4 Ways to Keep Out-Of-Pocket Textbook Costs Down

By Madison White on February 6, 2020

When many college students think of expenses, they might first think of tuition. Because textbook costs don’t look like one large lump sum, it can sometimes be forgotten how expensive they can actually be. When taking up to five classes, the cost of buying textbooks can reach into the upper hundreds. Because of this, it is crucial for many students to find ways to save as much money as they can on textbooks. Keep reading for a few tips and tricks on keeping out of pocket textbook costs down.

1. Check your scholarships and financial aid

Every school has scholarships and financial aid that work differently. If you happen to have one of these, make sure that you are aware of how much you have and how much you’ve used before buying your textbooks out of pocket. In many cases, this money can only be used for school expenses like tuition, books, and sometimes housing. If your allowance has some leftover after paying tuition, then find out if it is possible to use the extra money for your textbooks. After all, you wouldn’t want your hard-earned money going to waste!

2. Avoid buying new

Buying textbooks new and from the university bookstore are almost always the most expensive option. While it may be convenient, you will likely end up spending way more than you need to on books. Likewise, many bookstores have buyback options, but only offer a fraction of the price that you originally paid. So while your initial plan of buying from the bookstore and then selling them back after the semester may sound like a good idea, you may end up spending more than you intended.

Luckily, there are loads of ways that you can avoid buying new textbooks and save some money. One common way to keep down costs is to either buy used textbooks or rent them. There are so many options both at in-person bookstores or online to search for used and rental textbooks. Just choosing one of these options could save you hundreds on your textbook costs.

3. Compare prices online

Once you’ve decided that you’d rather save some money and rent your textbooks or buy used, then it is time to start searching for deals. The internet has a whole host of online textbook marketplaces, so how do you know which one is giving you the best deal? You can definitely check out some of the most popular textbook websites on your own like Amazon, Chegg, and more, or you can compare textbook prices on websites like Textsurf.  You can even buy and sell textbooks from this very website, Uloop!

One tip for searching for your textbooks online is to make sure you know the ISBN number of your textbooks. This is typically listed above the barcode and made available on any book listing. It is crucial that you have this so that you are buying the right edition of the right book. You wouldn’t want to turn up on the first day only to find out you bought the wrong textbooks!

4. Reach out to friends and classmates

For some classes, the need for your own textbook will be obvious. Perhaps there is daily reading or loads of homework problems you’ll be working through regularly. However, in some classes, textbooks are only used occasionally. If this is the case, it may not be completely necessary to have your own book. Perhaps you know someone in the class that would be willing to share with you and pay for half the cost. Just be sure that you know that this person will be fair when sharing the textbook and that it will be easy for you to exchange it.

Don’t forget that other students may have the textbook you need just lying around and collecting dust. Lots of people buy textbooks and are either unsure of how to resell them or just don’t get around to it. Especially if you’re taking a required class, you’ll probably find loads of people out on your campus with the textbooks you need that is only slightly used. You could try posting on Facebook or connecting with campus groups to see if anyone would sell you their used textbook. In the end, it could be a good deal for both of you!

Finding ways to save on textbooks can be hugely rewarding. With just a little bit of strategy and some keen searching skills, you’re sure to find the textbook you need at a great deal.

Plus, you can save the extra money for other things like socializing with friends or on something else you’ve had your eye on. Of course, just saving any extra money you have during college is always a good idea too. Happy textbook hunting!

 

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