How to get your textbooks cheaper
As a recent undergraduate now attending graduate school, I’ve picked up quite a few tips on how to save and get all semester’s textbooks for your college education much cheaper then just going to your local campus bookstores. First, let me preface by saying that as an American college student, like many of the pharmaceutical companies, we get charged more for our books then those in other countries. I’d rather spend more of my money on some nice parties or socializing with friends at the bar, not over-priced textbooks
College textbooks can cost a small fortune now. It seems that almost ever year, the required texts get heavier and the prices get higher. According to a recent study, the average college student will pay around $1,000 for books for a single year of education. The average undergraduate student can end up paying upwards of $4,000 on books before receiving a degree.
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Tap Your Friends
If you can make friends with people who take the class a semester before you, this is your best bet on saving money on your college books. Talk to them and tell them you are taking that class next semester and make sure the class is still using the book so you can offer to purchase the book directly from them, rather then the bookstore. (TIP: Find out what the bookstore will buy it back for and offer them that price, that way you will maximize your savings). Fellow students love to see other students save on text books because they know the pain of purchasing them each and every semester.
Shop Around
Finding your text books for under retail is quite easy, especially by harnessing the power of the Internet. Sites such as Half.com, Amazon, eBay, Buy.com and eCampus all offer new and used textbooks at prices up to 70% off of retail, not to mention used text books being sold by fellow students just like you across the globe. Another recent trend is the paperback international edition, which is the exact same book only with a different soft cover, but the savings are amazing.
Sell Your Books Online
Instead of selling your used textbooks back to your campus bookstore, you can also use Half.com, Amazon, eBay, and eCampus to sell your textbooks to other students. You usually end up getting more money back for your books.
Suggested Online Textbook Stores
These are all online sources I’ve used to purchase textbooks in the past and have had a positive experience with.
I’m currently looking for more tips on saving money as a college student, please send your tips so we may share with others!