Being a student is expensive enough — tuition, books, rent, and groceries aren’t getting any cheaper. We all want ways to save a little extra cash on groceries, and that’s where bulk purchasing a Sam’s Club student membership comes in.
They offer a new member discount for students, taking down the normal annual fee from $50 down to $20 per year. That’s a 60% discount. The membership allows you access to bulk savings on groceries, household essentials, and gas discounts at over 600+ locations. This includes online shopping, too. The Sam’s Club membership sounds great but, buying in bulk may not be for everyone. Could it be right for you?
Who qualifies for the Sam’s Club student discount?
Students actively enrolled in a college, university, community college, junior college, vocational, or technical school in the U.S. are eligible. That includes online students as well.
The one catch is this only applies to first time members. If you’ve had a membership before, you won’t qualify for the student deal. It’s also a one time offer. After the initial year, your membership will renew at the standard annual fee of $50, even if you are still a student.
Where can you use your Sam’s Club membership?
Your Sam’s Club student membership allows you access to in-store shopping at any Sam’s Club location nationwide. Members can also shop online at SamsClub.com, where some items are free to ship, and at Sam’s Club gas stations for discounted gas prices.
However, some areas of Sam’s Club don’t require a membership. Anyone can use the Sam’s Club pharmacy, and in some locations, non-members can purchase alcohol.
When does a Sam’s Club membership make sense?
The Sam’s Club membership can be great if you grocery shop often, love a good deal, and have space for storage.
Students who cook at home often will benefit from saving on pantry staples like beans, grains, or canned goods. Those living with roommates can split the bulk purchases. (No one person needs 36 rolls of toilet paper.) Students who drive or carpool will also appreciate the lower gas prices.
Beyond just groceries, Sam’s Club offers discounts on household essentials like cleaning supplies, paper towels, and snacks. Snacks are essential. Electronics, furniture, or school supplies are also available at reduced prices for members.
What other perks are there?
Sam’s Club offers a Scan & Go Checkout feature that allows members to skip checkout lines by scanning items on their phones and paying in the app. With so many apps helping students save time and money on food, these top picks can help you find ever more deals.
Students can also take advantage of free curbside pickup, where they can order online, drive up to the store, and have groceries loaded into their car. This service is free on orders over $50.
Another benefit of the membership is that there’s a free second membership card. It’s complimentary for someone in your household, which allows your roommate or family member to share the benefits. While sharing a fridge with a roommate can be a struggle, utilizing a little teamwork could cut the membership fee in half, making it just $10.
When is it not worth it?
A Sam’s Club membership may not be worth it for students who mostly buy fresh produce. Bulk shopping can be great for nonperishable items but vegetables and fruits can spoil quickly.
Students who live in dorms or small apartments might find that they lack storage space. The idea of saving money is great but not when you don’t have the storage space for it. If you rarely cook at home and mostly eat out, a normal grocery store might be more convenient.
Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, as it’s cheaper per unit, but that means spending more at once. Students on a tight budget might find that spending more at once is difficult.
Finally, students without access to a car might find it impractical to transport bulk items. Carrying around a 15-pack of paper towels on public transit might be a struggle.
How can I sign up?
Signing up for a Sam’s Club student membership is a simple process. Students can go to SamClub.com, click on ‘Student Membership,’ and verify their student status with ID.me. Once verified, they can pay the $20 annual fee and start shopping.