Buying Guides

Going Back to School on a Budget: Everything You Need

Female student with long wavy red hair with shoulder bookbag glancing back
Written by Flexshopper

How’s your summer been? Hope you got to spend time with friends and forget your cares for a while because it’s about time to start thinking about back-to-school gear. For high-school and college-aged students, heavy-duty studying and first-rate fun require the right essentials – and we can help!

And if you’re shopping for school supplies on a budget, you’re not alone. FlexShopper makes it easier to stretch out your back-to-school expenses with lease-to-own deals on everything from dorm favorites and learning tech to study-break and self-care must-haves. Let’s dive into your back-to-school checklist with a payment plan that works for you.

Group of happy diverse college students studying together

Power Up the Studying Machine

Modern classes are pretty tech-integrated these days. You’ll need a personal computer and maybe even a high-powered tablet to keep up with notetaking, homework, projects, and even in-class participation.

Samsung 15.6″ Chromebook

15.6_ Chromebook

Chromebooks are the latest in lightweight, affordable laptops designed for everything a student needs. Halfway between a tablet and a computer, a 15.6″ Chromebook comes equipped with an Intel Celeron, 4GB of memory 64GB eMMC flash memory, and the lightning-fast Chrome operating system.

Apple 10.2″ iPad with Silver-Black Case Bundle

10.2_ iPad

An iPad is equally useful if you prefer the Apple OS and feature set. This 10.2″ iPad is the latest model with wi-fi and 64 GB storage, and comes with a silver-black case bundle (with screen cover, folding case, and cleaning wipes) so you have everything you need to start taking digital notes on the first day of class.

Deck Out Your Dorm Room in Style

When you get to your room, you’ll likely find just a pair of bedframes and (if you’re lucky) a few shelves. This is hardly enough to set up your home-away-from-home. A well-designed space can help boost productivity, focus, and fun, so you’ll want to bring some key essentials — here are some top picks.

Barolli Gaming Desk

Barolli Gaming Desk

The Barolli Gaming Desk is a compact yet complete desk that is perfect for a small dorm space. It has an open-back riser for your monitor and easy cable management, interior compartments for your study materials, and even a small shelf to hold a tower PC, if you brought your old rig along with you.

Finn Massage Ergonomic Office Gaming Chair in Black/Gray

Finn Massage Ergonomic Office Gaming

Long hours of studying (and gaming) require a chair that doesn’t leave your back in knots. The Finn Massage Ergonomic Office Gaming chair is an awesome find with lumbar support, headrest pillow, built-in massage, and adjustable height so you can settle in for an all-nighter and still make it to class the next day.

1.7 cu-ft Mini Fridge in Black

Insignia 1.7 cu-ft mini fridge

Living in a dorm room, a mini fridge is a must-have. While many of your classmates are living on package noodles, you can store fresh foods from lunchmeat to packaged salads, plus a few cool caffeinated drinks to power your studying hours. The Insignia 1.7 cu-ft mini fridge is an adorable cube that will help you stay healthy and refreshed while holing up in your dorm.

Lasko 3-Speed Oscillating Tower Fan with Timer & Remote

Lasko 3-speed oscillating tower fan

Dorms don’t always have the best air circulation, so consider bringing along a Lasko 3-speed oscillating tower fan. This bad boy has some serious wind power that scans the room, ensuring every corner is blessed with a little extra airflow. It has a timer and remote control, so you can automate your airflow from the comfort of your desk or bed.

Bella Pro 18-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Bella Pro Programmable Coffee Maker

And to help with those all-nighters (studying, gaming, or hanging out), you can’t forget this awesome 18-cup monstrosity: the Bella Pro Programmable Coffee Maker. You won’t have to make a new pot often because this digitally-programmable coffee maker has enough room for a whole day of coffee-for-two in every batch.

Relax and Unwind After Class

Of course, you can’t be studying all the time. So, take purposeful – and super-fun – study breaks to reboot your brain and body. Pick your perfect entertainment system and tell your friends Game Night is definitely on!

Xbox Series X 1TB Console

Xbox Series X

If you’re passionate about Xbox games, you’ll love the Xbox Series X with its 1 terrabyte of storage. The console can play games from all four generations of Xbox using Velocity Architecture. It comes with a wireless controller and 24-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate including 100+ games.

PlayStation 5 God of War Bundle, Digital Edition

PlayStation 5 (Digital Edition) God of War Ragnarock Bundle

More of a PlayStation kind of person? No worries, we’ve got you covered with the PlayStation 5 (Digital Edition) God of War Ragnarock Bundle with a wireless controller, charging and connection accessories, and the Ragnarok game available to play when you first start up the device.

42″ LED HD Smart Fire TV

But where will you play your console? On a 42″ Smart  FireTV, of course. This LED, HD Fire TV has everything you need to start streaming your favorite shows immediately or hook it to your console to dive into your favorite games. No doubt, your roommate will love it, too.

Gear Up on the Go

Whether heading to class, catching a meal, working out, or just exploring, don’t forget essential gear (like a smart watch and your music) while out and about on campus.

Apple Watch Series 8 GPS in Midnight

Apple Watch is a Series 8 Midnight Bundle

The Apple Watch is the perfect wearable device for a student on the move. Functioning as a fitness tracker, virtual calendar, and even an extension of your phone, it can help you stay healthy, active, and avoid getting lost on campus. This Apple Watch is a Series 8 Midnight Bundle with a 45 mm Midnight aluminum case and M/L Midnight sport band.

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation in White

No school experience is complete without earbuds, and Apple AirPods are the best there is. These 3rd Generation AirPods are high-quality, wireless, and feature spatial audio that tunes music to your ears. Great for rocking out on your walk to class, getting pumped (quietly) at the gym, relaxing on the bus, or watching movies in your dorm without waking your roommate.

Get Ready for a New School
Year with FlexShopper

If you’re putting together school essentials and trying to stick to a practical budget, FlexShopper can help. Let us connect you with the tech, furniture, and dorm supplies you need to rock the new school year at a student-friendly price. Contact us for more information about how lease-to-own can work for you.

 

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1 If you are approved for a lease this is your estimated weekly lease payment. On this site, we use the terms "lease," "lease agreement," "rental-purchase agreement" and "agreement" the same. (We usually use the term "Lease.") Under your Lease, you can: (a) weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments or exercise an Early Purchase Option pursuant to your payment offer (not applicable in FL, NC and TX) and some restrictions may apply in CA to acquire Ownership of the rented goods or (b) rent the goods for at least the initial term and then end the lease when you want by making all required payments and returning the goods. In NC, the final payment required to purchase the rented goods will be an amount greater than 10% of the Cash Price. If you are approved for a loan the weekly payment is only an estimate. Please review the actual terms in your loan agreement if you are approved. Your rates, terms and payment schedule are subject to approval pursuant to underwriting criteria and may vary by state. FlexShopper provides offers for Lease to Own Options, however, we do not make any loan or credit decisions and are not representative, brokers or agents for any Lenders.

3 If approved by FlexShopper customers that reside in Florida, Texas and North Carolina, the Cash Price is the price we charge for a cash sale of the item. The Cash Price may be higher than the cash price you would pay if you were to purchase the item directly from the merchant shipping the merchandise on FlexShopper and/or affiliates behalf. If approved by another payment option provider the cash price is the invoice amount of the item excluding taxes, shipping and other fees.

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9 All lease/loan decisions and rates and terms are subject to approval pursuant to underwriting criteria related to the applicant’s credit quality. Rates and terms may also vary depending upon the state where you reside.