Whether you’re decorating your dorm room or upgrading your laptop, back-to-school shopping is no easy (or inexpensive) task. In order to make the process a little easier on your wallet, we put our sales-sleuthing skills to the test to find all of the best discounts for college students, some of which can even be applied year-round (and until graduation). Discounts range from 20 percent off leggings to $100 off laptops, and all are exclusively for college students — meaning you’ll need a .edu email address to access them. While several of the discounts can be activated directly through the brand or retailer, some require you to set up a (free) account on websites like UNiDAYS or Student Beans to shop. It’s also worth noting that while some of these deals are fixed, some discounts change year-round, and we’ll be updating this post accordingly. In short: If nothing below catches your eye, keep checking back. (And if something does, as always, don’t dilly dally.)
Adobe
In collaboration with Billie Eilish, Adobe is offering students a 60 percent discount on an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, which includes access to more than 20 apps — including Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro — and 100GB of cloud storage. The subscription starts at just $20 per month (regularly $53 per month) for verified students and teachers.
Amazon Prime Student
If you’re not already using your parents’ account, students can sign up for Amazon Prime Student for just $6.50 per month, or $78 per year. Amazon Prime Student offers the same perks as a standard Prime membership including free two-day shipping, free same-day delivery in select areas, and access to the entire Prime Video library. Plus, the first six months are free.
The Apple earbuds beloved by teens, athletes, tech experts, and Strategist writers for their comfortable fit and seamless Bluetooth syncing.
A college-RA-approved weekly planner from Moleskine, with extra space for notes and doodles.
Space-saving hangers that one RA says lasted her all four years of college.
Amazon Prime Student x Audible
Until September 30, Prime Student members can get three months of Audible Premium Plus for free (normally $14.95 per month), as well as three free downloadable audio titles.
Amazon Prime Student x Grubhub+
Prime Student members also get a free monthly Grubhub+ Student membership, which includes unlimited free delivery. Earn 10 percent Grubhub+ Cash on all off-campus pickup orders, plus donation matching and more. Activate the deal here.
Amazon Prime Student x Calm
There’s more: College students with Amazon Prime Student memberships can de-stress with the Calm app for three months free, and then just $9 per year (normally $70). Activate the deal here.
Apple
On top of student and educator discounts, Apple will also throw in a free pair of AirPods when you buy select Macs and iPads for college. AirPods with the regular wired charging case are free, or you can upgrade to the wireless case for $40 more. The noise-canceling AirPods Pro will cost you $90 more. As far as device-specific discounts go, students can take $100 off a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, $50 off the new iMac, and $50 off an iPad Pro or iPad Air. Both the AirPods Pro promotion and the device discounts are valid through September 27. Additionally, an Apple Music subscription for students is just $5 per month — half the price of a regular subscription — and now includes Apple TV+ for free.
Apple’s lightest laptop has a super-clear Retina display and updated keyboard (that’ll seamlessly pair with all of your other Apple devices).
“Compared to the Air, MacBook Pros are a step up in power and storage capacity,” explains Strategist tech writer Jordan Bowman. The built-in speakers “don’t disappoint,” he assures, and if you upgrade to the faster 1.7-ghz i7 processor, you’ll be able to easily manage audio, video, and photo editing.
American Eagle
Students can take 20 percent off online and in-store at American Eagle with a unique promo code once verified through UNiDAYS.
Throw this hoodie on before heading over to the (somehow always freezing) library.
Bike around campus in these seven-inch stretchy shorts, which have a universally flattering wrap waist and come in several different colorways.
Asics
Asics offers verified students a discount of 25 percent off all full-priced products online.
The gel-infused sneakers one runner says have “just the right amount of cushioning and help relieve some of the pounding on my knees when I’m logging a lot of miles.” They’re also available in men’s sizes.
ASOS
Over at ASOS, college students can take 10 percent off their order year-round after verification of student status.
The platform sneakers this deals writer once called “hands down, the most comfortable pair of Converse I’ve ever worn.”
A “sturdy” reviewer-favorite backpack from the North Face that fits laptops of all sizes.
BAGGU
BAGGU offers students 15 percent off their purchase through Student Beans.
Made of ripstop nylon, the standard Baggu’s open-top design, carrying pouch, and multiple colorways make it a favorite among Strategist editors and several cool people we’ve spoken to.
For something a little more substantial, this writer- and editor-favorite tote features a little inner pocket, snap closure, adjustable shoulder strap, and handles. It’s extra deep to accommodate documents and a laptop, too.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Through September 30, Bed Bath & Beyond is offering 20 percent off every order and free shipping on orders over $39 to university students. To receive your Unlimited College Savings Pass, click here: You’ll log into your Bed Bath & Beyond account (or create one) and then input your name and college to verify your student status.
A textured two-piece comforter set that’s available in both lavender and the off-white shown.
One of our favorite single-serve coffee makers that’s perfect for small spaces.
Best Buy
Best Buy is offering discounts on select tech and accessories — including up to $400 off select Windows laptops and $160 off Beats headphones — exclusively for college students. Students can sign up and verify their student status here to shop the sale.
A two-in-one touch screen laptop that can handle everything from studying to streaming.
Drown out the sound of your noisy roommates with these noise-canceling headphones from Beats.
Champion
After verification through either UNiDAYS or Student Beans (both of which are free), students can take 20 percent off their Champion purchase.
This cozy cotton hoodie from Champion will be much (much) cheaper than the spiritwear you’ll find at the bookstore.
The Container Store
Students can take 20 percent off their order with a unique code through UNiDAYS.
