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December 31, 2016

8 New Year’s Essentials for Burnt-Out College Students

Last August, you started the school year ready to take over the world. But after five months of burying yourself in college textbooks, you’re running a little low on steam. This is totally normal and happens to even the most motivated students. To get you back on track, we’ve created a list of New Year’s resolutions and products that’ll help you keep them. Because if you don’t care take of yourself, making the grade will be that much harder. Shop these New Year’s essentials with Cash Back at Ebates, and end your school year with a bang.

Reduce Distractions

Starting the new year off right should include renewing your focus and concentration. Create a private study space anywhere with this cozy and portable bed tent.

Eat Healthier

The most common New Year’s Eve resolution is weight loss. Stocking up on healthy snacks with a Graze box subscription can improve your energy and reduce your dependence on the dreaded vending machine. We think that’s a great start toward a healthier lifestyle.

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Up Your Organization

If your desk is starting to look like a dump zone, it’s hardly an effective work space. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Clear the clutter with a complete organization set that puts everything in its proper place.

Wake Up Earlier

Never miss an alarm again, even after late nights with your nose buried in textbooks. This alarm clock covers all the bases with flashing lights and a bed-shaking jolt that makes sure you won’t keep slapping the snooze.

Get Active

People often jump on gym memberships when considering what to buy for the new year. We think more gradual lifestyle changes, like using standing desks, are the way to go. Not only will standing keep you more alert, it will also improve your posture and make you less sedentary.

Stay Motivated

College is a long endeavor, and the light at the end of the tunnel can seem pretty far away. Let this motivational mug remind you that you can conquer anything, just like Beyoncé.

Keep Your Spirits Up

We bet with all that time at the computer, you end up looking at your hands a lot. They might as well make you crack a smile, with playful nail decals from Etsy. Subscribe to your favorite Etsy sellers to stay tuned for a promo code on your next purchase.

Combat Stress

Spas and massages are expensive, and meditation takes precious minutes you could be spending editing your thesis. But a calming, aromatherapy body lotion from Aveda takes seconds to apply.

September 7, 2016

7 Essential Money Saving Apps for College Students

Whether you’re a soon-to-be college freshman preparing to leave the nest for the first time or a seasoned grad student gearing up for your final year, it’s likely you’ll be pinching pennies at some point during your academic career, if not all throughout. Personal finance management is an essential skill you may not have picked up during high school, but you don’t need to be a business major or an economics whiz to master it. If you have a smartphone, you’ve got the power. There are hundreds of apps on the market designed to help users save money. Ebates has compiled some of the best, listed below. Use these in conjunction with the Cash Back and deals available through Ebates at hundreds of stores like Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond to get the most bang for your buck.

1. Loot

Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to stash away a few bucks whenever possible for a rainy day fund, or even just an extra latte here and there. Loot is a free app designed specifically for students which helps you to calculate what your disposable income is. Loot is a little different than most other budgeting apps in that it is connected to a prepaid Visa card onto which you load money. This makes it easy to monitor where you spend your cash daily without the need to manually plug in each expense, as you do with many similar programs. By helping you to develop responsible money management habits, the app aims to subsequently help you to budget for disposable income.

2. MySupermarket

The stereotype of a starving college student can sometimes feel all too real. While clipping coupons can work to save you a few bucks, it can also be fairly time-consuming. MySupermarket helps ensure that you always get the best deal on each item on your shopping list. All you have to do is create your shopping list in the app, and it will tell you where you can find each item at the lowest price, or if a particular store is offering a special on the item. You can also use your phone to scan the barcode of an item while at the store, and the app will alert you if you can find it cheaper elsewhere. Don’t have a car and don’t relish the idea of schlepping a half-dozen shopping bags from the store back to the dorm? This app also works for online grocery orders.

3. RetailMeNot

Everyone needs a little retail therapy now and again. RetailMeNot helps you to get your fix while staying within your budget. The free app gives you access to thousands of different coupons and specials for a variety of stores, including Target, Starbucks, Sephora, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. If you come across a coupon you’d like to use but don’t need it right away, the app allows you to save it for later. It also alerts you when these saved coupons are about to expire. If you’re looking for a certain item, though you’re not set on a specific store, the app will also search for deals within your area. To take advantage of the savings, all you have to do is show your phone at checkout, or if you’re shopping online, just input the code.

