Textbooks can go two ways—either the book is a life source, the bible for of the course, and without the bonded pages, you will fail… miserably. Or you could rarely open it, only using it for the sake of a paper weight or using it to bare your pen on paper when taking notes in class.

Whether you use it effectively or not, it typically is important to acquire the textbooks for classes. Even if it just makes you feel better when you have heard the rumors insinuating that you will never crack open the book for the whole semester. There are many ways to revert from spending your life savings on books that you probably won’t ever crack open again after taking the course—don’t lie to yourself; you probably won’t.

1. Stay away from the book store

I love you Kennesaw State, I truly do, but there is no reason for me to spend well over half a thousand dollars on textbooks. Seriously; one time I did a couple calculations and found that the price of my books was nearly one-fourth of my tuition. That’s ludicrous. What’s even more absurd is that many students still go to the book store to acquire their materials. Try other outlets.

2. Buy used textbooks

Kennesaw State’s book store does have options to buy used as does the General Bookstore located off campus. There are also many outlets online to buy used textbooks. It really is pointless to purchase a brand new textbook rather than a text book that was probably either opened and/or has a couple bumps and bruises on the spine. All in all, the material is still the same, new or used. Or, rather than buy textbooks, why don’t you just...

3. Rent textbooks

Ah, the miraculous thing known as renting. For the individuals who do want to rent or buy textbooks, many websites online do help you to save an immense amount of money all while getting all the material your professors’ hearts desire.

A website known as Textbook Rentals will compare numerous prices for what you desire, whether it be to buy or rent, while you don’t deplete your checking’s, or saving’s, account. A couple of websites I have rented from include Amazon and Chegg. Shop around a little! Don’t resort to spending a ton when you only have to spend a little! Plus, if you are a college student, in which I am sure if you’re interested in purchasing or renting textbooks, you can get a free Amazon Prime account for six months which means free two-day shipping! Woo! Saving all around.

4. Ask a friend

I have quite a few textbooks that have accumulated from it either being cheaper to buy or not having the accessibility to rent. I would happily let my friends either use or have these textbooks. There’s many books that I have bought because I believed that it would further me in the future and I could look back on it, but most textbooks or not the case. Ask around and post on Facebook or other social media platforms to see if a friend or peer has the book and if you could use it.

5. Revert to online textbooks

It really depends on the book, but you can find many e-books that are actually cheaper to just rent or buy online. If you are fine not having the textbook physically in your hands, then this is a wonderful option. Plus, there are many tools for these online textbooks where you can search the book, take notes and even highlight!

6. Sell your old books

You can sell your old textbooks online or even on campus and get some money back. Hey, that $5 that you received could be used to rent your textbooks for next semester… Or it could be put in your Starbucks fund. Either way, if dust is residing on them, it would be better to simply sell and try to make a buck or two.

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How do you get your textbooks? Have any other tips? Comment below!