Subscribe to a Better Month at School With the Study Buddy Box

thestudybuddybox.com

Anything you specifically like to eat or drink? There's a subscription box for that. Any particular way you like to look or smell? There's a subscription box for that. Any particular hobby or interest whatsoever? There's a subscription box for that. 

No matter where you're at in life or how you prefer to live it, subscription boxes — curated collections of items shipped to an address of one's choosing at regular intervals — represent one of the fastest-growing segments of retail and ecommerce. If you're among the billions with a Facebook or Instagram account, surely you've seen them sneakily folded into your feeds, calling out to your impulses, enticing you and inviting you to click the signup button. (A trough of cookie dough each month?! And the feeding pan is CUSTOM ENGRAVED?! They know me so well!) 

College, of course, is a lifestyle of its own — unique in its dietary habits, waking/sleeping patterns, social customs, and opportunities. For the many students who are spending their first extended time away from home, it can be strange and exciting territory to navigate — and often stressful. During a period of such drastic change, a show of steady support can make a tremendous difference. And what better way to be consistent with that than a subscription box?

Riffing off the tradition of the college care package, young entrepreneurs and twin sisters Brielle and Shayla Brown recently launched their new subscription-based venture, The Study Buddy Box. Shipped out monthly from September through April, each box's contents and themes are carefully planned and chosen by the sisters. The enclosed items might include games, snacks, gadgets, school supplies, electronics, college swags, essentials, personal care items, and other surprises. They're sourced from both larger wholesalers and smaller businesses and startups — customers will be able to learn more about the suppliers with the included literature.

Although she can only confirm a developing partnership with PopLuck at this stage, Brielle hopes to collaborate with more local partners as her enterprise gains traction."I would love to work with Erie businesses," she asserts. "I would love to have an Erie business [featured] in each box." As long as "it's stuff that college students can actually use" and "would actually want," it has a place in the Study Buddy Box. 

At just 25 years old and not all that far removed from college and its challenges themselves, it's not all that difficult to believe that the twins would have insight into the matter. Brielle, founder of Anxiety Cosmetics and a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, brings marketing and business experience. Meanwhile, Shayla, a fifth grade teacher at Belle Valley Elementary, brings the kind of imagination and creativity that naturally comes with spending her days around kids. "We both have college degrees, we've both been there, so we both know what college students are looking for."

To that end, the September box emphasizes back to school essentials — masks, a Schitt's Creek-themed sanitizer, deodorant and aromatherapy lip balm, snacks (always essential — confirmed in this box is a freeze-dried cookies n' cream ice cream), and even a little gadget to help with organization (Keyfinder Fetch My Keys). October's, naturally, will focus on Halloween and fall. The rest? They're still being planned out, but the sisters guarantee they'll be something your student can look forward to — whether they attend Mercyhurst, Gannon, Edinboro, Behrend, or a university further afield. 

Student morale? There's a pick-me-up box for that.

The Study Buddy Box typically includes 6 to 7 items and can be purchased at $39.95 a month or $315 for the school year (September through April, eight boxes total). All subscriptions include free shipping within the United States. For more information, visit thestudybuddybox.com