4. Mint

Similar to Loot, Mint is an easy-to-use, free budgeting program that helps you to set and meet savings goals. You can visit the Mint.com site, or download it as an app on your phone. Although Mint doesn’t use a prepaid Visa, it does allow you to securely link your debit and/or credit cards so you can just as easily keep track of your spending. With both Mint and Loot, this aspect is particularly important as it can help you to easily pinpoint areas you could cut back on in favor of saving for other things. Once you’ve established a budget, Mint will also send you email reminders should you go over the specified amount.

5. Honey

Similar to RetailMeNot, Honey is a valuable savings app that collects thousands of coupons and codes at hundreds of sites to make sure you get the best deal on every order. You can download Honey to your phone or to your computer as an Internet extension. The great thing about Honey is it will automatically search for and try out all of the available codes when you begin the checkout process at an online store, so unlike with RetailMeNot and many other sites, you don’t have to try out each one manually. If there’s one thing college students have less of than money, it’s time, so this aspect of the app is especially nice. Honey also allows you to rack up points to earn cash back, and offers incentives if you persuade your friends to start using Honey as well.

6. Groupon

College is the perfect place to try new things. Groupon affords you the opportunity to try new things off-campus as well as on, without paying the usual cost. This app has been a favorite for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. With this app, you can take advantage of daily deals of 50 to 90 percent off a variety of activities, goods, and services in over 500 cities. Many businesses post deals through Groupon to establish new customers, so it’s a great way to find hidden gems and up-and-coming establishments you may not normally try or be able to afford.

7. ATM Hunter

We’ve all been there. You’re at the bar enjoying some drinks with friends, go to pay the tab with your debit card, and realize they only accept cash or their card machine is down. Finding an ATM in itself can be difficult in certain areas, particularly if it’s late at night. Add to that the $2 to $4 fees many ATMs charge per transaction, and the fact that you stuck to more budget-friendly beers instead of cocktails seems to have been for naught. ATM Hunter is a free app that helps you find free cash machines, so you don’t have to stress if you’re caught in a jam in an unfamiliar area. You can also filter the search so the app will only show you machines from your bank, adding even more convenience.

August 16, 2016

How to Save a Fortune on Textbooks

The campus bookstore is a great place to buy certain items, such as a giant foam finger to wave spiritedly at the homecoming game or a sweatshirt emblazoned with your school’s logo. As most seasoned college students know, however, it’s usually just about the last place you want to go to purchase textbooks.

On top of collecting tuition from students, most public and private institutions seek out secondary sources of revenue to help fund operations, maintenance and other costs. College campuses often are designed as mini cities, with food courts, corner shops, hair salons and more, in addition to the primary bookstore. Most of these serve a dual purpose: to provide students with the convenience of on-campus services and to provide supplemental income for the school.

Many students, especially those who live on-site, opt for convenience and spend much of their money on campus at such establishments. Sometimes this is a smart move, like taking advantage of the discount barbershop operated by student stylists or buying in to your school’s meal plan if it is affordable. But if you’re like most college students, you’re likely a bit more concerned with your own financial well-being than that of the school — as you should be.

After tuition and room and board, textbooks are likely the most expensive item on your school shopping list. As books are required by most professors, there’s really no way to avoid buying them. However, there are plenty of ways to save a good chunk of change. Ebates is a portal to an array of awesome offers, such as discounts at and Cash Back from hundreds of retailers, including booksellers like Amazon. Ebates also offers some great deals at certain university bookstores, such as Auburn University and Texas State University, where you might find specialty texts unavailable elsewhere.

Here are a few tips to help you save a fortune on textbooks.

