Buying textbooks is a significant college expense that might take you by surprise. Each book can be hundreds of dollars, so it’s important to educate yourself on your options before jumping into purchasing your textbooks for the semester. Student loans can help cover these costs if you don’t have the money upfront, but you don't want to add to your loans if you don't have to. Whether you’re paying now or borrowing to cover the cost, here are some tips and tricks to keep your textbook purchases within your budget.
1. Know What Type of Textbook You Need
Different formats for textbooks may need different approaches to buying them. It’s important to know what kind you need for each of your courses so you're prepared for class.
Traditional textbooks
Your first option is to buy physical copies of your textbooks from your school’s bookstore. You can usually also buy them on the Internet for less than what your school is selling them. If the bookstore has a price match program, be sure to take advantage of it to save money. Some textbooks may also be written by the professor instructing the course. If that's the case, it can be difficult to get the book anywhere other than your school’s bookstore, so that may be your only option.
E-textbooks
If they're acceptable for the class, an electronic version of your textbook - or an e-textbook - may be the best choice. Many sites allow you to download e-textbooks for a fraction of the cost of buying physical copies, which makes this a great way to save money. E-textbooks can be more difficult to use, so make sure you’re comfortable with whatever format you buy your book in.
Access codes
Some textbooks may include an access code. These are codes that grant membership to a specific online instructing website with assignments. A professor may need you to have this access code to complete course assignments, and for that, you'll most likely need a brand-new textbook from the bookstore or online. If you buy a used book, make sure it includes the access code and that the code is still valid.
2. Rent or Buy Used Textbooks
College bookstores and online sellers will often give you the option to rent a textbook at a cheaper price than buying it. You'll have to return the book by the end of the semester in the same condition you bought it - so no highlighting or note-taking. When you go to return it, make sure you have all the materials originally included in the rental or you may get charged a fee.
But before you decide to rent, consider your classes. Buying a textbook for one of your core courses may be the right choice because you’ll be able to look back at it later in your school career. But for a one-time general education class, renting could be better since you won’t need to reference the material in the future.
If renting isn’t the right option for you, buying used books can be the next best thing. You’ll be free to mark them up with notes and use the books however you’d like - because you own them! However, the previous owner likely made their own notes and highlights, so if these markings are distracting, check the book's condition before you buy. This may be difficult if you're buying it online.
3. Shop Around
There are a lot of options to consider when shopping around for the best-priced textbook - particularly online. Some sites allow you to enter the ISBN of the textbook to search and compare costs across online sellers, making it easy for you to find the best deal. Some college bookstores also have resources that allow students to compare prices across different retailers.
Another destination to check for deals on textbooks is your college’s social media pages. Graduating classes sometimes have Facebook groups where students can post messages to an entire class. These groups are good places to look before buying brand-new textbooks. Students who just completed a specific course could be trying to sell their textbooks to students who need them - often at reduced prices.
4. Wait Until the Semester Starts
Knowing how your school operates is an important factor in deciding when you buy your textbooks. Depending on what school you attend, your first week of classes may be more of an introductory week than a week of formal instruction - which means you won't need your book right away. If you have a schedule that’s been finalized or classes you’re required to take, purchasing your textbooks in advance may be the best option for you. But if your schedule is uncertain, waiting until you attend your first classes may work best.
Waiting to buy your books has its pros and cons. If you wait until the first day of class, it will allow you to get the most up-to-date syllabus and your instructor can confirm the required textbook. But delaying also means you could be unprepared or miss out on the supply of used textbooks. If you buy your textbooks in advance, check the return policy so you’re aware of your options if you drop or change a course. If you wait to buy the book, make sure you can still be prepared for class and you’re not setting yourself up to fall behind.
5. Sell Your Textbooks
Once you've finished a class and don't want to keep the textbook, it can now be your turn to sell! Reselling books you no longer need is a great way to keep yourself out of the red during your college career. You can put the money you get back toward next semester’s books or any other college expenses you have.
Reach out to your classmates to see if they need your books for their next semester or sell them to your campus bookstore or another textbook retailer. Businesses interested in buying back textbooks will sometimes set up tents around campus, so be sure to check them out. You can also post your textbooks on your college’s social media page or try to sell them through an online marketplace - just don't forget to consider shipping fees!
Armed with these tips, you can make smart choices when it comes to affordably getting the textbooks you need and set yourself up for financial and academic success. To learn more about how PSECU can help you manage your money and save, check out our banking options for college students.
