Textbooks are an important source of information for college students. Most college courses require students to have one or more textbooks. Unlike high school, most colleges do not provide students with the required books. Therefore, in most cases, it is up to the student to acquire the needed books.
As textbook costs continue to rise. Paying for books each academic term can put a major strain on a struggling college student's bank account. Here are ways to access the textbooks you need while working within your budget.
Used Books
Used textbooks can be found in both college bookstores and online. If you are planning to purchase used textbooks, it is important to shop early. If you are ordering your textbooks online, it may take several weeks to receive your books. Even if you plan to purchase your used textbooks from your college's bookstore, it is still important to purchased your textbooks early. Many other students are also looking for used textbooks; therefore, used textbooks may sell out.
When buying a used textbook, if possible, check the text to make sure that it is in good condition. Make sure that all of the pages are intact and not so heavily highlighted that it will be a distraction for you.
Book Rental
Book rental programs allow students to use the textbooks for a specified period of time (often the length of the class). There are online textbook rental programs that are not affiliated with any particular college. Also, more and more colleges are offering (or even requiring) book rentals. Options vary among the colleges that do have book rental programs. Some colleges rent hardcopies of books, while others rent e-books. On-campus book rental programs are often available through the campus bookstore.
Earlier Editions
New editions of many textbooks are produced every few years. Sometimes the changes between editions are minor. Some students purchase earlier editions of the required text at a reduced rate. (These can often be found online at bookseller sites.) Ask your professor if the older edition of the textbook would still be appropriate for the course.
Share Books
Sometimes students who need the same text will split the cost of a textbook and share the book. Careful planning will be required to ensure you do not need the book at the same time. It is also important to plan ahead of time what will happen to the book at the end of the course.
Library Editions
College libraries will have copies of some of the textbooks. It may be possible to borrow some of your textbooks from your college's library. It is important to remember the required books may not always be available and they often can only be borrowed for a short period of time.
Borrowing Books
In addition to borrowing books from the library you may be able to borrow textbooks from other sources. If you have a friend who bought and kept the book for a previous course, you may be able to borrow the book from him or her. Also, sometimes professors have an extra copy of the textbook that they will lend to a student who has a financial need.