1. Purchase an Older Version

Many professors are quite specific about the text they require for their class, and they will indicate an issue number for those texts that have been revised multiple times. In some cases, this is important; you wouldn’t want future surgeons relying upon medieval medical literature as their primary source of knowledge. Many books, however, contain very little variation between printing editions. Sometimes books are reprinted to fix typos printed in the first issue, or to add a longer preface or addendum.

Professors often ask that each student purchase the same version of the text to ensure everyone is on the same page — literally. But, particularly if your class involves more independent rather than in-class reading, your professor may be willing to let you purchase an older version of the text, assuming there is no major variation between editions. Most professors are quite familiar with these texts — having studied them thoroughly before requiring them of students — so they will be able to advise you whether this will be an issue. Older versions of textbooks are generally quite a bit cheaper, and are also easier to locate in used book stores.

2. Shop Online

Amazon and eBay have become hubs for back-to-school shopping, particularly because of their extensive selections of discounted books. Be sure to look at the multiple buying options each of these sites lists, as other used book stores and independent sellers often list their copies of the book on such websites as well to reach more potential buyers.

Many new and used online book retailers offer back-to-school discounts as well. Some sites like BetterWorldBooks.com even offer the opportunity to do good while scoring a deep discount. This particular retailer uses funds raised to promote world literacy, donating books to children in need. AbeBooks.com is a great source for those hard-to-find, rare texts, as well as many others.

3. Look for Used Books

All of the aforementioned online retailers offer a hearty selection of used books, some of which even come with free shipping. You can also check out your local Craigslist listings for some good deals on used materials. To support local business and get a great deal, check out your local second-hand book store. The other benefit to going this route is you may be able to take in some of your own used books for in-store credit, affording you even more savings.

Many university hallways are lined with boards of student announcements. These aren’t just excellent places to find and sell tutoring services or seek a roommate. They’re also often filled with notes from students looking to sell used books to make a few dollars to put toward the next semester’s texts. You may also be able to find such offerings by searching Facebook for groups associated with your university. “Buy, sell, trade” groups have become quite popular for communities, and are also a good source for college students looking to save.

4. Get an Electronic Version

In the modern era, it seems just about everything has an e-alternative, and books are no exception. Thousands of books are available on Kindle and Nook, as well as many other e-readers. These can easily be downloaded to a smartphone, tablet or laptop, so you can read on the go without the hassle of toting around a bag full of heavy books. The other upside to this option is it can save you a whole lot of cash. Amazon and Barnes & Noble are good places to check for e-books.

August 15, 2016

Be a Paid Pupil: How to Earn Cash Back on Your Textbooks

We know the life of a college student involves a lot of penny pinching, and cheap textbooks are a big help when it comes to staying on budget. If you’re embarking on the arduous journey of textbook shopping, start with this list of stores that will give you Cash Back at Ebates! Get paid to be a star pupil with Cash Back on textbooks and textbook rental orders. Shop through Ebates at stores with textbook buyback options to slash prices even further while putting a little lunch money back in your pocket.

Cash Back Textbook Stores

BetterWorldBooks, 3% Cash Back
Save up to 90% when buying used textbooks at BetterWorldBooks. Plus, with its Book for Book program, BetterWorldBooks will donate a book to a reader in need for every book you purchase. BetterWorldBooks is committed to eco-friendly business practices by saving used books from landfills.

James Publishing, 12.5% Cash Back
Law students always look to James Publishing for legal books pertaining to California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas jurisdictions. Search law titles in litigation, business, criminal, employment, family and more.

Cash Back Textbook Stores With Buy Back

AbeBooks, 2.5% Cash Back
AbeBooks’ buy-back service can usually beat your local bookstore’s prices. Shipping is free on many used books, and payments are processed by check or PayPal within one to three days of your books’ arrival. That will certainly take the sting off the cost of your textbooks.

Barnes & Noble, 1% Cash Back
Buy new and used textbooks on an enormous variety of subjects — from accounting to visual arts — at Barnes & Noble. When the semester is over, get a quote for your books from Barnes & Noble and sell them back directly. Barnes & Noble also has a textbook-rental program that allows you to rent books for between 60 and 130 days. You can even extend your rental period if you need more time or buy your textbook any time during your rental. Plus, return shipping on rental books is free!

