🎓 Student Discounts That Stretch Your College Budget
Amazon, Target, Walmart+, IKEA & more - plus a CarePaks 101 exclusive!
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Back-to-college shopping doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when your student qualifies for exclusive deals just for being in school.
Whether you’re furnishing a dorm room, stocking up on groceries, or just trying to simplify everyday college life, here are some of the best college student discount programs currently available. Many include free trials, delivery perks, and real savings on items students (and their parents!) actually buy.
Don’t miss the special CarePaks 101 back-to-school offer at the end of this list!
🟦 Amazon Prime Student
Students can join Prime for Young Adults and get six months free, then just $7.49/month after that - that's half the usual price.
Includes:
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Free 2-day shipping
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Prime Video streaming
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Exclusive student deals during Prime Days
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Access to Amazon Music, photo storage & more
🛍️ Also consider:
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Rolling Tote: great for move-in, laundry days, or city grocery runs
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Compact air purifier: we own three (and just ordered two more!)
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Storage ottoman: adds seating, storage, and a step up to lofted beds
🎯 Target Student Discount + Circle 360
Students can verify their college status and get 20% off one storewide purchase - perfect for early dorm shopping: bedding, storage bins, fans, and more.
Once verified, consider Target Circle 360:
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Same-day delivery on essentials, groceries, and dorm supplies
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Local delivery from Target and partner stores
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Great for students without cars
🛍️ Also consider:
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Lightweight stick vacuum: under $30 and dorm-friendly!
🛒 Walmart+ Student Program
Walmart+ for Students includes all the benefits of regular Walmart+ for half the price.
Benefits include:
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Free shipping with no order minimum
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Free local store delivery
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Free pharmacy delivery (huge for students managing meds)
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Paramount+ subscription
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Gas savings and other perks
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Includes a 30-day free trial
🛍️ Also consider:
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Foldable butterfly chair: extra seating, small footprint
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Expandable 4-tier shoe rack: great for closets or entryways
🪑 IKEA Student Discount
Students can save 15% on eligible IKEA purchases after verifying their college status.
Great for:
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Desk chairs
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Storage cubes
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Bedding & organizers
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Dorm-friendly kitchen items
🛍️ Also consider:
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9-drawer nightstand: vertical storage wins again - perfect next to lofted beds
Bonus tip: IKEA offers delivery if you’re not near a store.
🗃️ The Container Store – 25% Off for Students
Join The Container Store’s text list and get 25% off your purchase - perfect for maximizing small dorm spaces.
Great for:
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Under-bed bins
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Closet organizers
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Desk drawer setups
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Dorm-safe cleaning products
🛍️ Also consider:
📦 CarePaks 101 – 30% Off Your First Order!
CarePaks 101 is a mom-owned small business (yep, that’s me! 👋) offering college care packages curated with love - filled with snacks, thoughtful extras, and none of the fluff students don’t need (or have space for).
From move-in to midterms to finals, there’s a care package for every season.
💌 Join the mailing list by July 18 and get 30% off your first order. Offer valid through September 30.
👉 Click here to sign up and grab your discount
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates and reminders all school year long!
💡 Final Tip: Start Smart, Then Shop as Needed
These student deals can really stretch your budget, especially if you're shopping for twins (!), restocking mid-semester, or navigating your first college move-in.
Most programs are quick to verify and offer free trials, so there’s no pressure to commit.
And if you're following a minimalist dorm checklist (we are too!), use services like Prime or Walmart+ to fill in the gaps once your student settles in and knows what they need.
📝 Related Posts
📋 Turning 18 Checklist for Parents
📋 Amazon Prime for Young Adults
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Know a parent or student heading to college? Forward this list or pin it to your College Prep board for later. Smart shopping starts with the right info - and the right discounts!
#CollegeStudentDeals #StudentDiscounts #DormShoppingTips #CarePaks101 #AmazonPrimeStudent #TargetCircle360 #WalmartPlusStudent #CollegePrep #CollegeParents