by Blind Ambition

Created on: June 30, 2007   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

1. Avoid buying new. If you can get to the bookstore early, they will still have copies of used books. Many bookstores also allow you to return books right in the beginning of the semester when students are still finalizing their schedules, so if you have a book you end up not using in your class, make sure to get it back then when you will be fully reimbursed.

2. Talk to students who have taken the class before. If they have the same textbooks, see if you can buy/borrow from them. Also find out which books from the syllabus they actually use.

3. Check your local libraries. Check the school library and local library to see if they list any of the books, and plan when you can take them out by looking at your syllabus. This can be dangerous, in case they are gone. The other thing to do is to talk to your professor and ask that a copy be put on reserve in the library so it will be available within the library throughout the semester.

4. Get a friend in the class. If you and a close friend are in the same class, and you think you can swing it, see if you can work out splitting the costs of books and sharing them, or trading them off, depending on how much time you have to complete your assignments using the books.

5. Buy from trusted on-line or other sellers. Often times you can find used textbooks on-line for much cheaper than what your college bookstore will be asking.

6. Sell back your books at the end of the semester. Only do this if they will give you an even somewhat significant price. The other options are a little more risky but have higher yield. You could also hang on to books when you know a course will repeat and advertise to sell them for students looking to take the course next year at a price lower than what the bookstore offers. You can also get an account on sites like ebay and try to sell them their. Most school bookstores will only pay %10 of the original cost - it's practically not worth it.

7. Buy paperback. Just make sure you keep it in good condition.

8. If it is really really an issue, take notice when you are choosing your classes. Some classes require course-packs which are very expensive and cannot be returned, and as the readings often change from year to year it is unlikely you will be able to sell them. Avoid classes that have extensive reading lists and classes that require many books but will not be repeated next semester or next year. This cuts down your chances of buying a book you can't sell back to the bookstore or to another student. Try and take classes that repeat - you are more likely to be able to buy used textbooks.

Happy book hunting.

Learn more about this author, Blind Ambition.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.