It’s here! It’s here! We’re talking, of course, about the beautiful return to academia that is finally right around the corner. Summer was great, don’t get us wrong, but the thought of going back to our friends and professors makes us a little giddy with anticipation.
As you’re prepping to go back to your home away from home, chances are you’re probably mapping out exactly what you’ll need. From supplies like notebooks and pens to that chemistry textbook, it can seem like your tuition is only a fraction of what you’ll actually pay to go back to school. Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be the straw that breaks the piggy bank’s back, however; Collegiettes are smart shoppers, after all! By joining these rewards programs and frequent buyers’ clubs, you’ll save oh-so-much moolah, leaving you with extra cash to spare.
1. Sephora Beauty Insider
Okay, not to be the bearer of bad(ish) news, but now that summer is fading fast, your tan will be, too. It’s okay, though! Keep up that wonderful summer glow by picking up some new bronzer at Sephora – and get rewarded for it! As a Beauty Insider, you’ll get access to lots of cool offers. In addition to amassing points that will eventually translate into free products, you’ll also get a birthday present, access to special promotions and beauty classes. Plus, if you’re super intense and spend over $350 in a year at Sephora, you’ll get promoted to VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) status and gain early access to sales and VIB-only gifts! Makeup addicts, rejoice – this is the perfect program for you.
2. Walgreens Balance Rewards
Is anyone else as hopelessly obsessed with drugstores as we are? Seriously, every time we step in a Walgreens, we can’t walk out without spending upwards of 40 dollars – they’ve got everything from makeup essentials to school supplies! Luckily, each dollar that you spend at Walgreens earns you 50 points towards their Balance Rewards program. You also get 500 points for every prescription you fill and another 500 for every immunization you get at the in-store pharmacy (hello, flu shot!). With points accumulating this quickly, you’ll be scoring free products in no time (you can redeem the points you get for products)!
3. PINK Nation
Desperate for a new bra? Join the club! Seriously, though: By downloading the PINK Nation app from Victoria’s Secret, you’ll be on your way to scoring awesome deals on your fave underthings. Just having the app (which is free!) will give you access to ongoing deals and freebies, and you’ll also get a look at what’s to come from the lingerie retailer before items ever even hit the stores. Plus, you’ll get invites to special events and other promotional offers so you can score awesome deals in store and online. Maybe we can’t all be Victoria’s Secret angels, but this app makes us feel like VIPs.
4. AERewards
American Eagle has one of the best retail rewards programs out there. Once you sign up (for free, by the way), you get 15 percent off all your purchases at AE or Aerie during your birthday month, a free bra (once you buy five others) and awesome discounts once you collect a good amount of points! What’s more, there are even special sales and events for rewards members only (it’s like your own exclusive club). You earn a point for every dollar spent, and once you get 100 points, your next purchase is 15 percent off. The percentage increases when you hit higher point benchmarks, too. Think of the great deals you’ll get on jeans, sweaters and pretty dresses for fall semester!
5. DSW Rewards
Need a new pair of killer boots for the fall? Oh, or how about those adorable heels that will literally go with everything in your closet? With the DSW Rewards program, you can get your new favorite shoes shipped to you for free (assuming they cost over $35). You’ll also get an early heads-up on sales and earn 10 points for every dollar you spend. Once you reach 1,500 points, you get 10 dollars off your next purchase! Maybe you can get those cute heels and the boots of your dreams.
6. Kohl’s Yes2You Rewards
The best place to get new sheets for your dorm, school supplies and a pair of cute heels all in one place? Kohl’s, duh. With the Kohl’s Loyalty Program, you get a point for every dollar you spend and a five-dollar reward for every 100 points you accumulate. As a bonus, you’ll get at least eight special offers throughout the year and an awesome birthday gift. Sign us up, please!
7. Anthro
With everything from whimsical tableware to gorgeous dresses, Anthropologie just may be every collegiette’s happy place. Seriously, walk through their heavy wooden doors and inhale that Voluspa-infused air and try to tell us that you aren’t immediately calmed down. We get that for budget-savvy collegiettes, your trips to Anthropologie are probably confined to the sale section, but that’s okay! You can get awesome deals there, especially if you join Anthro. As an Anthro member, you’ll get first access to new arrivals, invites to exclusive parties and events (ooh la la!) and a birthday discount! They’ll also send you info about discounts and promotions to your email, so you can be ready to pounce when that fun printed blouse you’ve had your eye on goes on sale.
Be a smart shopper and use your favorite store to your advantage! If you play your cards right, you can constantly get discounts for the items you love the most. Plus, as you’re getting ready to head back to campus, you’ll feel a little better knowing you’ve saved some cash for the upcoming semester (and still scored the style staples you wanted to make your grand entrance).