also feel great against your skin, making them perfect for everyday wear.

Seasonal Sales

To make sure you never miss out on these great deals, consider subscribing to newsletters from your favorite stores. Retailers often send email alerts about upcoming sales, exclusive discounts, and special promotions. Staying informed lets you plan your shopping trips and score the best deals.
Here are some easy tips to stay updated:

Sign Up for Newsletters: Head to the websites of your favorite stores and sign up for their newsletters. You’ll get notifications about sales, new arrivals, and exclusive offers directly in your inbox.
Follow on Social Media: Follow your favorite stores on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Brands often post about sales and special promotions on their social media accounts.
Download Store Apps: Many retailers have apps that send notifications about sales and exclusive in-app deals. Download these apps to stay in the loop.

Saving on Food and Groceries

Meal Planning and Student Meal Plans
Food is another big expense. Meal planning can save you both time and money. Create a weekly meal plan and grocery list to avoid buying unnecessary items. If your college offers a meal plan, use it to your advantage – it’s often cheaper than cooking all your meals yourself.

Grocery Store Hacks
When it comes to grocery shopping, there are plenty of ways to save money without compromising on quality. Start by shopping at discount grocery stores like Aldi, Walmart, or Kroger which offer great deals on everyday essentials. Always be on the lookout for sales and special promotions, and combine these with coupons to maximize your savings. Many stores have loyalty programs that provide additional discounts and rewards.

Don’t be afraid to try store brands or generic products, as they are often just as good as name brands but cost significantly less. Buying in bulk can also save you money in the long run, but it can be tough to use everything up before it spoils. Splitting bulk purchases with roommates is a great way to enjoy savings without waste.

Health and Wellness

Budgeting for Healthcare and Fitness
Taking care of your health is super important, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some friendly tips to help you budget for healthcare and fitness:

College Health Services: First, check if your college offers health services included in your tuition. Many colleges have health centers where you can see doctors or get basic medical care without extra costs. Make the most of these services!
Affordable Health Insurance: If your college health services don’t cover everything, look into affordable health insurance plans. Some colleges offer their own plans, or you might find a good deal through the Health Insurance Marketplace. It’s worth setting aside a little money each month to cover medical expenses just in case.
Budget for Medical Expenses: It’s a good idea to have a small emergency fund for unexpected medical expenses, like prescriptions or urgent care visits. Even a little bit each month can add up and give you peace of mind.
Free or Discounted Fitness Options: Staying fit doesn’t need to be expensive. Many colleges offer free or discounted gym access and fitness classes. Check out what’s available on your campus. Whether it’s the gym, yoga classes, or intramural sports, there’s usually something for everyone.
Use College Facilities: Don’t overlook other free or low-cost wellness resources your college might offer, like mental health counseling or nutrition workshops. These can be great for your overall well-being.
Community Resources: If your college’s options don’t quite meet your needs, look into community resources. Local community centers often have affordable fitness programs, and some health clinics offer services on a sliding scale based on your income.

Mental Health Resources
Taking care of your mental health is super important during your college years. Most colleges offer free counseling services for students, so don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. They’re there to help you!

If you like more flexibility, check out online resources and apps like Headspace and Calm. They have awesome mindfulness exercises that are pretty affordable. Plus, many campuses have peer support groups where you can connect with other students who are going through the same things you are.
Your mental health really matters. There are so many resources available to help you get through the ups and downs of college life, so don’t be afraid to reach out and get the support you need. You’ve got this!

Smart Shopping Apps and Tools

Using Technology to Save
If you`re looking to save some serious cash while shopping you have to know that there are plenty of apps and tools designed to help you find the best deals. Here are some of the top ones you should definitely check out:

ShopSavvy: This app is perfect for comparing prices. Just scan the barcode of an item, and ShopSavvy will show you the prices from different retailers. This way, you can make sure you’re always getting the best deal.
Honey: Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout. It works with thousands of online stores, so you can save money without even trying. Plus, Honey’s Droplist feature lets you track prices on items you want and notifies you when they drop.
Rakuten (formerly Ebates): With Rakuten, you earn cashback on your purchases from a wide range of stores. Just start your shopping through the Rakuten app or website, and you’ll get a percentage of your purchase back as cashback. They even have a browser extension that alerts you to cashback opportunities while you shop.
RetailMeNot: This app is a treasure trove of digital coupons. RetailMeNot aggregates coupon codes for both online and in-store shopping, so you can save money wherever you are. You can also set up notifications for your favorite stores to get alerts about new deals and sales.
Flipp: Flipp helps you find weekly ads and deals from local retailers. It’s great for planning your grocery shopping or finding sales at nearby stores. You can even create a shopping list within the app and it will automatically match items with current deals.
CamelCamelCamel: If you’re an Amazon shopper, this is a must-have tool. CamelCamelCamel tracks the price history of products on Amazon, so you can see if you’re getting a good deal. You can also set up alerts for price drops on specific items.
Ibotta: Another fantastic cashback app, Ibotta lets you earn money back on groceries and other everyday purchases. Just browse offers in the app, shop, and upload your receipt to get cashback. They also have an option to link your loyalty cards for automatic cashback.

