Shopping

Black Friday on a Budget: Top Picks for Students

A BU student’s list of the best discounted brands that are actually worth your money.

Black Friday is here again, and for students on a tight budget, it’s basically the Super Bowl of saving money. Whether you’re buying a gift for a loved one, upgrading your tech for next semester, or just treating yourself after surviving midterms, this year’s deals are especially strong. Plus, with student-exclusive platforms like Student Beans, you can stack even more discounts on top of the major sales, because paying full price? Couldn’t be us. Without further ado, here are some of the best 2025 Black Friday sales from what we know so far.

Fashion

The BU Campus Store is offering holiday sales on apparel, including 50% off all clearance items. If you’re looking to add a little bit more Terrier spirit to your wardrobe, now is your opportunity! In addition to apparel, the Campus store is offering sales on accessories, swag, and more.

Levi’s is having a 40% off site-wide sale, and it has already started! Levi’s is a trusted and classic brand known for its durable, stylish denim and timeless designs that stay in your wardrobe for years. Shopping there on Black Friday lets you grab high-quality pieces at some of the year’s best prices, making it the perfect time to upgrade your essentials.

Urban Outfitters will also be 40% off sitewide! It’s a go-to brand for trendy, expressive styles that blend modern fashion with a unique and relaxed vibe. From clothing to home décor to other fun trinkets, this sale gives you the chance to score their most popular items at major discounts you won’t want to miss.

ASOS’s website will be up to 70% off. ASOS offers a vast selection of stylish and trendy pieces for every budget and occasion, making it easy to find something that suits your personal style. With deals across thousands of brands all in one place, ASOS is your one-stop shop for restocking your closet’s needs (or wants). 

Other great fashion deals:

• Aritzia – Up to 50% off site-wide
• Alo – 30% off site-wide
• Abercrombie & Fitch– 25% off + possible stackable codes
• Aerie/American Eagle Outfitters – Up to 50% off
• Calvin Klein – 40% off site-wide + 10% extra for VIP
• Gap – 40% off
• H&M – 25% off site-wide
• Lululemon – Up to 50% off
• Old Navy – 50% off site-wide
• Pacsun – Up to 50% off
• Princess Polly – Up to 70% off site-wide
• Skims – Up to 50% off
• White Fox Boutique – Up to 70% off
• Under Armour – 30% off site-wide
• Uniqlo – Up to 30% off
• Urban Outfitters – 40% off
• Zara – Up to 50% off

Footwear

Nike will be up to 50% off this week. Known for its high-performance athletic wear, creative designs and collabs, and reliable quality that athletes and everyday shoppers know and love, buying from Nike on Black Friday lets you score top-tier shoes, apparel, and gear at rare discounted prices, making it the perfect time to get ahead of your New Year’s resolutions and upgrade your fitness-wear.

New Balance will be on sale for up to 40% off! Not only is it a super trendy brand, but it is also loved for its unmatched comfort, supportive designs, and high-quality production. This sale lets you grab their most popular sneakers and apparel at standout prices, making it a great time to make a lasting, useful purchase.

Adidas has deals offering up to 60% off site-wide! It is known for its trendy, sporty styles and fun color combinations for both sports and everyday wear. It’s the perfect time to score iconic sneakers, activewear, and other essentials at some of the best prices of the year.

Other great footwear deals:

• Converse – Up to 25% off
• UGG – Up to 30% off
• Dr. Martens – Up to 35% off

Skincare & Beauty

Clinique will be 30% off site-wide, plus 50% off holiday sets! Known for its trending “black honey” lip products, Clinique is trusted for dermatologist-developed skincare and makeup that are gentle, effective, and tailored to all skin types. This sale is a great opportunity to stock up on their top items at rare, high discounts you won’t want to miss.

Paula’s Choice will be up to 30% off. It’s known for its science-backed, fragrance-free formulas that deliver real, visible results for all skin types. Black Friday is the perfect time to shop, since it’s on the pricier side (but so worth it), with some of their most effective products and treatments available at rare discounts.

• Charlotte Tilbury – Up to 50% off site-wide
• L’Occitane en Provence – 20% off site-wide
• Sephora – Up to 70% off
• Ulta Beauty – Up to 40% off
• Olaplex – 30% off sitewide

Other/Home

Amazon is having a whole week of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, so keep an eye out! Many useful tech and household products are on sale, including Apple, Microsoft, and more. From tech and fashion to home and beauty, you can find exactly what you need at a greatly discounted value from the comfort of your home. 

Walmart will also be having a week of amazing deals. It’s known for its wide selection of everyday essentials, electronics, home goods, and more, all at consistently affordable prices. Shopping there on Black Friday means scoring even larger deals across every department, making it the perfect time to save big on gifts and must-have items from home, tech, appliances, and more.

• I Love Linen – 30% off bedding
• Bed Threads – 25% off site-wide
• Target – So many deals all across departments
• Pottery Barn – Up to 60% off with an extra 20% off clearance items

As the Black Friday frenzy kicks off, remember that the best deals aren’t just about impulse buys; they’re chances to make smart, long-lasting upgrades without draining your bank account. Keep in mind that these discounts are based on the information we have so far, and there will likely be even more on the actual date of Black Friday! Shop strategically, grab the discounts while they last, and let your wallet breathe easy as you head into finals season.