Your ultimate student guide to Black Friday
Posted 1 day ago
Sun 08 Nov, 2026 12:11 PM
Black Friday is almost here! This year Black Friday falls on 27 November, but many retailers have already started their sales and some even run deals all month long.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your tech, refresh your wardrobe, or tick off your Christmas shopping list, here’s how to make the most of the bargains without blowing your budget.
What is Black Friday (and Cyber Monday)?
Black Friday started in the US as the day after Thanksgiving, but it’s now a global shopping event.
In the UK retailers slash prices on everything from laptops to beauty products. Cyber Monday then follows on Monday 1st December, focusing on online deal which is perfect if you prefer to shop from your room in your pyjamas!
Black Friday: Deals are both online and in-store, often on big-ticket items like TVs, laptops, and fashion.
Cyber Monday: Primarily online, with extra discounts on tech, software, and subscriptions.
Tip: If you miss a Black Friday deal, check back on Cyber Monday as some retailers drop prices even further.
What can it mean for me?
Black Friday is an opportunity to save on a variety of items like:
Tech for uni: Laptops, tablets, headphones.
Fashion: ASOS, Nike, Adidas often offer up to 80% off.
Home comforts: Air fryers, coffee machines, and cosy bedding.
Christmas gifts: Beauty sets, fragrances, and subscription services.
Many brands also stack student discounts on top of Black Friday prices so check platforms like UNiDAYS, Student Beans or TOTUM to see deals specifically for students.
You don't have to get involved in Black Friday!
Black Friday can be exciting but remember that the most important thing is to stick to your budget.
If you can't afford to get involved in Black Friday, that's okay! Make sure to prioritise your financial wellbeing instead.
Top tips for shopping smartly
If you are planning to do some shopping, here are some top tips on shopping sensibly and sticking to a budget.
Make a wishlist of what you actually need to reduce impulse purchases.
You can also sign up for retailer newsletters or apps for early access and extra codes.
To make sure a deal is genuine, make sure to research average normal prices before making a purchase.
You can use price trackers like CamelCamelCamel or PriceSpy to do this so you know if it's a bargain or not.
Decide how much you can spend and stick to it.
It’s easy to be tempted by a bargain just because it looks cheaper, but setting a clear budget before you shop helps you stay in control.
You can combine Black Friday prices with student discounts, cashback sites, and voucher codes to reduce the price further.
Stick to trusted retailers and watch out for fake websites. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is!
