6 Textbook Tips for Students: A Detailed Guide

Starting to research your career and educational paths entails thinking about the cost of textbooks. In 2020, the aggregate revenue of textbook publishing reached $7.5 billion, the lowest one since 2010. This could possibly mean that more and more people are cutting costs by renting textbooks, buying used ones, and seeking alternative resources.

In this guide, you will learn textbook tips, which include purchases, rentals, and some suggestions to help students make the most out of their money.

Why Look for Textbook Tips?

Textbook tips can help students save money and time. Many college students are unaware of the options available for textbook purchases or rentals, leaving them to overspend on a book that may not be necessary in the long run.

By understanding different ways to acquire books, such as buying used textbooks online, renting from the library or other rental services, and exploring digital resources like e-books, you can save yourself some cash while still getting all of the information you need.

Let’s jump right into some tips to help you on your way.

Textbook Tips for Buying or Rentals

1. Student Sign-up for Book Rental Services

Amazon offers discounted textbook rentals for students. The program Prime Student Textbook Rental allows you to rent from their massive selection of textbooks and save up to 80% on the list price; simply use your student email address to sign up, rent the textbooks you need, and return them after the designated duration.

Another website called Chegg even has a subscription service where you can rent a certain number of textbooks in a given month for one flat rate. Chegg is excellent if you’re taking multiple classes and need to buy several books each term. Make sure to see the platform’s latest deals and coupons to get even more savings.

Aside from Amazon and Chegg, you can also rent books on the following websites:

• Campus Book Rentals: They offer new and used textbooks at discounted prices, with rental periods ranging from 30 to 130 days.
• eCampus: Another great option for renting books online; they offer several different rental periods and provide free shipping on orders over $35.
• ValoreBooks: They offer a wide selection of books from many different publishers, including international titles, at great prices.

2. Put a Book’s ISBN to Use

You can use a book’s International Standard Book Number (ISBN) to find the best deals and discounts available online. This is done by visiting websites like BookFinder.com, which allows you to compare prices from different websites and retailers. Part of utilizing an ISBN is being aware of the different editions and versions of a book that may be available.

By searching for the specific edition you need, you can get the best price possible.

3. Look Out for Free Resources

Try to take advantage of any free resources available. Many universities offer digital copies of textbooks which are often made freely accessible via their library or website. It is important to keep in mind that many physical bookstores will have online counterparts, so it doesn’t hurt to visit both and compare prices.

Websites like Project Gutenberg offer free digital versions of some books, which may be useful for those looking to save on cost. Just remember to cross-check the ISBN of any book you find online with the one required by your professor/course.

However, keep in mind that these books may not be the most up-to-date versions or not even be available at all as a free resource. They may also lack certain features like access to online support or instructor resources.

4. Buy Used Textbooks

Another way to save money on textbooks is by buying used books instead of new ones, which can sometimes cost twice as much. If you are looking for a physical copy of the book, visit local bookstores or used textbook websites such as Amazon’s Textbook Exchange, where you can buy directly from other students.

You should also check out sites like Chegg and Barnes & Noble College where they offer discounts on both new and used textbooks.

5. Visit Your Local Libraries

Keep in mind that your local libraries often carry some of the textbooks you need. Not only can this be a great way to save money, but it can also help you stay organized since library books usually come with due dates that must be met.

Additionally, many libraries offer digital copies of textbooks as well as access to online resources such as databases and journals. One added bonus is that many libraries are part of a nationwide inter-library loan program, which means you may be able to access books from other libraries if your local library doesn’t have the one you need.

6. Share Textbooks

These textbook tips won’t exist without mentioning sharing textbooks. Sharing textbooks with classmates or friends can be a great way to save money and still get access to the material you need for class.

This is especially helpful if you only need the book for one term, as you won’t have to worry about reselling it afterward. Scheduling a time to meet up and exchange the book is key, so make sure you plan early.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on textbooks can be a great way to reduce the financial burden of college. You should start by checking with your professor and school bookstore for any available discounts or options. A few of the notable ways are rentals, searching for deals, free resources, secondhand books, and sharing.

In the end, it all comes down to finding what works best for you and your budget. With a little bit of research and planning ahead, you can find some great deals on textbooks that will help alleviate the financial strain of your education.

Should you look to save even more costs on education, CIAT offers different forms of financial aid through federal grants, private loans, installment plans, and military benefits. Get in touch with us today if you would like to learn more about our financial assistance.