School textbooks and required novels can add up to vast costs during the school year. Just this year, I had 6 mandatory materials to purchase before participating in classes. While some books are affordable, many textbooks are hundreds of dollars. So what are the alternatives? In today's article, I share several resources to check out before swiping your card.
1. Rent - Renting a book is a popular alternative for students. These books range from decent to excellent quality, and you save money while gaining the full course material. However, it is worth noting that you have limited access to the text and writing is generally not permitted. Chegg.com is an example of a rental service providing 2-3 months of rental access. If you decide to purchase the book or extend your rental period, you can alter your decision later. Amazon.com is also a reliable source, among many others!
2. Used Books - If working on a time crunch is not for you, purchasing used books is a smart way to get everything you need for cheaper. Yes, there may be wrinkles, small tears, and marks here and there. Nevertheless, it’s affordable and you have perpetual access. Used books can be found online or in local bookstores, such as Book Rack.
3. Ask Upperclassmen - Before heading to the book store, consider reaching out to your upperclassmen and asking about required books you need. Chances are, someone will be willing to sell a book for cheaper or even offer it to you for free! It never hurts to ask.
4. Libraries - This is an option many students underestimate. Don’t forget, libraries have countless books completely free for you to check out! If you are planning to rent a book anyway, try searching your textbooks in the local library catalog asap. When the return date comes, remember you can always renew your books.
5. Financial Assistance - If required books pose a financial burden for you, do not hesitate to ask your school faculty and advisors about financial assistance. Many schools have helpful programs set up to support students. Institutions do not intend to hinder anyone’s education due to a lack of access to costly books. Contact the staff early on; they may ask for more information about you or an application.
You may confirm with your professor to see if a book is really mandatory or read through the syllabus for its role in the curriculum. Consider a wide variety of options and research different services open to you. Then, choose deals that best suit your preferences and budget. Good luck!
We hope you enjoyed this article. For more content on how to find your academic success, check out some of our articles here on StarryScholar. If you have any questions/comments, feel free to leave them in our “Community Discussion” tab, or email us at @[email protected]! Remember, you got this ☆
2. Used Books - If working on a time crunch is not for you, purchasing used books is a smart way to get everything you need for cheaper. Yes, there may be wrinkles, small tears, and marks here and there. Nevertheless, it’s affordable and you have perpetual access. Used books can be found online or in local bookstores, such as Book Rack.
3. Ask Upperclassmen - Before heading to the book store, consider reaching out to your upperclassmen and asking about required books you need. Chances are, someone will be willing to sell a book for cheaper or even offer it to you for free! It never hurts to ask.
4. Libraries - This is an option many students underestimate. Don’t forget, libraries have countless books completely free for you to check out! If you are planning to rent a book anyway, try searching your textbooks in the local library catalog asap. When the return date comes, remember you can always renew your books.
5. Financial Assistance - If required books pose a financial burden for you, do not hesitate to ask your school faculty and advisors about financial assistance. Many schools have helpful programs set up to support students. Institutions do not intend to hinder anyone’s education due to a lack of access to costly books. Contact the staff early on; they may ask for more information about you or an application.
You may confirm with your professor to see if a book is really mandatory or read through the syllabus for its role in the curriculum. Consider a wide variety of options and research different services open to you. Then, choose deals that best suit your preferences and budget. Good luck!
We hope you enjoyed this article. For more content on how to find your academic success, check out some of our articles here on StarryScholar. If you have any questions/comments, feel free to leave them in our “Community Discussion” tab, or email us at @[email protected]! Remember, you got this ☆