Textbooks are expensive. There exists a textbook industrial complex attached to higher education and as students we’re subject to its unregulated evil. Here are three long rules when gearing up for your first classes at college that could help you save some cash (and fight the evil).
Do Not Buy First.
Do not buy the books before you attend the first session of class. This is by far the most important piece of textbook advice out there. You’ve probably heard this before: “I spent (insert absurd amount of money) on a textbook and opened it twice.” It will happen to everyone you know and you’ll probably do it too; buying unnecessary expensive textbooks are almost a rite of passage.
During the first session of class, make a point of talking to the professor afterward or burn the professor’s office hours into your memory and make a visit. Ask the professor about the class, the textbook and whether they’ll put a copy of it on reserve at the library. If it’ll be there, you can read it at the library and/or photocopy sections as needed.
The professor will likely say you should buy it. The first follow-up question is, “Can I buy an older edition?” Going back one or two editions of a book is a great way to save and still have access to the info. Textbooks are almost unchanged from the latest edition. This is just planned obsolescence that forces students to buy books in order to keep up with sporadic additional information. Unfortunately STEM students are usually stuck buying the books – which also happen to be some of the most expensive. They change much more often, and the course becomes much more difficult without the book. But that shouldn’t stop you from talking to the professor because they can offer some sage wisdom about the book and course and whether buying used is a viable solution.
Ask A Classmate
You’re a first-year student with mostly Gen-Ed classes. Become a social butterfly and ask a classmate to borrow a book, study together or even pool money to buy the book; whatever you feel comfortable with asking and they feel comfortable doing.
Study groups are often the best way to meet people, besides joining a club of some kind, so try to focus that first hour on talking about the class and the material. You’ll see an immediate benefit and you’ll likely remember the material much more easily.
Another option is to go in with other textbook-less students and buy a book as a group. Professors will often do a quick survey of hands the first, second or third class session to see who has the book. Look around take note and talk to those people after class. This may feel like a strange way to get a brand new book, but it works.
Buy Used/Online or Rent
Always buy your textbooks used. There is no better deal you can get. There will always be used books on the shelves in the school bookstore for every subject. These books will always be cheaper. Also they’ll likely have another student’s signs of study on the pages; however, you’ll have no clue if the previous owner knew what they were doing or if they passed the class so proceed with caution!
Another choice is to buy online where there are nearly limitless options for obtaining books and materials. Amazon and eBay will give you fantastic deals on books. Be sure to pick the books that are in used condition; they will be discounted at a greater rate than in the college bookstore. Buying a used book that’s in brand new condition is often pointless because you’ll likely pay retail prices.
When buying textbooks, it’s all about taking an extra 10 minutes to sort through the listings and look at your options. There are apps that will do this for you, but I think Amazon and eBay provide a greater sense of security, and I will always check them first.
