Buying textbooks probably makes you go through the five stages of grief, as it does for me. The first look at the $500 price tag for a physics textbook and I'm in denial. I trudge my pile of books to the checkout counter and anger consumes me as I realize my Spring semester books will be costing me an arm and a leg. I begin bargaining with myself, wondering if I will really use all of these textbooks. Depression as I hand over my credit card and drain my bank account and finally, weeks later, acceptance that I need these books to pass my classes.
Buying textbooks shouldn't be an emotional roller coaster! Let me help you get the most out of your textbooks, so you don't feel as awful as I have in the past!
1) Don't Buy All Your Books!
Before going down your syllabus and buying every book listed, do your research! I typically ask my professors what books we will definitely be using in the class. Check out the library and see if you can borrow the textbooks there, a lot of professors keep a book on reserve! Making the book, FREE!
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2) Rent Your Textbooks!
After shelling out loads of cash for years for textbooks, I finally transferred to a college where I could rent most of my textbooks! Renting is simple, a significantly cheaper! The only hassle is making sure you send back the items before your expiration, which you get them for a long time! Check out sites like: Chegg or Amazon
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3) Don't Sell Your Textbooks At Your Campus Store
Seriously. You'll end up getting a lot less cash back than what you paid for if you try to sell it back to the campus store. I have successfully sold back books on sites like, Chegg or I've used Bookscouter to see what website I can get the most money on!
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4) Keep Your Books in Good Condition!
If you're trying to sell your books and they have water damage, coffee stains, rips and tears, you won't get as much money as you could have gotten! Try to write notes on post it notes and not over high light! Most bookstores accept highlighter and notes in the margin, but don't go overboard!
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5) Don't Wait to Sell Your Books!
Some publishing companies release new editions every year so if you wait to sell your books their value may depreciate! Seriously, it's happened to me. So, do it as soon as possible and don't do what I did!
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