Buying discount textbooks is one of the
easiest ways to offset the ever-increasing costs of college. With most states
facing budget cuts, colleges have been increasing tuition costs. As students we
should constantly look for ways to save money, but anymore it's a real
necessity. Every student should make finding cheaper textbooks part of their
regular routine right along with registering for classes.
There are many ways to avoid paying the full
price for your textbooks.
1.
One of the easiest
ways to get discount textbooks is to buy them used. Every college student knows
that if you buy your books early, the school bookstore usually has used copies.
Besides the school though, there are several online retailers that specialize
in selling nothing but used textbooks. This is where you can find some really
good deals. All you need is the textbook's ISBN number and your search can
begin.
2.
Another way to get
discount textbooks is to rent them. Lately, the used textbook market has been
growing like crazy. It seems like there's a new site every day. This is a good
option to use when you have no interest in keeping your books after the
semester is over. Again, there are many online retailers that offer this. I
have found at least seven sites that rent textbooks. They've made the ordering
process very simple and they usually pay the shipping.
3.
One of the most
exciting recent developments in textbooks is something called an eTextbook.
This is a completely digital version of a textbook that can be downloaded to
your computer or accessed online through the publisher's website. The cool
thing about eTextbooks is that you can carry around a whole library on a
laptop. Imagine only needing to bring a laptop to class instead of lugging
around a backpack full of heavy textbooks. If you choose to download the
eTextbook you can even highlight them and make notes. Best of all the prices
are considerably less than a new textbook.
If you'd like to try one of these alternatives
to expensive textbooks, make sure to compare several sites. I've found that
prices can be all over the place. You may be able to buy a used book for less
than renting it. You might find that the used book sites have a $20 price
difference between them. It pays to shop around.
The absolute best way to save money is by
avoiding the school bookstore altogether and doing your shopping from the
comfort of your home or dorm room.