One of the most serious and often ignored expenses in college is books. Most people focus solely on tuition and accommodation, ignoring this magnanimous cost to their detriment. More than 40 percent of college students report not being able to afford the books that are required for their college courses. With the cost of college education getting beyond the reach of many deserving students, we have decided to compile some tricks you can use to make serious savings for your college books.
- Purchase Used Books
This is the easiest and most convenient way to get quality books at a low cost. As soon as you get the course syllabus, you will be able to find many used college textbooks on such online platforms as eBay and Amazon. Of course, the books will be in varying conditions, with some almost new while others are relatively old. If you are searching for a book that you intend to use for lots of note-taking, research, and highlighting, we recommend going for ones indicated as being almost new or in very good conditions. Just perform an online search using the ISBN number of your preferred college textbook. Make sure to include the word used in your search. Remember, you can also find used books from students who have already gone through your course at very friendly prices within the campus.
- Consider Renting College Textbooks
Although college books can be quite expensive, you may not need them long after you are done with the course. So, instead of buying a book, consider renting one. There are many websites where students can go to rent good college textbooks at friendly rates. Barnes & Nobble, Chegg, and BookRenter are just a few notable names. When you choose to rent, rather than buy a book online, make sure to confirm such details as the shipping charges to and from your locality. This will ensure that you get the most competitive pricing. Another point to remember is that most sites have fines for students who fail to submit their rented books on time.
- Buy eBooks
Another great way to get quality college books easily without spending much is to consider eBooks. Today, most college textbooks have their digital versions being sold online with this option. You eliminate the need to pay exorbitant rates in terms of shipping charges. Also, since you may not need to print any pages, the option is good for the environment.
The deal with eBooks is that students have to carefully read through the terms and conditions since there are options with printing limitations and expiration dates. If you are unable to find a book you need for your assignment, there is always the option to order custom writing from a custom research paper writing service.
- Get Books for Free Online
This may sound unreal, but there are instances when students can get amazing textbooks for free online. Many websites allow students to download and view books without paying for them. These sites also provide cheap options for students seeking printable versions and audiobooks. Of course, the number of college textbooks that you can find online for free is limited, but you can always try your luck. You may end up saving a fortune.
- Check for the Books in Your Campus Library
This should be the most obvious first choice. Look through the library for textbooks on your list, and you may just be in luck. Just make sure to use the books responsibly without defacing them. Also, make sure to return all books in good time.
- Review the Syllabus and Eliminate Unnecessary Material
Turns out, you may not need to buy all the books indicated in your syllabus. You can rule out some options and stick to the essentials. In most cases, professors tend to add materials that may be good for students but are not critical or duplicate information in the core textbooks. There are some study guides and ancillary books that you could do away with and make serious savings.
- Network and Share Books
Sharing can be a great way to save on books. You have friends within the campus and on social networks who may just have the books you need. So, as you update your Facebook status or Twitter account, consider posting about the college books you need. You may be able to get amazing offers or even trade books.
- Sell Textbooks When Done
This article is about saving money. But there is a way to make money from the old books you have bought and used. By selling the books, you are not only getting some of the money you used back but are also helping other students to make savings on college textbooks. Just make sure you don’t sell books belonging to your college library. There are great websites where students can sell books online, including eBay and Amazon.
