Black Friday Survival Guide for Students Abroad

By Zahraa
November 26, 2024 •

The Black Friday Sale is that time of the year where people stock up on their favourite essentials, ranging from home decor, to wellness and beauty needs to gadgets that will keep you hooked on your console. This time comes dressed as the most essential or revival period for students who are located in the developed nations such as The United Kingdom or The United States, and need to save up big and yet fuel up well for the next few months.

The Black Friday sale is right around the corner. And with discounts hitting your favourite stores – some ranging up to 60% and more, you are bound to get a feel of luxury with a fraction of the actual price. For students this is the time to save big, and with this guide, we’ll help you make the most of the upcoming weekend.

Home Decor: Turn Your Dorm Into a Cozy Haven

Your space should feel like home, even when you’re far away. Black Friday is the perfect time to elevate your dorm or apartment with stylish yet affordable decor. These stores are running amazing offers, which will help give your living space a complete makeover. To get even sweeter deals, you can use your student ID to avail further discounts. It’s best to check the brands offering this option.

  • UK: Look out for deals at Dunelm, IKEA, and Argos for bedding, fairy lights, and compact furniture.
  • US: Check out Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and Wayfair for cosy blankets, cushions, and wall art.
  • Pro Tip: Snag multi-functional furniture like storage ottomans or collapsible desks to save space.

Appliances: Study and Cook in Comfort

Being a student means late nights or beer get-togethers at your apartment. You can save big with these brands that offer exclusive discounts on either mini-refrigerators, kettles, pots and more. 

  • UK: Deals from Currys and John Lewis are perfect for mini-fridges, kettles, and microwaves.
  • US: Shop Best Buy, Walmart, or Home Depot for discounted air fryers, coffee machines, and blenders.
  • Pro Tip: Portable appliances like electric kettles or compact coffee makers are ideal for dorm living.

Study Essentials: Power Up Your Productivity

Set yourself up for academic success with discounted tech and stationery. This is one of those segments where students can save the most. Those wishlist items can now be availed at amazing prices during Black Friday Sale.

  • UK: Check PC World, Ryman, and WHSmith for laptops, printers, and notebooks.
  • US: Don’t miss out on Apple, Staples, and Amazon for MacBooks, iPads, or organizational tools.
  • Pro Tip: Many retailers offer student discounts—combine them with Black Friday deals for extra savings.

Wellness and Self-Care: Stay Healthy and Happy

Prioritise your physical and mental well-being with wellness essentials. Supplements and basic medicines usually have a longer shelf life, which will reduce your financial burden in the long run. For the girls, it’s the best time to head to Ulta or Sephora and grab your beauty or skincare products at either a buy 1 get 1 offer, or avail discounts on kits and more.

  • UK: Look to Holland & Barrett and Boots for supplements, skincare, and grooming kits.
  • US: Check out Ulta Beauty, Sephora, and GNC for cosmetics, wellness products, and fitness tools.
  • Pro Tip: Subscription services like Headspace or Peloton often have Black Friday deals—perfect for mindfulness or workouts.

Fashion and Cosmetics: Look Good, Feel Great

Update your wardrobe or refresh your beauty routine with discounts running as high as 40-60% offs. Keep an eye out for your favourite brands and the type of discounts they are providing. 

  • UK: Grab deals on winter coats and accessories from ASOS, Zara, and H&M. For cosmetics, explore Charlotte Tilbury and The Body Shop.
  • US: Shop at Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Urban Outfitters for trendy outfits. Beauty enthusiasts can snag discounts at Fenty Beauty and Glossier.
  • Pro Tip: Opt for quality staples like coats and boots—they’ll last throughout your student years.

Subscriptions and Entertainment: Elevate Your Downtime

Black Friday isn’t just about products—it’s a great time to grab discounted yearly subscriptions to level up your entertainment or career game.

  • UK: Look for streaming service deals from Spotify, Netflix, and NOW TV.
  • US: Explore offers on Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Student.
  • Pro Tip: Grab academic tools like Grammarly or Adobe Creative Cloud at a fraction of the cost.

Gaming and Entertainment: Reward Yourself After Exams

Treat yourself to some fun with gaming consoles or accessories.

  • UK: Check Game and Amazon UK for discounts on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles.
  • US: Head to GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart for gaming bundles and accessories.
  • Pro Tip: Split costs with roommates for communal entertainment systems.

Budgeting Tips: Shop Smart, Not Hard

  • Make a List: Prioritise what you need versus what you want.
  • Set a Budget: Avoid overspending by setting limits for each category.
  • Compare Prices: Use apps like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to track discounts.
  • Shop Online: Save time and energy while accessing exclusive online deals.

Black Friday is your chance to upgrade your life abroad, from creating a cosy living space to equipping yourself for academic success. With strategic planning and this guide in hand, you can make the most of the sales while staying within your budget. Remember, it’s not just about spending—it’s about investing in what makes your life as a student more comfortable, productive, and enjoyable.

Happy shopping, and may your Black Friday be full of deals and steals!

FAQs

  1. What month is Black Friday sales?

Black Friday sales occur annually on the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, which is the fourth Thursday of November. In 2024, Black Friday will be on November 29.

  1. What date is Black Friday sales in 2024?

In 2024, Black Friday sales will take place on November 29, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. This major shopping event marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

  1. What is the Black Friday sale in the USA?

Black Friday in the USA is a major shopping event that takes place the day after Thanksgiving, marking the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Retailers offer significant discounts across various product categories, including electronics, clothing, and home goods, with sales often extending from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. 

  1. Is Black Friday sale only online?

No, Black Friday sales are not only online; they occur both in-store and online. While many retailers have expanded their online offerings, traditional brick-and-mortar stores also participate by providing significant discounts and promotions for in-person shoppers on Black Friday.

  1. How long do Black Friday last?

Black Friday sales typically last for a single day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, but many retailers extend their promotions through the weekend and into Cyber Monday, creating a sales period that can span several days.

Liked reading this article on Black Friday sales? Interested for more? We recommend you read the articles below:

  1. Ways To Make Friends When Studying Abroad
  2. 6 Mandatory Things To Do With Your Roommates
  3. 5 Easy Ways On How To Fill Your Room With Plants

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