Running out of groceries, toiletries or laundry detergent is a small problem until your student has no car, no nearby store and no time to find a ride.
Walmart+ Student may help with those everyday errands.
Eligible college and graduate students currently receive 50% off a Walmart+ membership. The student rate is $6.47 per month or $49 per year, and qualifying new members may receive a 30-day trial.
What Does Walmart+ Student Include?
Walmart+ Student includes the same core benefits as a full-price Walmart+ membership at the discounted student rate.
Benefits may include:
-
Free shipping on eligible Walmart orders
-
Delivery from a local Walmart store
-
Fuel savings at participating stations
-
A choice of eligible streaming benefits
-
Early access to certain Walmart deals
-
Other rotating member offers
Some services depend on location, order size and availability. Students should enter their campus or apartment address before signing up to see what delivery options are actually available.
Why It Can Be Helpful in College
Walmart+ Student can be especially useful for students who:
-
Do not have a car
-
Live far from a grocery or discount store
-
Regularly order groceries and household basics
-
Have a busy class or work schedule
-
Live in an apartment where deliveries are easy to receive
Students can use Walmart for many of the things they replace throughout the semester:
-
Groceries and snacks
-
Toiletries
-
Laundry supplies
-
Cleaning products
-
School supplies
-
Over-the-counter health items
-
Apartment basics
The biggest benefit may be avoiding several small shopping trips.
Check Campus Delivery Before Joining
Delivery that works well at an apartment may be less convenient at a residence hall.
Before signing up, find out:
-
Whether drivers can access the building
-
Where grocery orders can be left
-
Whether the front desk accepts deliveries
-
How quickly the student must pick up refrigerated items
-
Whether deliveries require the student to meet the driver
-
Whether the nearest Walmart serves the campus address
Free shipping and local store delivery are different services. A package shipped through a carrier may go to the campus mailroom while a grocery order may need to be handed directly to the student.
When Walmart+ Student Is Probably Worth It
The discounted membership may be a good fit when your student regularly shops at Walmart and can use local delivery.
The annual membership costs less than paying month to month for a full year, but the monthly option may be better when the student only needs it for part of the school year.
It may also be worth considering during:
-
A semester without a car
-
Winter weather
-
A busy internship or campus job
-
Apartment living
-
Periods of illness
-
Midterms and finals
When It May Not Be Worth It
Walmart+ Student may not be necessary when your student:
-
Rarely shops at Walmart
-
Has a grocery store within walking distance
-
Cannot receive local deliveries easily
-
Already uses another delivery membership
-
Has regular access to a car
-
Would not use enough benefits to cover the membership cost
A discounted membership is still an extra expense when it goes unused.
Compare It with Amazon and Target
Walmart+ Student is strongest for groceries and everyday supplies when local delivery is available.
Amazon Prime for Young Adults may be more useful for shipped items, replacements and a wider online selection.
Target Circle student offers may be more valuable during move-in or seasonal shopping.
Your student probably does not need every membership. Choose the one that best matches where they shop and how they get supplies.
Remember the Renewal
Walmart+ Student renews automatically unless canceled.
Add a calendar reminder before the trial or annual membership ends. Check the current rate, confirm that your student still qualifies and decide whether they used the service enough to keep it.
For students without reliable transportation who regularly need groceries and everyday basics, Walmart+ Student can be a practical college expense. For students with easy access to nearby stores, the savings may not justify another membership.