Every Black Friday, there are two kinds of people.
You’re either like me, distrusting every ‘limited time only’ tag or you’re the one with a colour coded spreadsheet tracking every discount from every brand.
Either way, we all want the same thing.
A juicy deal.
And if you’re living the student life, you know the drill. Rent, groceries, transport, emergency coffees, fines for library books you forgot were overdue, and that one friend that always wants to go out for brunch.
Our budget? £50.
Our mission? Make it stretch.
Embrace organisation
Black Friday is the perfect time to snap up little upgrades that make a big difference. Think laptop stands, extra storage for your laptop, a proper mouse, or even just a decent set of notepads instead of a thousand sticky notes you never find later.
And if you’re someone who ‘burns the midnight candle’, please don’t take it literally. Just get a desk lamp. Your eyes will thank you.
Travel cheaper
The holidays are the perfect time to go on nice trips and make memories exploring interesting places.
But with the price of train and bus tickets, it’s so easy to turn into a little hermit.
This Black Friday, look out for transport companies offering discounts on railcards and flash sales on cheap train tickets to places like London or anywhere else.
Make memories with little financial regrets.
Look after yourself
Winter is coming. Bring out the jumpers, the puffer jackets, and mentholated balms.
It’s completely dark at 4:00pm, your nose is a constant runny mess, and you don’t remember the last time you saw the sun.
But with £50, I know how to make the cold months feel less like you’re living in a Victorian drama.
Hot water bottles, skincare sets, a cosy dressing gown, fluffy socks, or ingredients for a warm homemade meal.
Self-care does not need to hurt your bank account.
I recently bought a mini diffuser and essential oils, and honestly, it makes my room feel like I have my life together even when I don’t.
Lean into student life
One thing I have really enjoyed about Teesside University is the weekly Students’ Union activities. We even get line-up emails so we can’t pretend we didn’t know.
From workshops to quiz nights, movie nights, social events, and activities that celebrate the campus diversity – campus always feels alive.
Paid events usually start from around £5 but many are free. All you need is your student ID and some change to indulge in a pint or two, of course.
Head over to the Students’ Union page for this week’s line up.
Stay cosy
Winter hits hard in the North East; everyone braces for snow from as early as November. For me, this means perfecting my layering skills before the first temperature drop hits.
Take advantage of Black Friday sales to stock up on thermal socks, thermal tights, gloves, and a warm coat for the weather.
Invest in yourself
Sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is something that pays off more in the long run.
If you’re thinking about trying something new or building up a skill, Teesside University’s Winter Short Courses is such a good place to start.
There are short courses in everything from Accounting to Psychology to Creative Digital topics. And the best part? Each course is only £50.
At the end of the day, most Black Friday deals benefit both you and the brands.
So, why not invest your money in something that gives more than it takes?
The best deals don’t always come in a shopping bag. Take a moment this Black Friday to invest in yourself with Winter University – a great way to learn, grow, and do something just for you.
