If you're like me and have to pay your college textbooks out of pocket, you'll realize that college textbooks are really expensive (too expensive if you ask me). It is beyond my belief that one used textbook could cost up to a hundred dollars, and honestly, it's most likely a book that you'd never really use again.
My first semester of college I made the mistake of purchasing all my books directly through my university's bookstore. I spent $400. However, the next semester, I did some research and I got all my books for under $100 dollars.
Behold, I introduce to you my collections of go-to places for inexpensive textbooks.
1. Ebay
Ebay is a magnificent website where I've gotten college textbooks for as low as $5! It is typically the first place I check and it usually has free shipping. However, you have to order your books in advance because shipping usually takes two weeks.
2. ValoreBooks
This websites allows you to search the particular book you're looking for and compares it to other websites so you can choose the cheapest option!
3. Chegg
Sometimes even renting a book is a cheaper option than buying a new or used book! Chegg is a very well-known website where you can rent a textbook for a semester at a low price.
4. BookRenter
Like Chegg, Bookrenter is another website that allows its users to rent a book for a low price. Sometimes books are more expensive on Chegg, and other times they're more expensive on BookRenter. Personally, I check both of these websites and compare the price before I make my decision.
5. TextbookRevolution
This website was made to find free PDF or free e-book copies of textbooks! If the book is not found, however, the website will take you to several different places where you can compare prices and choose the best option for you!
6. Before buying an access code at the college bookstore, check the actual website!
The access code for my public speaking class cost $100. When I checked the Pearson website itself for the price of the access code, however, it was $60 dollars. Sometimes the textbook stores set their prices higher than what the actual access code costs, so always be on the lookout!
7. Share with friends
If your book is only available at your college bookstore, then I propose that you find another friend who is taking the class with you split the price of the textbook and make photocopies! That way, you both have the book you need and still save money!
Never again (at least in terms of college textbooks) will you have to be a miserable Mr. Krabs!