Cash Back Textbook Rental Stores

Bookbyte, 4% Cash Back
Rent your textbooks through Bookbyte for between 30 and 150 days, and get free shipping both ways on orders of $49 and up. You can always extend your rental if needed.

Alibris, 2.5% Cash Back
Save up to 90% on your textbooks by renting through Alibris. Get free shipping on all orders, both ways. If you drop a class or change your mind for any reason, return your rental within 21 days for a full refund. You can also search Alibris’ massive inventory to locate rare and out-of-print books, movies and music for all of your extracurricular media consumption — when you have time.

Skyo, 4% Cash Back
Get free shipping on every order of new and used textbooks, and great rates on renting digital textbooks to cut prices even further. If you’re new to using e-books for class and you’re not sure if it’s for you, no worries — some digital textbooks have a three-day trial period for risk-free shopping so you can be sure this is the right way for you to study.

Chegg, 3% Cash Back
Not only can you rent and buy textbooks with Chegg, but you can also access an online tutor or ask simple study questions to make sure you’re on the right track. Your first 30 minutes of online tutoring are free, and it’s only 50 cents a minute after that! Now you can study with your new textbooks with confidence, knowing there is a professional tutor standing by for support as you pore through new information.

eCampus.com, 3.5% Cash Back
Get free shipping from eCampus.com on orders over $59 if you buy textbooks, and free shipping on all orders of rental textbooks. Rental return shipping is also free! Sign up for eCampus.com’s eWards program and earn three points for every dollar you spend, which you can trade in for big savings on future orders.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

May 7, 2016

How to Pick the Best Graduation Gifts Ever

If you can already hear “Pomp and Circumstance” playing somewhere off in the distance, you know that graduation season is here. Graduation is a major life milestone and a well thought-out present is a great way to help the graduate celebrate this important occasion. Worried about finding the perfect graduation gift for someone you care about before they get to throw their cap in the air? We’ve assembled this handy list of some awesome graduation gift ideas for anyone walking across that stage to get their diploma. With that graduation ceremony right around the corner, start shopping online today and don’t forget to activate Cash Back at Ebates to save even more on great graduation gifts.

Pick Out Something Personalized

If a graduate has invited you to help celebrate their big day, you are probably someone special they want to include in making this important memory. So why not pick out a graduation gift that helps capture the moment? Personalized items like monogrammed journals, photo books and other keepsakes are some of the best graduation gifts because they help your graduate keep celebrating this important accomplishment long after graduation day is over. Looking for gorgeous graduation gifts for her? Check out the personalized jewelry from Things Remembered. Want to build a custom photo book filled with memories? Check out awesome personalized photo projects and keep an eye out for a photo book promo code online at Shutterfly. It’s easy to fill up a photo book with pictures of the graduate from all the moments that lead up to their big day. Surprise your grad with a customized gift that will let them know how much this day means to you, too!

Get a Gift for Their Next Adventure

If your lucky graduate is heading off to college or life in a new city after graduation day, get them a gift that will improve the next phase of their life. A new bicycle is a great gift for a grad heading off to college or a new city and can help them get out and get around. Check out city-friendly bikes like the one above at PUBLIC and get Cash Back at Ebates with your graduation gift purchase. Sign up for emails from Public now and stay tuned for an awesome money-saving bicycle promo code.

Looking for something smaller? Give your graduate’s cell phone photography habit a boost and get them a new camera to help capture all their favorite moments, whatever the future may bring. Stores like Best Buy have a terrific assortment of cameras, no matter the lifestyle of your graduate. Cameras like a high-powered DSLR or even an awesome HD Action camera like a GoPro will help your grad hang on to new memories for years to come.

Help the Graduate Dress for Success With a New Outfit

Moving up from one school to the next level of education or off into the work force can leave a lot of graduates in desperate need of a wardrobe update. Whether they’re headed out for interviews or starting their first summer internship, any graduate will welcome some new threads. Help your graduate dress to impress with a new suit for interviews or other work appropriate clothes. Find a great deal on stylish, classic suiting for both men and women online at stores like J.Crew or J.Crew Factory. With tons of sizes and cuts plus the occasional suiting promo code, you can easily pick out a graduation gift outfit that’s guaranteed to be a big hit. Activate Cash Back at Ebates to help your graduation gift budget go even further and pair the suit with a chic tie or other accessories.

