The not-so-hidden extra college expense: textbooks. They’re necessary to a college education, but spending hundreds of dollars on books every semester can be a serious drain on your expenses. Avoid breaking the bank with your textbook bill every quarter using these four tips.
Rent
You’ll get a less costly price up front, and save yourself the time and hassle of selling books back at the end of the semester if you rent your textbooks. You also won’t get stuck with a textbook you probably won’t open again after the semester ends. Many school bookstores and online sites offer textbook rentals.
Go Digital
Kindle and iPad users should consider checking sites such and Amazon and Barnes & Noble to see if there is a digital version of your textbook available to buy or rent. Often you can find textbooks for significantly less – especially if you choose to rent a digital textbook. You can also find digital textbooks from the company that prints the book.
Buy or borrow from a friend or classmate
Skip shipping costs and buy or borrow a textbook from a friend or classmate who already took the class. Most schools have a place where you can post announcements, either online or in the student center, if you are looking for a book or looking to sell a book.
Compare prices
It’s easy to just go to the campus bookstore and grab all the textbooks you need. However, in order to get the best bang for your buck, make sure to compare prices at the campus bookstore, any local textbook stores and online sites such as Amazon.
Many schools are now offering ways to help students cut the cost of textbooks. South College offers a campus bookstore where students can purchase textbooks. Contact us today for more information.