A space- (and shoe-) saving storage solution to limited closet space.
Stock this versatile rolling cart with everything from school supplies to snacks.
Crocs
After creating an account through Student Beans, students can enjoy 25 percent off their order at Crocs.
The classic unisex clog that Strategist writer Lauren Ro calls “hands down my favorite quarantine purchase to date.”
Dr. Martens
Take 20 percent off select styles at Dr. Martens through UNiDAYS.
Pair these combat boots with wool socks, and Strategist writer Dominique Pariso guarantees they’ll keep your feet “warm and dry” all winter long.
H&M
Also through UNiDAYS, students can take 15 percent off their purchase at H&M.
It’s not exactly chilly outside, but you’ll be glad to have this half-zip on hand once the temperature drops.
Throw this cotton-twill shirt jacket over your pajamas before heading over to the dining hall.
Herschel Supply Co.
Herschel Supply Co. also offers a 10 percent discount through UNiDAYS.
The classic 18-liter Herschel backpack with a handy front pocket.
The brand’s 25-liter pack is one of our favorites for traveling (and hauling laptops across campus).
Hulu
Students can stream Hulu’s ad-supported plan for just $1.99 per month (regularly $5.99/month).
Hunter
Once verified through Student Beans, students can take 15 percent off their Hunter purchase with a unique discount code at checkout.
We’d start with a pair of stylist-recommended leakproof rain boots.
Jansport
Verified college students and teachers can take up to 20 percent off their Jansport purchase.
J.Crew
Eligible college students and teachers get 15 percent off their online purchase at J.Crew.
Strategist senior editor Anthony Rotunno says these linen button-downs “are light without feeling insignificant” and easy to layer on chilly days.
Levi’s
After verifying your student status, Levi’s offers a 25 percent discount on all apparel.
According to denim expert and writer Amy Leverton (and lots of stylish men we’ve spoken to), Levi’s relaxed-fit 501s are the “gold standard” of men’s denim.
Levi’s Wedgie jeans — one of the most-recommended pairs on the Strategist site to date — are a favorite among editors, writers, and stylists alike for their cropped, comfortable fit.
L.L.Bean
After verifying your college or university, students and teachers can take 10 percent off select items at L.L.Bean.
Schlep school supplies across campus with our favorite zip-top tote.
Logitech
Through Student Beans, students can take 25 percent off their order at Logitech.
One YouTuber told us that the crown at the top of this keyboard makes it easy to scroll around through Excel spreadsheets.
Madewell
After signing into (or creating) a free Madewell Insider account and verifying their student status, students can take 15 percent off their purchase online and in-store.
Several stylish women we’ve spoken to consider Madewell’s Transport Tote their go-to for daily use. The main compartment is large (and sturdy) enough to comfortably hold your water bottle, laptop, and textbooks.
Former Strategist senior editor Casey Lewis has been a fan of these High-Rise Knit Leggings since 2008, lauding them for their substantial stretch, accommodating waistband, and opaque fabric.
Muji
Get 10 percent off your MUJI order with Student Beans.
Nike
Nike offers a 10 percent discount to eligible high school, college, and university students after verification.
The “classic” sneakers beloved by one NBA all-star that can be dressed “up or down.”
Paramount+
Once verified, students can take 25 percent off their Paramount+ subscription. That works out to just $3.75 per month (normally $5 per month), and the first seven days are free.
Reebok
One of the largest discounts on this list, use your unique discount code through Student Beans to enjoy 30 percent off your order at Reebok.
The unisex Reebok sneakers one designer calls “the sneaker of the year.” They’re cushioned, comfortable, and have a “European, understated feel.”
Samsung
Students, parents, and educators can save up to an extra 15 percent on their purchase for a total of up to 30 percent off smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more. You can also get a free pair of Galaxy Buds Pro with your purchase of a Galaxy Book Pro. To activate the deal, you’ll need to register and verify your student status during checkout.
The AirPods equivalent for Android users that, according to reviewers, “block out a lot of sound” and “automatically connect to your phone the moment you close the case and pop them into your ears.”
Shopbop
Once verified through UNiDAYS, students can take 10 percent off their purchase at Shopbop.
Our favorite “buttery soft” pajamas from Eberjey.
And the understated yet stylish sneakers that once quietly took over the New York office.
Spotify
Students can bundle Spotify Premium, ad-supported Hulu, and SHOWTIME for just $4.99 per month. Plus, you can try out all three for one month free.
Verizon
Through UNiDAYS, college students can save up to $25 per month on Unlimited phone plans at Verizon. One line on Start Unlimited is $60/month (regularly $70/month) and two lines on Start Unlimited is $95/month (regularly $120). Auto-pay and paper-free billing are required.
YouTube Premium Student
Enjoy YouTube and YouTube Music ad-free for one month, then only pay $6.99 (regularly $11.99) per month. Annual student verification is required.
Zappos
On top of free shipping, college students and educators (including K-12 teachers, school administrators, and college faculty members) can take 10 percent off their Zappos purchase.
Hiking experts, Strategist contributors, and Amazon reviewers alike are all fans of Merrell’s Moab 2 hiking boots, which have supportive “super-breathable” construction and ample arch support. They’re also available in men’s sizes.
The top-rated UGG slippers one reviewer says are so comfortable “you won’t want to leave the house.”
& Other Stories
Once verified through Student Beans, students can take 10 percent off their online purchase at & Other Stories. For in-store purchases, just show your student ID card and the Student Beans app at checkout.
A structured shoulder bag with two shoulder straps and a lined inner pocket.
Some nickel-free hoop earrings with an on-trend organic shape.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
