Your parents empty their bank accounts. You drown in student debt. Isn't paying thousands of dollars on tuition, room, and board painful enough? Now you have to spend hundreds more on textbooks you will want to throw out the library window. The only thing worse than the financial burden of textbooks is the physical burden of carrying a 35 pound backpack to classes. How did college get so expensive?
I just finished ordering my textbooks for my third semester of college. As a person who often makes mistakes, I have learned many lessons about how to handle textbook situation. Combining my experiences and U.S. News' tips, I compiled my top three tips to help you save money (as well as time and energy) when going through the process.
Tip #1:
Before the semester even begins, professors release their book list to the bookstore so you can order and receive them before the first day of classes. However, I recommend you wait to order your books until you receive the book list on the syllabus. Sometimes the professor of the class changes, the professor alters their text list, or the professor offers access to an online version of the book. You will avoid buying unnecessary books and it will save you the time and stress of returning them.
Tip #2:
Buy or rent used copies of text books. I know its nice to have fresh, clean books but you are probably going to end up hating or loving to hate the text because of the mental pain it will cause. At least your wallet will thank you.
Tip #3:
Apply for textbook scholarships. A quick google search will find plenty options of various amounts. Often, they are easy to apply for and do not require more than an essay (you could even recycle a college application essay!).
