Black Friday in the Netherlands: Why Students Should Care

Black Friday may have started in the U.S., but Dutch retailers have fully embraced the shopping frenzy. In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 29, and many deals will start rolling out from mid-November already.

For international students trying to stretch their euros, this is your moment to upgrade your laptop, buy that winter coat, or grab early Christmas gifts, all without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a first-year in Amsterdam or a master’s student in Nijmegen, here’s how to make the most of Black Friday and everyday student discounts across the Netherlands.

Best Black Friday Deals for Students in 2025

Tech & Electronics

Tech deals are always the biggest draw:

• Coolblue – Known for solid tech discounts; check early for laptop and headphone deals.

• Bol.com – The “Dutch Amazon,” offering everything from electronics to dorm essentials.

• MediaMarkt – Huge markdowns on gaming gear, monitors, and phones during “Black Friday Week.”

• Apple Education Store – Year-round student pricing (verify your student ID through UNiDAYS).

Pro tip: If you need a laptop or tablet for your studies, check your university’s IT department — some partner with suppliers offering extra academic discounts.

Fashion & Lifestyle

Dutch weather and student budgets don’t always get along — luckily, these stores help:

• ASOS – Up to 70% off during Black Friday, plus a 10% student discount year-round via Student Beans.

• Zalando – Great for sustainable and second-hand picks through Zalando Pre-owned.

• H&M & Weekday – Often feature pre-Black Friday “member sales,” and students can stack discounts.

• Nike, Adidas, and Converse – All offer 10–20% off for students verified through UNiDAYS or Student Beans.

Double check: Student discount platforms often allow stacking with Black Friday deals - yes, double savings!

Travel & Experiences

It’s not just about shopping - experiences get cheaper too:

• NS International – Expect Black Friday train ticket deals for trips to Belgium, Germany, or France.

• FlixBus – Usually runs limited “€5 ticket” promos around Black Friday.

• Booking.com – Offers 30–50% off hotels, perfect for winter weekend trips.

• StudentUniverse & Ryanair – Early-bird flight discounts appear in late November.

Pro tip: Compare on Skyscanner or Google Flights before booking - Dutch Black Friday deals aren’t always cheaper than EU-wide sales.

Year-Round Student Discount Platforms You Should Know

Even after November ends, students in the Netherlands can save big with these platforms:

1. Student Beans

Global student discount hub with Dutch coverage. Find deals for tech, clothing, and entertainment.
https://www.studentbeans.com

2. UNiDAYS

Similar to Student Beans, used by brands like Apple, Nike, and Levi’s.
https://www.myunidays.com

3. ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card)

Accepted worldwide for travel and cultural discounts.
https://www.isic.org

4. Knaek Student App (Dutch-specific)

Unique to the Netherlands, Knaek offers local deals — from coffees in Utrecht to haircuts in Groningen.
https://www.knaek.nl

Smart Shopping Tips for Black Friday

• Compare prices using Tweakers Pricewatch — a Dutch gem for spotting fake discounts.

• Set a budget and stick to it. Impulse shopping is real (especially when Bol.com calls).

• Sign up early for newsletters from your favorite stores — some offer early access to sales.

• Check return policies — Dutch consumer law usually gives 14 days to return online purchases.

• Don’t forget Cyber Monday (Dec 1, 2025) — often better for software or online subscriptions.

Gift Ideas for Students (on a Budget)

Need to grab presents before heading home for the holidays? Here are a few wallet-friendly picks:

• Cozy Dutch winter essentials (umbrellas, scarves, thermal socks — trust us).

• Personalized mugs or candles from local Christmas markets.

• Bluetooth speakers or noise-cancelling headphones for study sessions.

• Museumkaart (gives access to 450+ museums across the Netherlands).

Final Tip: Plan Ahead, Spend Smart

Black Friday in the Netherlands isn’t just about buying more - it’s about buying smarter.
If you plan ahead, compare prices, and use your student perks, you can save a ton without overspending.

So grab your shopping list, your student card, and maybe a friend to help you say,

“Nee, I don’t actually need a fifth hoodie... or do I?”