College life often means balancing tight budgets with a growing list of needs—textbooks, streaming services, shipping costs, and more. For students, Amazon Prime Student offers a range of perks at a discounted price, promising convenience, entertainment, and savings. But is it worth the investment?
In this article, we’ll break down the benefits, potential drawbacks, and real-world value of Amazon Prime Student. Whether you’re a first-year student or nearing graduation, this comprehensive guide will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
What Is Amazon Prime Student?
Amazon Prime Student is a tailored version of the popular Amazon Prime membership, designed exclusively for college students. For just $7.49 per month (or $69 annually after a 6-month free trial), students gain access to a variety of benefits, including:
- Fast and Free Shipping: Free two-day (or even same-day) delivery on eligible items.
- Streaming Services: Unlimited access to Prime Video and Amazon Music (ad-supported).
- Exclusive Discounts: Deals on textbooks, school supplies, and student-friendly brands.
- Additional Perks: Free access to Grubhub+ and discounts on services like LinkedIn Premium.
Let’s dive deeper into what each of these features offers and how they stack up against the cost.
Benefits of Amazon Prime Student
1. Fast and Free Shipping
One of the most attractive perks of Amazon Prime Student is free, expedited shipping. Whether you’re ordering last-minute supplies, tech gadgets, or even snacks, fast delivery ensures you can focus on your studies without unnecessary delays.
- Why It’s Valuable:
Shipping costs can add up quickly, especially when buying textbooks or items not available locally. Prime Student eliminates this expense, making it ideal for frequent shoppers. - Pro Tip: Use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature for recurring orders like toiletries or dorm essentials to save even more.
2. Access to Prime Video
Prime Video offers an impressive catalog of movies, TV shows, and original content—perfect for unwinding after a long day of classes. Popular titles like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Boys are just a click away.
- Why It’s Valuable:
As a student, saving on multiple streaming services can make a big difference. With Prime Video included, you won’t need to budget separately for entertainment.
3. Exclusive Student Discounts
Prime Student members unlock discounts across a variety of categories:
- Textbooks: Amazon’s textbook rentals and purchase options often beat campus bookstore prices.
- Tech: Save on laptops, accessories, and software like Microsoft Office.
- Subscriptions: Reduced rates for services like LinkedIn Premium and Calm.
These deals cater to the specific needs of students, helping you save money throughout the school year.
4. Free Grubhub+ Membership
As part of Prime Student, you get a free Grubhub+ membership, which includes $0 delivery fees on eligible food orders. For students who rely on takeout, this is a game-changer.
- Why It’s Valuable:
Skip delivery fees and enjoy budget-friendly dining options when you don’t have time to cook or visit the dining hall.
5. Try Before You Buy
Prime Wardrobe allows students to try on clothes, shoes, and accessories before making a purchase. This feature is especially helpful for students who don’t have easy access to retail stores.
Potential Drawbacks of Amazon Prime Student
1. Cost for Light Users
At $7.49 per month after the free trial, Prime Student is an excellent value for frequent Amazon users. However, if you rarely shop online or use streaming services, you may not fully utilize the membership benefits.
- Alternative: Stick to the 6-month free trial if you’re unsure about committing long-term.
2. Streaming Limitations
While Prime Video offers a great selection, it may not have everything you’re looking for compared to competitors like Netflix or Hulu. Additionally, Amazon Music under the student plan is ad-supported, which may frustrate users accustomed to premium streaming experiences.
3. Over-Spending Temptation
Having access to free shipping and discounts can sometimes lead to unnecessary purchases. It’s important to stick to a budget and prioritize essential items.
How Does Amazon Prime Student Compare to Alternatives?
Prime Student vs. Regular Prime
The biggest difference is the price—Prime Student costs 50% less than a standard Prime membership, making it a no-brainer for eligible students.
- Regular Prime: $14.99/month or $139/year.
- Prime Student: $7.49/month or $69/year.
Prime Student vs. Other Student Services
- Spotify + Hulu Student Plan: At $4.99 per month, this combo offers music and TV streaming but lacks the shopping perks of Prime Student.
- Chegg: While focused on academic tools like textbook rentals and study aids, Chegg doesn’t offer the broader range of benefits provided by Amazon Prime Student.
Who Should Get Amazon Prime Student?
The Frequent Shopper
If you find yourself ordering supplies, dorm decor, or personal items online regularly, the free shipping alone makes Prime Student worth it.
The Streaming Enthusiast
For students who love binge-watching or catching up on new releases, Prime Video is a solid alternative to other streaming platforms.
The Budget-Conscious Foodie
If you frequently order takeout, the free Grubhub+ membership can save you hundreds over the course of a year.
The Occasional Shopper
If you don’t shop often or already have other streaming services, the free trial may be sufficient without committing to a paid membership.
Tips to Maximize Your Prime Student Membership
- Use Your Free Trial Wisely
Sign up at the start of the semester to take full advantage of free shipping on textbooks and supplies. - Explore Exclusive Discounts
Keep an eye out for Amazon’s student deals on tech, fashion, and subscriptions. - Leverage Grubhub+ for Group Orders
Split the cost of takeout with friends while enjoying free delivery. - Set Spending Limits
Avoid over-spending by creating wish lists and waiting for sales like Prime Day.
External Resources for More Information
- Amazon Prime Student Benefits Overview
- Comparing Amazon Prime and Prime Student – CNET
- How to Save Money as a Student – Edutopia
Final Verdict: Is Amazon Prime Student Worth It?
For students who shop frequently, stream regularly, or want to save on food delivery, Amazon Prime Student is a fantastic deal. The reduced cost, exclusive discounts, and added perks make it a valuable investment for most college students. However, if you’re a light user or already subscribe to multiple services, the free trial might be enough to meet your needs.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to how much you’ll use the membership. Evaluate your habits, take advantage of the free trial, and make the call based on what adds the most value to your college experience.
