As the holidays approach, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer an opportunity for students to save on essentials needed for the spring semester. From tech upgrades to helpful subscriptions, this shopping season offers the chance to snag deals that support academic success without straining your budget.
Whether seeking a reliable laptop or a subscription to help manage stress, these deals are designed to set students up for success.
Affordable Tech Essentials
Investing in reliable technology is essential for managing coursework, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
ASUS Vivobook 14 Laptop: On sale for $219.99 at Best Buy (originally $429.99), this compact laptop is ideal for students with lighter workloads. It’s portable enough to carry around campus and features 8GB of RAM, perfect for multitasking.
Sony WHCH720N headphones: A budget-friendly pair ofSony headphones is available for less than $90. With good sound quality, noise cancellation, and 35 hours of battery life, these headphones are perfect for study sessions.
For students who may need a performance boost,
Sony WH-1000XM5: This headphone is known for its exceptional comfort and sound quality; it also features 24-hour battery life and touch-based controls. Originally $399.99, it is currently $298 on Amazon.
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022, 13-inch): Originally $999, it is now available for $749 on Amazon—saving $150 compared to Apple’s price of $999. It is a sleek and powerful option for demanding coursework or creative projects.
Additional tech deals to explore:
Sony and Canon: Up to $500 off cameras
Headphones: Up to $120 off brands like Bose and Sony
Laptops: Starting from $119
Subscriptions That Simplify Student Life:
Black Friday isn’t just for gadgets—it’s also a time to grab discounted subscriptions that support studying and relaxation.
Adobe Creative Cloud: Regularly $59.99/month, the Black Friday deal offers $29.98/month for one year. Student pricing drops further to $15.97/month for the first year (valid through Nov. 29, 2024). This subscription includes Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, Illustrator, and more.
Headspace and Calm: Two top-rated meditation applications are available for $35/year (50% off). These apps can help students manage stress, improve focus, and incorporate quick yoga sessions into their routines.
Amazon Kindle Unlimited: Offering three months for just $1 ($35 off), this service provides unlimited access to thousands of e-books.
NordVPN Plus: A two-year plan with three extra months is now $105.03 (74% off). This plan includes VPN access, a password manager, an ad blocker, anti-malware protection, and more.
Gear and Gadgets to Get You Through the Semester
Bella Pro 8-Quart Air Fryer: On sale for $49.99 ($60 off), this large-capacity air fryer makes preparing quick meals hassle-free.
Amazon Kindle (2024): Lightweight and affordable, this e-reader is now $84.99 ($25 off), perfect for digital textbooks or leisure reading.
HP DeskJet 2755e Printer: Available for $39.99 (53% off), this printer is essential for students who frequently print assignments or notes.
Maximizing Savings During Black Friday
Before diving into these deals, shop strategically to maximize savings:
Prioritize essentials: Focus on what will be most useful during the spring semester, such as laptops, headphones, or school supplies.
Check for stacking discounts: Many deals combine with student discounts, even if not advertised.
Compare prices: Tools like Honey and Rakuten help compare deals and find cashback offers.
UWGB student Rylee Maulson shared her thoughts: “Having access to these kinds of discounts really makes a difference. For students, especially those managing tight budgets, savings on things like laptops and printers are incredibly helpful.” Maulson’s advice emphasizes long-term investment: choose durable items like noise-canceling headphones or reliable backpacks instead of short-term splurges.
Solana Moreno, another UWGB student, highlighted helpful resources for finding deals. “I like looking at New York Times articles because they show things like, ‘Here are the 2024 student discount deals,’ and it’s really useful,” she said. Platforms like UNiDays also make navigating sales easier.
The UWGB Phoenix Bookstore offers exclusive savings on textbooks, supplies, and university merchandise. Shopping on campus not only provides great deals but also supports the university community.
With so many student-focused discounts, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are ideal for saving on everything needed for the upcoming semester. Whether upgrading tech, subscribing to useful apps, or grabbing everyday essentials, this season offers opportunities to shop smart.
