Back to School sales may typically revolve around stationery or school uniforms, but in a post-pandemic world, the need for remote learning tools is becoming all the more apparent. Back-to-school sales provide the perfect opportunity to find discounts on laptops, PCs, and accessories like webcams, keyboards, monitors, cases, bags and more. In some cases, student discounts also extend to parents and staff. We’re looking at all Back to School sales on right now, along with any all-year student discounts.
When do Back to School 2021 dates – when do sales start?
While there’s no official start date to back-to-school sales, it typically begins in July and continues through August until the new school year begins. You may also find deals in early September too.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on our round-up of the best student deals of the month and our dedicated Back to School hub.
Best Back to School 2021 sales & deals right now
- Acer – 15% off Notebooks, Desktop PCs, Tablets, Monitors, Projectors and Accessories for students or 16-26 year olds, extra 10% off + free shipping in US
- Adobe – 65% off Creative Cloud All Apps (60% off in US) – See full guide to Adobe CC student discount
- Amazon Prime Student – Get a 6-month trial instead of a 30-day trial, along with 50% off the standard rate. See our full guide to Amazon Prime Student.
- AmazonBasics Back to School – Amazon’s section on school supplies and backpacks, along with electronics.
- Apple Back to School Sale – Free AirPods with purchase of M1 Mac, MacBooks, iPad Pro or iPad Air 2020 from the Education Store. You also get 20% off AppleCare+. Ends 11 October, 2021.
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- Dell – Up to 20% off + free delivery across XPS 13, Alienware m17 R3, monitors and accessories. See Dell Outlet Back to School Offers for recommended devices. Dell US Back to School Sale here.
- HP Store – HP’s dedicated Student Store gives students up to 40% off. Here’s our full guide to HP student discounts.
- Laptops Direct – 25% off laptops, 30% off monitors, 25% off tablets, plus deals on TVs, smart home, and more
- Microsoft Student discount – Students save 10%, get £230 off Surface Pro 7 Essentials Bundle, £175 off Surface Go 2 Essentials Bundle and more. See our full guide on how to get the Microsoft Student Discount.
- Free Office 365 for students – Students and teachers in the UK and US can get Office 365 completely free (it’s not a trial version!)
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- Best SIM deals for students in the UK
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See our dedicated article on the best student deals of the month
How to get a student discount?
Most retailers and companies with a student discount program require you to provide your university or school email address to qualify for the discount. Many rely on UniDays or Student Beans to verify your student status, which also require your uni email address for verification.
Both UniDays and Student Beans help students find discounts across tech, fashion, food and more all in one place.
Below are some of the best deals on the web right now, which you can access with or without a student email.
Best laptops deals right now
Below are a few highlights of the best laptop deals on the market this month. You can see the full list and our expert advice on how to choose a laptop in this article.
Best tablet deals
Check out the best tablet deals below and how to spot one here.
Best Microsoft Surface deals
Microsoft’s incredible Surface range is an easy choice for students. Save on a Surface device below and see our full guide to buying one here.
Best VPN deals for streaming
A VPN is an essential not only for security but for all your international streaming needs. These are the best deals around, but you can see more here.
Best printer deals
If you’re writing papers, you’re gonna need to print them. Save on a printer below, plus here’s how to choose a printer.
See our dedicated Back to School hub for even more deals and buying advice.
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