Sponsor a Getaway

After several years of hard work, far off trips make incredible college graduation gifts or even high school graduation gifts that the recipient will never forget. Many grads will have some time off, making a post-graduation trip a perfect way to get out and see the world before the next chapter of life begins. While this may seem like a big present, you can always work together with members of the grad’s family or group of friends to chip in and send your grad off on the trip of a lifetime. Check out the deals and vacation packages for destinations around the world at travel sites like Orbitz or Expedia and get Cash Back from Ebates when you book their graduation gift travel package. Pick out a great suitcase to go with the trip package like this one from Overstock.com and send them off in style!

Now that you have some fantastic graduation gift ideas, go pick out your gift and get ready to celebrate your graduate’s incredible achievement!

April 17, 2016

Where to Score Student Discounts and Cash Back

College is undoubtedly expensive. From the textbooks and meals to the education itself, it’s difficult to keep any extra money in your pocket. But needs must be met and those hard earned dollars must be spent. To counter the financial challenges of students, many stores offer student deals and discounts so college life can be a bit more affordable.

Stores with student discounts are aplenty but it can be difficult to discover what student discount offers are available to you. We’ve got you covered! Find what you need in one convenient spot so you can make the most of your higher education. It doesn’t take a degree in economics to learn that student discounts and a money saving promo code are a smart way to cash in on your student status. Earn Cash Back at Ebates and you’ll have all the extra credit you need to really get your money’s worth!

Electronics

Best Buy

Discover all of the student discounts available at Best Buy. You’ll get incredible savings on tablets, cameras, computers and more.

Lenovo

If your school is enrolled in the Affinity Program, you can save 10% or more on your Lenovo Purchase. Your price is guaranteed and you’ll get all-access technical support to help you through any difficulties.

Dell

Get big savings on the gear you need for your education. You’ll get exclusive deals on all of your computing needs.

Norton

Protect your computer data from harmful viruses with special student discounts on antivirus software. Get peace of mind and keep your essays and research safe in the process.

Microsoft Store

Get great savings on new computers for students, as well as select software. Your student (or faculty!) status will save you 10% so you can splurge on lunch next week.

Razer

Save 5-15% on Razer peripherals and computing systems. Get high performance computing for less simply by registering with your valid student email.

Apparel

American Apparel

Get your apparel for less with special student deals online and in-store. You’ll save 20% as a student.

Club Monaco

Submit your school-issued email to get an additional 20% savings on your purchase. The savings are extended to full price and sale items so you can really make the most of it and lock in some deep discounts.

Original Penguin

Get the stylish apparel you love at a great price. You’ll save 10% on fashion for the whole family when you register.

Ted Baker

Save on high end apparel from Ted Baker with your college student discount. You’ll get 20% off some of London’s hottest fashion.

Topshop

Get great looking apparel for women at a 10% discount. Simply get a student discount code from Unidays or Student Beans and enter it at checkout so you can look fabulous for less.

Vans

Get your kicks without a big dent in your wallet. Save 10% at Vans with your student discount code.

TeeFury

Get Cash Back with Ebates on all of your graphic tee purchases and get a bonus student discount. Register with Unidays and use your discount code for an extra 10% off.

Beauty

Sigma

Get the gorgeous beauty products you love at a 10% savings with your student discount code. Get lip gloss, blush, eyeshadow and more at a new low price.

The Body Shop

Lock in student deals with your StudentBeans discount code to get your beauty goods on the cheap. You’ll save 25% on lotions, perfumes and more.

Travel

STA Travel

Students and teachers alike can see the world for less. With your ISIC Student Card you’ll save on transportation and accommodations through Start the Adventure Travel.

