College is expensive. There are no two ways about it. Tuition, room and board, student fees, and textbooks can add up very quickly. When it comes to college textbooks, you may be able to cut the expense somewhat by purchasing used textbooks. Listed below a few places where you can find used textbooks.
On-Campus Resources for Used Textbooks
Many of the school bookstores offer used textbooks. The problem with looking here is that these textbook sell out quickly. Students will do anything to save a few dollars, and that includes braving the long lines when the used textbooks go on sale. There is an easier way.
You can search the bulletin boards at school. Usually there are many used textbooks for sale, and often at greatly reduced prices. Ask around to see who has a specific textbook you are looking for, or post what textbooks you are looking for on the bulletin board as well.
Some students have also started sharing textbooks to help relieve some of the expense. One student will take a class one semester and the other student will take the same class the following semester. This way the two students can split the cost of the textbook.
Many colleges are now offering to rent textbooks as well. This can be a cost saving measure as long as the textbook is kept in good condition.
Off-Campus Resources for Used Textbooks
Believe it or not, one of the best places to look for used textbooks is on eBay. This online auction site offers hundreds of thousands of books at any given time. You will probably have a pretty good chance of finding the textbook you need on this popular site.
Tips for using eBay:
- Be aware of the shipping costs. Books can be expensive to mail sometimes, and this can make a relatively cheap purchase too expensive. Ask for your book to be shipped by Media Mail, which should bring down the cost of shipping considerably.
- Bid early and often because if you do not win a bid the first time, you may not get the textbook you need in time for your class. Give yourself time to bid a few times.
- Check the feedback of the seller before placing a bid. Some book stores are now listing hundreds of books at great prices, but there is a chance that the book you actually bid on is out of stock. The feedback of these seller's will reflect that this happens often.
There are also several websites now that are dedicated to selling new and used textbooks. You can even find used textbooks at the larger book store websites, such as Barnes and Noble. Once again, be aware of the shipping charges.
You might also scout around some local garage sales and pawn shops. You never know what you might stumble across. People sell all sorts of things at these types of sales and businesses. Another option is to check with your local library. You may find a copy of a textbook that you can check out and use until you are able to buy your textbook.
Consider advertising for the textbooks you need. Craigslist is a free place to list wanted items. You may find someone who is willing to unload his books to you for a discount price. What makes Craigslist feasible is that it is easy to use, and your request will be listed locally, so you can probably pick up your textbooks instead of paying shipping costs.
Be sure when you are looking at a used textbook that it is the same edition you need. Many look the same, but are different variations of the same book. Also be sure to ask about the condition of the textbook, especially if you cannot see it in person before it becomes yours.
Buying used textbooks is just one way a student can cut the cost of college fees. Every little bit helps, and it just seems to make sense. Remember to offer your used textbooks for sale when you are finished with them, and help yourself put a little extra change back into your pocket.
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