Navigating Back-to-School Sales

Timing and Planning

My advice would be to start your shopping early to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure you get the best deals. Keep an eye out for tax-free weekends in your state, typically in August. These weekends allow you to buy school supplies and clothing without paying sales tax, leading to significant savings.

Stick to a detailed shopping list to avoid impulse buys and keep your budget on track. Make the most of student discounts available through websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans. If you find better deals elsewhere, consider price matching to get the lowest price.

Compare prices both online and in-store to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Use the shopping apps we’ve mentioned above, like Honey, ShopSavvy, and RetailMeNot, and you’ll be all set for the best options and prices out there. By planning ahead and using these strategies, you can make the most of back-to-school sales and save big.:)

Managing Social Life Costs

Free or Cheap Activities

Now, let’s talk about having fun in college without spending much.

Campus Events: First, keep an eye on your campus events calendar. Colleges usually offer a lot of free or cheap activities like movie nights, concerts, and game nights. It’s an awesome way to meet new people and have a good time without breaking the bank.
Join Clubs: There’s a club for almost everything, and they often organize free events and trips. It’s a great way to make friends and dive into new interests.
Use Sports Facilities: Most colleges offer free or discounted access to gyms, pools, and sports courts. Joining intramural leagues can be a blast and a great way to stay active.
Student Discounts: Also, always carry your student ID. You can get discounts on movies, concerts, and more.
Outdoor Activities: Lastly, enjoy the outdoor spaces on your campus. Go for hikes, have picnics, or just take a walk. Some schools even organize outdoor trips like camping or kayaking, which can be super fun and affordable.

Budgeting for Nights Out
Don’t forget to enjoy your college life by going out with your friends too! Set a budget for social activities and stick to it. Look for happy hour deals and student nights at local bars and restaurants.

Sustainable Shopping

For those passionate about sustainability and looking to focus their back-to-school shopping on eco-friendly options, we have some fantastic suggestions for you. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you make eco-friendly choices for your school supplies and clothing.

Eco-Friendly School Supplies

Wisdom Supply Co.: They offer a variety of school and office supplies designed to reduce waste, such as refillable pens and notebooks made from recycled paper.
Onyx and Green: This brand specializes in eco-friendly office supplies, including notebooks, pens, and other essentials made from sustainable materials.
Staples Sustainable Earth: Staples’ eco-friendly line includes recycled paper products and biodegradable pens, perfect for reducing your environmental footprint.

Sustainable Clothing
When it comes to your wardrobe, plenty of brands are committed to sustainability. Here are a few you should check out:

Patagonia: Known for its environmental commitment, Patagonia uses recycled materials and ensures fair labor practices. Their durable gear is perfect for college life.
Everlane: This brand focuses on transparency and ethical production, offering stylish, high-quality clothes made from sustainable materials.
Reformation: Using eco-friendly materials and methods, Reformation creates fashionable, sustainable clothing perfect for any occasion.

Online Marketplaces for Sustainable Fashion
If you prefer online shopping, here are some platforms where you can find sustainable fashion:

ThredUp: An online consignment store where you can find gently used, stylish clothes, making it a great way to recycle fashion and save money.
Depop: A social shopping app where you can buy and sell second-hand clothes, often featuring unique and vintage pieces.
Poshmark: Another excellent platform for buying and selling second-hand clothing, offering a wide variety of brands and styles to choose from.

Local Thrift Stores
Don’t forget to check out your local thrift stores and consignment shops. These places often have unique and budget-friendly finds that you won’t come across anywhere else. Plus, there’s something special about giving a second life to pre-loved items. It’s a win-win—you get great stuff for less, and you help reduce waste and your carbon footprint. So, grab a friend and make a day of it; you never know what treasures you might find!

Maintaining Your Budget Throughout the Year

Regular Check-Ins and Adjustments

Make it a habit to regularly review your spending. Set a specific day each week or month to go over your budget. This helps you stay aware of where your money is going and catch any areas where you might be overspending. If you notice unexpected expenses popping up, try to cut back on other areas to balance things out.

Here’s a handy tip: use budgeting apps like Mint or You Need A Budget (YNAB). These apps can sync with your bank accounts, track your spending in real time, and alert you if you’re getting close to your budget limits. Plus, they make it easy to adjust your budget categories as your needs change throughout the year.

Staying Motivated

And always keep in mind that every small step you take brings you closer to financial independence. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Maybe treat yourself to something special when you hit a savings milestone or just take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. It’s these little celebrations that keep you motivated and pushing towards your goals.:)

Conclusion

Navigating back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With careful planning, smart shopping strategies, and a little creativity, you can find everything you need without breaking the bank. Remember, the key is to prioritize essentials, take advantage of student discounts, and make informed decisions.

We’re so happy to help future students get ready for their new adventures. We hope today’s post was helpful and made your back-to-school shopping a bit easier. If you have any recommendations related to today’s topic that we’ve missed, don’t forget to leave us a comment. We are always happy to hear from you! 🙂