Books Don’t Have to Break the Bank
As if college students needed anything else to worry about! Unfortunately, depending on your area of study, books can be another hefty expense that weighs heavily on students. The good news is that you can work around the cost, securing your books without losing your savings. Let’s dive into a few ways you can lock in those books.
1. Buy Used
It seems like a simple solution, but many students opt for new textbooks anyway. Maybe it’s because they look sleeker. Maybe it’s because they don’t have notes scribbled in the margins. Some programs swap textbook versions every year, too! But if you can get away with buying used, don’t discredit the discount. You’d be surprised just how much you can save.
2. Head to the Library
Not every major requires hundreds of dollars on books. If you’re studying books that can be found in the library, it’s time to hit the shelves. You won’t have as much time with the text, but you will have more money in the bank.
3. Keep Away From the Campus Bookstore
Like everything in college, the campus bookstore is designed to drain your bank account. Not only will you wait for hours in line, but you’ll get swindled by all the campus gear and impulse purchases! Keep away if you can help it; you can likely do a little digging to find what you need elsewhere.
4. Grab Electronic Versions
If you can grab an electronic version of your book, do it! We know the dangers of too much blue light, but you can always switch to night mode for a softer glow. You’ll also sleep more easily knowing you saved money.
5. Try a Book Swap
Every other student is looking for ways to save, too. Organize a book swap with fellow majors to see what you can score. It’s also a great way to get your hands on expensive textbooks that people need to unload—trust us, they won’t get much money back from the bookstore, so they’ll likely be more than happy to offload it.