CheapOAir

Get savings on one way and roundtrip travel at CheapOAir. You’ll get home for the holidays for less so you can see your family and friends without breaking the bank.

OneTravel

Students save $10 on travel instantly. Combined with Cash Back at Ebates, you’ll be able to save big on your Spring Break Vacation.

Emirates

Students save an additional 5% when they travel with Emirates. See the world for less with their student offers.

More Great Offers

Rosetta Stone

Broaden your cultural linguistics with a discount from Rosetta Stone. Learn a new language with a 10% student discount.

Jewelry.com

Students can save an extra 25% on jewelry for any occasion. Simply sign up through Student Beans and your college student discount will help you save big.

Costume Supercenter

Get the best gear to rally the home team for less with college student discounts. Sign up for their student offers and discounts and you’ll save an extra 10% on all purchases.

Budget Truck Rental

Whether you’re moving back home for the summer or stepping it up from the dorms to apartment living, you can save up to 20% on your truck rental.

April 9, 2016

The Complete Guide to Post-Grad Travel Planning

Ask most working-age people if there’s one thing they wish they would have done before entering the workforce and the resounding answer will be travel. That innate wanderlust is deeply rooted in the mind of many, and locking into a job right after college can put your travel dreams on indefinite hold.

But with some careful planning and amazing deals through Ebates, your journey doesn’t have to be just a dream. You can go scuba diving in Costa Rica or learn to cook in Italy. You can take up painting in France or meditate in Nepal. More and more companies are looking at travel experience when considering employees, so it may be just the right touch to add to your resume. After all, your journey will teach you independence, money-management skills, language skills, leadership and cultural understanding that will help you stand out from the crowd.

With a little planning and creativity, you can see the world in ways you never imagined. Allow this guide to post-grad travel to help you along the way with money-saving tips and graduation travel ideas.

Step 1: Preparing the Post-Grad Travel Plan

Any college student gorging themselves on dorm-room staples like ramen noodles and pizza can tell you that funds are pretty tight. The retail or food-industry job that you work part time may not pay as much as you would like, but with careful planning you can make your travel dreams a reality.

Be mindful of how you spend your money, and stick to your savings plan. Arrange for a specific amount to be set aside for your spendable budget. Many services can pull specific amounts directly out of your bank account or you can stow away the funds the old fashioned way. You can even get a rewards credit card to cash in on all of those necessary purchases. Just be sure you stick to the plan, even if that means a lot more Friday nights spent in your room over a hot plate of ramen. That sorority social and manicure are well worth skipping to save for your post-grad travel plans.

How much you need to save is based entirely on your travel goals. A domestic road trip is a great low-cost option that will allow you to get to know your homeland better. International travel, although more costly, allows you to discover other cultures for a more worldly appreciation. Some international destinations, such as Ecuador, Thailand, India and Bolivia, are great for seeing the world without spending a fortune.

Wherever you end up, your travel doesn’t have to be a money-draining experience. A fellowship can fund your travel, and many are awarded based on specific interests or majors. You can also take on a position teaching English as a Second Language in many countries. More and more students are able to afford overseas adventures by taking on freelance work through sites like Upwork and Craigslist. Computer programming, writing and graphic design can often be performed from anywhere, allowing you to bring in extra money while still touring the world. There are plenty of work abroad opportunities available for the right person.

Step 2: Making the Arrangements

Now that you’ve sorted through your college graduation trip ideas, chosen your destination and rounded up all your funds, it’s time to start making the arrangements for your big journey. Getting there is half the battle, and Travelocity Air can help you find great deals on plane tickets. There is no magical day to buy plane tickets, but research indicates that 54 days before your trip may be the key number. Keep your dates open to find the cheapest flights. Some companies even offer student travel deals to accommodate post-grad travel plans. These student travel programs allow you to make the most of your vacation planning. They may even provide you with new graduation travel ideas with more nearby destinations along the way.

Remember to do plenty of research to get the best deal on your graduation trip ideas. Sites like Groupon Getaways can not only get you great deals on plane tickets and hotel accommodations, but also often feature a promo code to help you save even more. Plus, with Cash Back at Ebates, you’ll find the best deals and earn money back on each qualifying purchase. You’ll even be able to save on international travel with airline tickets from British Airways, Emirates and Air France.

