It’s summer, so you’re probably looking at all your course catalogs to find out what textbooks you’re going to need for the next year of studying. Buying books is one of the biggest hassles for college students, as textbook prices have risen 82% since 2002. With tuition on the rise as well, students are looking for any savings they can scrape up. So here’s your textbook guide on college book savings.
E-Books
We live in the age of technology. Instead of paying for hardcover versions that charge you for printing, find an E-book version or PDF that you can take notes on with an iPad or laptop. This tip also saves on shipping costs. Additionally, E-books can be easily shared with other classmates, so if you all pitch in, you can have one version and simply share the chapters individually.
Rent Books
Chegg, Amazon, and Velour.com are online rental services that can get you the textbook you need for the semester and you can ship it right back when you’re done. Renting is nearly half the price of buying a textbook, and you know you’re never going to open it after the class is over. Skip the hassle of buying new books with this hack.
Flat Book
Flat Book is a website that compares the prices of textbooks so you don’t have to. You’ll make sure to get the best deal possible across many different sites and distributors.
Slug Books
Sell the book when you’re done to make your money back! College kids spend an average of $1,200 a year on textbooks, but Slug can get you a quote on how much you can sell yours for. Also, ask around to underclassmen if they’d be willing to buy it off you and get that return on investment.
Amazon
You can get a student discount for Amazon Prime, which not only allows for renting textbooks, but you get free, 2-day shipping as well as access to Amazon Music and Video, which can help keep you occupied in your down time at a single, annual flat rate.
Take your textbook purchases down to a reasonable rate with these WiseDime tips.
