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If you haven't ever purchased college textbooks, you're in for a rude awakening when the cash register spits out your total. You may feel faint as you eye the number which looks like would feed a small country for a month. Okay, it might not be quite that high, but you will still be shocked. Nobody wants to shell out $85 for a textbook that they are only going to use for a semester, especially if you have to buy a few for each class. As if it wasn't enough that students have to spend a fortune on classes, meal plans, and room and board, they also have to pay for books. But don't fret, there are a few ways to save on your college books.

Use a friend's. Have any of your friends or schoolmates taken the same course that you are about to take? If so, see if they still have their books. Most likely they'll let you use them for free.

Share a book with a student in your class. With two of you going in to buy the book, you only have to pay half and will still get all the information.

Email your professors ahead of time to get the list of books. Ask if you can use different or older editions. Older editions are usually a lot less money. Then look online for the books you need. Check out Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and even Ebay.com. Your school bookstore has hiked up the prices, and it's likely you can find the books you need elsewhere.

Find out if it's really necessary to buy the book. Many teachers say you need a book, but then will mention that the information is easily accessible on the internet. Don't buy it unless you need to.

Check out the school library. Many textbooks are available at college libraries for free. Getting a library card usually takes little to no time, and will allow you to borrow books that you'll need.

If none of the earlier solutions work for you, you'll have to return to the school's bookstore. But before you purchase those brand new expensive books, see if they sell the books you need used. These are generally marked up by previous students, but are always usable, and much cheaper. If you don't see any on the shelves, be sure to ask an employee. Many times there are used books that just aren't on display. They try to trick you into buying the new ones.

A last way to save on your college books is to sell them when you are done with them. Try to keep them in good condition by not marking them up or tearing pages and you'll be able to sell them to make some money back. School bookstores buy most books back, although for much less then you bought them for. Try to sell them other places if you can before you sell them back to the bookstore, but some money is better than no money.

Learn more about this author, Kathleen Gilligan.
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