A Smart Guide for Back-to-School Shopping Success

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It’s that time of year again: the back-to-school shopping experience is in full swing. Long lines, busy stores, endless searching, etc. It would be a miracle if you could find everything in one single trip. You’ll find a parking spot less than one mile away from the entrance when pigs can fly. The daunting prices of items are climbing higher and higher. Nonetheless, it’s necessary. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The experiences are mutual, but there are many ways to turn it into an enjoyable and stress-free experience. This smart guide has been curated for all the back-to-shoppers to help everyone save time, money, and sanity.

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Compare, Research, and Save

The “basics” are the most important items to have before school begins, and easy to find at all major stores (ex. Target, and Walmart). You shouldn’t have a problem getting your hands on these items: textbooks, pens, paper, highlighters, and a computer for the online classroom. But be careful, you could be paying a much lower price if you do some price comparison. Many department stores offer free price check comparisons so you can easily check for any item and get it at the lowest price. In most cases, they will price match right then and there. The cost and scope of college supplies are much more demanding than in grades K-12, which is why many businesses offer student discounts to help minimize costs. You just need your student ID to prove enrollment, and you can start earning perks and discounts. These discounts are especially great for recurring supplies and costs that come with school such as subscriptions and meals. Another overwhelming cost for students can be the required textbooks. They are notorious for costing upwards of $100+. Luckily, there are many rental options out there for textbooks- new and old editions. Online services such as Chegg are must-visits when looking for low-budget textbook sources.

Reuse and Restore Old Items

As a student, there can be a lot of pressure to keep up with current trends. It seems impossible to look cute and have some money in the bank account at the same time. Don’t fret, there is a way to be fashion-savvy while on a budget. It does require some searching and visits to all the local thrift/secondhand stores in the area. A great place to start is at your local thrift store, as they can be home to some hidden gems. Bonus: you can even get your hands on some office supplies, backpacks, sports equipment, and apartment necessities. Also, don’t forget to go through your closet and make use of what you already own. The basics like plain tees, denim jeans, and sneakers will never go out of style, so those closet staples from last year can stick around. Only replace what you need, your wallet will thank you later!

When in Doubt, DIY it Out

Yes, that says DIY. Something about customizing and designing your own items is so much more satisfying than getting them off the shelf. For those back-to-school necessities like backpacks and computer cases, you can add some extra pizzazz by going to the local craft store and making use of patches, fabric markers, and stickers. If you’re doing some back-to-school shopping for your dorm, be sure to check out some online DIY ideas such as this one for decor. The options and creativity are endless. While on the topic of online, check for free resources instead of purchasing something new. One item that can be used for free in a digital format is a planner. Planners are one of the most important items to stay organized as a student, but they can become very pricey. Given that you’ll most likely check your technology at least once a day, you can keep your planner updated digitally for no cost and it still is effective.

Back-to-school shopping comes with many pros and cons. Yes, you get to enjoy the feeling of having fresh and new stuff, and you can embrace a new style. But, you also could find yourself stressed over the costs of everything added up. It can also be an anxiety-riddled shopping experience with busy, crowded places. The guide mentioned above mentions just a few of the ways to avoid it being so challenging. Every student has to deal with the drag of back-to-school shopping, so be sure to always check in with your peers and ask if they have any money or time-saving tips. Throughout the stress, don’t forget the positive and exciting experience that comes with starting a new school year. The time flies, so enjoy every minute of it! Even the ones you spend comparing prices of binders and calculators at the department store.

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