How to avoid going broke on textbooks

How to afford your textbooks

You’d think that they’d make textbooks accessible so that everyone can use them with no problem, but like anything in college, textbooks can cost you an arm and a leg! But over the years, students have figured out ways to get their textbooks for less.

First things first, what are ISBNs?

Every book is assigned an ISBN number, you can find this online or on the book itself above the barcode! This identifying number will make it easier for you to find the exact book elsewhere.  Every edition has a different one so be sure to ask your professor if you can use an older edition, especially since older editions are usually cheaper.

Now let’s talk about where you can buy books…

Buy used & off-campus

The campus bookstore is always going to be the most expensive, so steer clear of it when possible! Second hand books are usually in good condition (with a little highlighting here and there), and are so much cheaper. So if you have to buy on-campus, stick to second hand.

Use your network for used books

Seek out older students in your major and see if they’d be willing to sell you their old textbooks! Also, keep an eye out for any used book sales on campus at the beginning of the semester.

Check online

Use the ISBN number on websites like AbeBooks, Half.com, and eBay to find used copies of your book. You can also check to see if your school has a “Free and for Sale” Facebook group, and search your book by title in that group.

Use Ebooks

If you’re okay with not having a physical copy, Ebooks are a cheaper and more accessible option! Check to see if there’s a Kindle version of your textbook, you don’t actually need a Kindle to read it, just your laptop!

Rent

If you want to skip the hassle of searching for a good deal to buy a textbook, renting one for a semester is a good option. You pay a fraction of the cost, and then return the book at the end of the semester. Check online for the best rental deals!

Share

If you know people in your class, who are also looking to save a buck here and there, see if you can split the cost of the textbook and share it. Come up with a good sharing method so that you aren’t ever scrambling at the last minute.

Borrow from the library

If you only have a reading once a week, borrowing from the library is a good option for you. You can borrow the book for a couple hours, do your reading, and return it right back at no cost to you!

Sell back

Once you don’t need your textbook anymore, sell it off. There are students every semester using your book but only as long as it is current, so sell it off as soon as you can!

Older editions

Ask your professor if you can use an older edition of the textbook for your coursework! Usually, the information is super similar, but the price of the book is much lower. Just make sure that you will be able to get everything you need from this older version, and you’re good to go!