Step 3: Stick to the Plan, but Allow for Extras

Your carefully crafted travel arrangements and frugal college spending have afforded you the trip of a lifetime, so make the most of it. The sharing economy has reached a high point, allowing you to get much more than ride shares for cheap or free. Accommodations, meals, tours and more can be done at a discount. Even accounting for these opportunities, it’s probably a good idea to set aside a bit of extra money for plans that fall through.

No matter how much you’re saving, don’t forget to plan for the unexpected in your expenditures. You might discover a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity while you’re traveling in the Netherlands or find that that exotic cuisine in Japan didn’t sit well and warrants medical attention the next morning.

Although you may enjoy a color-coded itinerary of events, a bit of spontaneity can add to the adventure and help you form valuable life skills. Pick up travel guides from Lonely Planet, but also dine at local favorites or randomly zipline over the forest canopy.

Step 4: Enjoy Yourself!

Most importantly, enjoy yourself out there. Capture every fleeting moment to immortalize the journey of a lifetime. Whether you choose a destination based on your studies or decide to volunteer with WWOOF and learn about organic farming, we hope you have an unforgettable experience and relish the adventure!

August 26, 2015

Dorm Decor 101: 4 Snazzy Styles You’ll Love

Decorating your dorm room can look like a massive task, especially if this if your first time away from home and you finally have free reign to express yourself in your own little space. But you don’t have to major in interior design to create an organized yet stylish dorm room. Here are four dorm room styles to get your creative juices flowing. From bold bohemian to geek chic, you’ll be sure to find a few essential items to add to your study space this fall.

If you’re in touch with nature or perhaps a little wild at heart, you might like the bohemian vibe. Find a bold, brightly patterned bedding set to set the tone of the entire space. String lights will help give your room a nice cozy feel when you can’t enjoy the natural sunlight. Decorate your walls with a vibrant tapestry that you can use as a headboard or even hang from the ceiling. This bird cage card holder can display photos of all your friends, new and old alike. Concrete dorm floors can be cold and uninviting so warm things up with a colorful rug. Hang a few succulents for an earthy vibe and prop your feet up on this striking storage ottoman when it’s time to relax. Lots of dorms have rules about candles, but you’ll be fine with these mercury glass LED candles which will add the perfect glow to your room. (See all products with Cash Back)

Ready to keep things classic and chic? Start off with a white ruffled bedding set that is equally cozy and classy. A personalized storage tray gives you a place to keep all your keys and wallet or a place to display your perfumes. Add some dazzle with a sequined pillow and tealight votive holders. Keep the gold theme going with this metallic print pillow and framed magnet board where you can hang your favorite photos or keep a list of things to do. Space can be an issue in dorms so add a shelving ledge set to give you more room to display all your favorite keepsakes. Finish off your chic room by hanging these adorable lace paper lanterns. (See all products with Cash Back)

If you dream of the ocean and life at sea, this nautical look is just for you. A navy blue patterned bedding set is key to this look. Add a starfish plate to collect your earrings, rings and other knick-knacks. Throw in a whale pillow to get a little playful with the look and a white clipboard frame to show off your college life photos. Coral decor adds to the ocean loving theme as does this ship wheel wall mirror. Weathered looks are key for the vibe like these house lanterns and anchor wall plaque. (See all products with Cash Back)

Not sure if one specific style is for you? Get creative and show off your love of your favorite (nerdy) things! Geometric bedding gives your dorm room a bright and modern look. If you’re a Star Wars fan, this Darth Vader alarm clock will make sure you’re never late to class. Add a dry erase board world map if you love to travel and stay organized. Light your room up with a natural salt crystal lamp or stargaze at night with a star lamp projector. Show off your super hero love with Iron Man 3D lenticular wall art or jam out to your favorite records with a portable turntable. If you find yourself cold, snuggle up with a Gryffindor throw or hang it on the wall to show your house pride. (See all products with Cash Back)

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.