Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, 27th of November, with Cyber Monday following on Monday, 30th of November.
It's easily one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year, but it can also turn into an adrenaline-fuelled rush that ends in a wardrobe full of things you didn't actually need. So before you dive in, here's how to shop smart, save the most, and actually stick to your list.
Last updated: 22nd of September 2026
Jump to:
What's worth buying on Black Friday?
Some categories consistently see the deepest discounts:
Laptops, computers and tablets — especially handy if you're kitting yourself out for uni
Video games and consoles, including PS5 Black Friday deals - (new GTA 6, we're looking at you)
Kitchen appliances — great for setting up a student house (hello shiny new air fryer or updated kitchen essentials)
Smart home devices like Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Ring doorbells, which regularly go for up to 50% off
15 Black Friday tips for the best deals
Make a list before you shop. Write down what you actually need and commit to it — it's the easiest way to avoid impulse buys you'll regret in January.
Research what you're buying. A huge discount doesn't always mean a good product — check reviews before you commit.
Look out for price-matching retailers. Some stores, like John Lewis, will match a lower price elsewhere.
Compare before and after prices. Use a price tracker to check a "deal" is actually cheaper than it was last month.
Use your student discounts. Student Beans codes often stack with sale prices for extra savings — see our guide to the best student discounts and how to get them.
Get your online accounts ready. Save your card details and log in ahead of time so you're not scrambling when a deal drops.
Check the sales a few days before. Lots of retailers start their "Black Friday" discounts early, so keep an eye out from mid-November.
Check cashback websites. A little extra back on top of a sale price adds up over time.
Sign up for retailer emails. You'll often get early access or extra codes this way.
Shop online instead of in-store. You'll usually find a wider range of deals and avoid the queues.
Think ahead to Christmas presents. If you're going to buy them eventually, you may as well get them at a discount now. For more ways to spread the cost, check out our 100 money-saving tips for students.
Watch out for scams. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is — more on this below.
Sign up to Amazon Prime beforehand. Prime members typically get early access to deals — take a look at our guide to what to expect from the Amazon Black Friday sale and our round-up of the best PS5 Black Friday deals.
Check delivery costs aren't inflated. Some retailers quietly bump up shipping fees during sale periods, so always check the total before you buy.
Keep your receipts. You'll need them for returns, exchanges or price-match claims.
Black Friday scams to avoid
Scammers ramp up activity around Black Friday, and they're getting harder to spot. According to Barclays research published in November 2025, 75% of UK adults now believe AI has made scams more convincing, but only 36% feel confident they could actually spot an AI-generated one. The same research found the median value lost to shopping scams rose 43% between 2023 and 2025, and among Gen Z shoppers specifically, 35% have either lost money to a shopping scam or know someone who has.
Common red flags to watch for:
Unrealistic discounts (think "90% off the latest iPhone")
Counterfeit designer goods sold with no proof of authenticity
Phishing emails or texts with dodgy links — text-based scams have more than doubled since 2023
Websites with no HTTPS or padlock symbol in the address bar
AI-generated fake reviews, fake websites or fake social media ads, all of which are becoming harder to tell apart from the real thing
If in doubt, stick to retailers you know, pay by card rather than bank transfer where possible, and take a beat before clicking "buy" on anything that feels rushed.
Unlock even more with Student Beans
All your favourite brands at your fingertips, from fashion and beauty to food and drink, available to college and uni students aged 16 and over. Dive into our blog to find tips and advice to help you navigate student life, from applying to uni to life after graduation.
- Sign up for a Student Beans account or log in to start saving on the biggest and best brands.
- Download the Student Beans app to unlock exclusive app-only discounts.
