Just like any other venture you may tackle in life, there are plenty of tips and tricks that can help streamline buying your college textbooks.
Figure out what books you need.
There are multiple ways to do this. Consult your school’s bookstore or the bookstore’s website. Some professors will post their syllabi (which will tell you the required textbooks) soon after class registration is over. If worst comes to worst, try emailing the professor.
Figure out what books you actually need.
Some classes list a “required textbook,” but then never actually use it. I made it through my entire world civ. course without using the book. Ask other students who have had that class or that teacher if you really need to buy the book. But when it doubt about if you’ll use the textbook, just buy the book. Better safe than sorry.
Order early.
Unless you want to change your schedule, get your order in as soon as you can to ensure you get exactly what books you want.
Rent or buy?
Keep your options open! Many campus bookstores and other textbook sites offer rental options that allow you to rent used or new books at lower rates. If you do decide to rent, you can save money and aren’t stuck trying to sell a textbook at the end of the semester. (Most rentals often allow you to make marks in the book, too.)
Some books may be used for multiple classes. It could be better to buy a specific book if you’re going to be using it for more than one class.
Physical copy or E-book?
I have never personally used an E-book, but I have seen some textbooks that offer an electronic downloadable version (you can even rent some E-books, too). Not all books are available in an electronic form, but the E-book is usually significantly cheaper than the physical copy. If you use a laptop or tablet in class, an E-book may work out well for you. Some people even purchase both a physical copy and an E-book (but if you are trying to save money, I think you should try only getting one or the other).
Research!
There are lots of options for buying textbooks besides the campus bookstore. Your school may even have a Facebook page for buying and selling textbooks. I like to check Amazon, Half.com, and Chegg.com before deciding on where to buy my books.
Chegg.com will also buy textbooks from you, too. Try inputting the books you need to buy and see how much Chegg.com would pay you for them if you were selling them. Depending on the offer, the results could help you decide if you could save money buying the book and then selling it at the end of the semester!
Place your orders.
Depending on when you’re buying your books, you may need to have the books shipped to your home or shipped to campus. Keep in mind where and when your books are going to arrive.
Unfortunately, no matter what you do, college textbooks will still be expensive. However, you don’t have to be in-the-dark about all of the available textbook options that could cut down your hassle and score you some major savings!
