How to Save Money on Textbooks

To start, this is not a post about how to pay hardly anything for textbooks or to get them for free from slightly sketchy websites. These are just ways to save some money while still getting the versions you need.

We all know that textbooks are way overpriced, and there’s not much we can do as students except find the best deals possible. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and pay full price, but with some effort, you can find great deals on the internet. Keep reading for some tips to save money on your books.

1. Buy your textbooks used.

Used textbooks don’t have anything wrong with them, and you can save tons of money. Look around on Amazon or Thriftbooks to see if they have the edition you need. Sometimes your school’s bookstore will have the best price for used books. I basically never buy new textbooks unless that is my only option. There’s really no need for new textbooks since most people get rid of them at the end of the semester anyway.

2. Buy your textbooks early!!

This is the most important tip on the list. If you buy your books early, you can be sure to get used copies, and they can always be returned if you don’t end up needing it. MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE THEM IN THEIR PACKAGING! I try to buy mine as soon as the lists are available and then return them if the professor says that you don’t actually need them.

3. Look around for the best prices.

There are multiple places where you can find your textbook, so don’t automatically buy it from the first one you see. Shop around for the best price. Again, my favorite places to look are Amazon and Thriftbooks. This doesn’t take too much time, and it can save you a good amount of money if you find a deal.

4. For online access codes, check the website where you make your account.

Many times, buying the access code directly from the publisher while making your account can save you tons of money. I had an online class that needed two access codes which cost $160 at the bookstore, but I only paid $100 on the publisher website. Since I hadn’t opened the codes yet, I was able to return them for a full refund and save $60.

5. Rent textbooks as much as you can.

When you rent, the book you get will probably be very worn, but it will cost you a fraction of the price. I have rented multiple books from my school’s bookstore and Amazon. Some have been falling apart, while others have been in great condition. It’s really easy to return to Amazon. All you need is a box, the books, and the pages it gives you to print. They give instructions on how to pack the box, and then you just drop it off at UPS. 

These are the ways I have saved money on my textbooks the past two years. The amount you save all depends on how much work you put into looking around. If you want to finish shopping as quick as possible, it’s obviously easiest to just go through your school’s bookstore, but you spend quite a bit more money than you should.

Don't forget to follow us on Pinterest (HERE) and on Instagram @happyclassyandsassy. Feel free to share this post on your favorite social media platform too! 

Pin Me!!!