We've all been there. You grab three books, walk to the register at your campus bookstore, and the total comes up to over $400. Deep down you expected the price to be this expensive, but you are still standing in shock. The College Board estimates that the annual cost of textbooks for students is over $1000. With the cost of textbooks rising faster than tuition, health care costs, and housing prices, these few tips may help you get more use out of your overpriced textbooks.

Sell your books online.

Selling your books online is a great way to get some of the cash back that you spent on books. Books can be sold on Amazon, eBay, and even Facebook pages such as Troy Books - Buy, Sell, Trade. Selling used books can be very beneficial, even if you only get $25-$50 for it. Unfortunately, selling used books can be difficult with new editions being released each year.

Use the pages to wipe away tears from stressful study sessions. College is stressful. Late nights studying for tests can even bring on tears. Consider using your textbooks as tissue paper for the many stressful moments you'll face this semester.

Work out by lifting textbooks instead of buying expensive weights.

Most of the time, textbooks are pretty bulky and heavy. Use them as an alternative to weights to get in shape this semester..

Stay warm by using your textbooks in place of firewood.

Paper burns pretty well, and your textbooks will too. If you are tired of staring at a book and you are cold, take that as the perfect opportunity to burn your books and keep warm too.

Use your book as an umbrella.

If you get stuck in the rain while walking to class, don't go buy a $20 umbrella from the store on campus. Just use your textbook as an umbrella instead.

Build your pet a house.

If you have a cute little furball, they would love this idea! Build your pet a house out of your old textbooks to make them feel smart and cozy.

Make a hiding place for valuables.

I'm sure you have been to someone's home where they have decoy books laying around that open up and act as a container. Cut the center out of your textbook and use it the same way!

Donate your books.

While all the methods above really are hilarious, donating your books is truly a great way to get rid of them. There are students and schools around the globe who don't have the privilege to buy textbooks because of lack of funding. Donating your books is a really nice way to help out others.

While you are shaking your piggy bank in search of money for textbooks, just remember it will all be worth it once you have your degree.

Have a happy semester!